Worthington High Schools Alumni Club - Deceased Classmates
First Name
Phyllis
Maiden Name
Henderson
Last Name
Truitt
Passing Date
2/19/2026
Class Attended
1947
High School
Worthington High School
Phyllis Ann Henderson Truitt, age 96, of Marysville, formerly of Worthington, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at The Gables of Marysville. For more than 60 years, she was a devoted member of Worthington Methodist Church, where her faith and friendships anchored her life. She served faithfully in many capacities, including on the Board of Trustees and as the treasurer of the Women’s Church Society. After moving to Marysville, she enjoyed her time with the women’s lunch ministry of Marysville Grace Church. Phyllis found joy in being part of a community she loved so deeply. At the center of her story was her 68-year marriage to John “Jay” Truitt, her steady partner and greatest love. They were married on June 10, 1951 at Worthington Methodist Church. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and community. Whether raising their children, supporting local schools, or simply sitting side by side at a game, theirs was a partnership marked by loyalty, laughter, and quiet devotion. In the end, it was always Jay and Phyllis, a love story that spanned decades and continues beyond this life. Phyllis began her career as a preschool assistant before serving as a teacher’s aide at Wilson Hill Elementary School and later overseeing Worthington Public School cafeterias. She was a familiar presence at OHSAA tournaments and a longtime judge at Worthington High School cheerleading tryouts. In her later years, she worked at Truitt & Truitt Optometry for her son, Tom, and daughter-in-law, Sue, closing her career surrounded by family. A graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education, she dedicated her life to nurturing children both in the classroom and at home. Phyllis treasured her bridge club, girls’ trips with her Wilson Hill friends, and her lifelong friendships with Miriam Keller and Jean Gordon. She loved playing cards. Whether it was “Hand & Foot” or Euchre, she claimed she was a terrible partner or wasn’t very good, but she somehow seemed to win more than she lost. Phyllis rarely missed a grandchild’s game or event and doted on each of her four grandchildren lovingly. Her life was defined not by fanfare, but by constancy in faith, in marriage, in friendship, and in love. Phyllis was born on June 3, 1929 in Franklin County to the late John and Hazel Henderson. She was preceded in death by her husband John “Jay” Truitt, and grandson Gregory Thomas Bean. She is survived by her daughter, Gayle Truitt-Bean of Clarion, Pennsylvania; her son, Tom (Susan) Truitt of Marysville; her grandchildren, Carly (Chris) Murray and Kevin (Alex) Truitt, both of Marysville; Erin (Evan Halteman) Bean of Thousand Oaks, California; brother, Jack (Betty) Henderson of Spring Lake, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
