Phyllis M. Edelblute Haxel, 79, of the Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg, formerly of Broad Avenue, Altoona, died Monday at the home after an extended illness. She was born in Huntingdon County, daughter of the late Walter F. and Margaret "Peg" (Marvin) Mullin. She married William E. Edelblute, who died Oct. 22, 1984. She then married William B. Haxel, who died July 11, 2008. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Andrew Edelblute. Surviving are three daughters: Nancy A. Heverly (Steve) of Lancaster, Sally D. Thompson (Jeff) of Cumming, Ga., and Betsy G. Sturtsman (Tom) of Chesapeake, Va.; two sons: William P. Edelblute (Ginny) of Hollidaysburg and Scott A. Edelblute and loving partner, Wendy Greiner, of Altoona; two stepsons: Michael W. Shaffer of Reading, Mass., and Rick H. Shaffer of Evanston, Ill.; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Alice Morello of Paducah, Ky.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was a member of Simpson-Temple United Parish and a former member of Fifth-Eighth Street United Methodist Church, where she served in various church activities. Mrs. Haxel was employed as a school crossing guard with the Altoona School District, as a secretary at Sheetz's first corporate office and as a teacher's assistant at numerous schools throughout the Altoona Area School District, where she was known as Mrs. E. and retired from. She was a graduate of Huntingdon High School. Mrs. Haxel enjoyed gardening, sewing and spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren. Phyllis was a devoted wife and mother, was adored by all and had an ability to touch people's lives. She was a member of the Altoona Women's Club, volunteered at Van Zandt VA Medical Center and Altoona Area Public Library and was involved with her husband, "Hax," in numerous Shriners activities. Friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. today, Jan. 15, 2009, at The Good Funeral Home Inc. at Alto Reste Park, and 10 to the 11 a.m. service Friday at Simpson-Temple United Parish by Pastor Denise Arpino. Entombment at Alto Reste Park.

Altoona Mirror, Thursday, January 15, 2009