Phyllis Rose Derio Evans, age 90, of Marysville, died peacefully Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at Walnut Crossing Assisted Living.

Phyllis was born December 30, 1931, the only child of the late Joseph and Alvera Derio in the Italian Village neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. Baptized at St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church, she was proud of her heritage and had traveled to Italy to meet her living relatives on the Island of Sardinia and Introdacqua many times.

In 1934, Phyllis moved with her parents to Union County on Derio Road in Millcreek Township where she resided her entire life.

She retired from Ranco Controls in Plain City after 33 years of service. Following retirement, she enjoyed working at MASI Labs as an office worker. She also volunteered at Memorial Hospital of Union County.

She was a lifetime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and a former member of the parish council.

Phyllis was an avid bowler and a fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and the Cincinnati Bengals.

She graduated as salutatorian of her class at Watkins High School in 1950, where she was a cheerleader, played softball, volleyball and was a member of 4-H for many years. She also was very involved in keeping the Watkins Alumni active after Watkins transitioned to the Fairbanks School District.

She hosted the Guglielmi reunion for many years with up to 180 in attendance.

She proudly supported her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by attending their academic, sports and music activities.

Phyllis was known in the community for always being fashionable and having styled hair with a matching bow.

She had a strong love for all animals especially her beloved dog, Votto, and cat, Calico.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Alvera Guglielmi Derio; her husband, Robert O. Evans; her mother-in-law, Florence Evans; and Marvin Jones, the father of her children. She is survived by three children, Daniel (Christy) Jones of Marysville, Melinda (Freeman) Troyer of Marysville and Mark Jones of Hilliard; her step-children, Beverly (Jeff) Elliott and Mike (Chris) Evans, both of Indiana; grandchildren, Danielle, Nicole (Eli), Natalie (Chris), Brian (Maddie), Adam (fiancée Heather), Jacob (fiancée Maria) and Emily; step-grandchildren, Ryan (Mayelin), Natalie and Cody; great-grandchildren, Alex, Lucy, Aria, Corban, Leopold, Gianna, and Lillian; a step-great grandson, Gavin; a sister-in-law, Wanda (Bob) Peters; many cousins in both the U.S. and Italy; and other relatives and friends, including Ronnie (Josie) Jones and Robert (Barb) Jones.

The family will receive friends 4-7 p.m. Monday, November, 28, 2022 at Underwood Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Union County Humane Society or Vitas Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.