Phyllis Sabin

Phyllis Ann (Emch) Sabin passed away in Maumee, Ohio on April 14, 2024. She was born in Toledo, Ohio on April 7, 1930. Her parents were John Emch and Minnie (Berman) Emch. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Harley Rex (“Rex”) Sabin, her son, Thomas Wayne Sabin, and her 10 brothers and sisters.

Phyllis grew up in East Toledo and was a graduate of Waite High School where she played in

the Marching Band.

After she and Rex married in 1951, they moved to Washington, D.C. where he finished his service in the U.S. Army and she worked for the federal government. They moved back to Toledo where their son, Tom, was born in 1953. Rex was stricken with polio in 1954 and was left paralyzed. Phyllis became his lifelong, loving helpmate and caregiver. After Rex’s rehabilitation, she went to work outside the home. Phyllis worked as a claims administrator and then a supervisor for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Northwest Ohio. She finished her work career as an administrator at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Upon her retirement, Phyllis and Rex moved to Marco Island, Florida and then to Venice, Florida. While living in Florida, Phyllis enjoyed many happy times with her family and friends. She loved her family dearly. Her best friends throughout her life were her sisters, Barbara, Ruth, Bernadine (Bea) and Edna. She adored her 6 brothers especially her younger brother Jack. Phyllis was a lifelong Ohio State Buckeyes Football fan and enjoyed watching and enthusiastically cheering her Buckeyes.

In 2017, Phyllis moved back to the Toledo area and lived at Genacross Lutheran Services -Toledo Campus until 2021 when she moved to The Elizabeth Scott Community.

Phyllis leaves many, many nieces and nephews and their families in Ohio and across the country. Her family would like to thank all of the wonderful staff at Elizabeth Scott who cared lovingly for Phyllis and also appreciates the kind and supportive care provided by Hospice of NW Ohio. A Celebration of Life for Phyllis will be held later this summer. Donations in Phyllis’ name may be made to Hospice of NW Ohio.