Phyllis J. (Ferguson) Trulock

Phyllis Joan (Ferguson) Trulock, 84, of Tipton, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at her home with her devoted husband by her side. Phyllis was born on August 31, 1940, to her parents, Dempsey Ferguson and Della (Blythe) Ferguson. She graduated from Columbus North High School in the class of 1957. Phyllis married the love of her life, Kenneth Oliver Trulock on April 1,1960 and the two enjoyed nearly 65 years of happiness.

The love story of Ken and Phyllis began in 1958. Ken was in the Coast Guard, working at the Coast Guard Lighthouse Island at Egmont Key (a small island west of Tampa Bay). One day when walking along the beach, a bottle washed up. He wouldn’t even have noticed most likely if he hadn’t kicked it and heard the ping on his boot. When Ken picked up the bottle he saw a piece of paper inside. He opened it to find a message about the gospel of Christ, but there was also the name and address of the woman responsible for sharing that good news - a woman who lived in Columbus, Indiana and who had thrown the bottle off the Sunshine Skyway Bridge while on vacation in Florida. The woman was also a family friend of the Fergusons and when she relayed her story, Betty, Phyllis' sister, thought the young man may be a perfect pen pal for Phyllis. She wrote the man in Florida pretending to be Phyllis and Ken wrote back! Letters turned to love and after two years of writing, calling and visiting, the two were married. 

Ken and Phyllis continued to defy logic throughout their life together; always appreciating their story, the love they shared, and the amazing gift they found in one another. 

Phyllis was the youngest child in her family; with 3 older sisters. They were all very musically inclined. Phyllis sang and could play the guitar, piano and accordion. Her musical abilities brought lots of joy to her family. Phyllis was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother. She loved quality time with her loved ones and could often be found cooking or baking for them. She also enjoyed traveling, eating out and tending to her yard and flower gardens. Phyllis always felt blessed to be able to stay home with her children through their younger years. After the kids were raised, Phyllis worked as a caregiver at Arcadia Nursing Home. In 2003, Phyllis and Ken decided it was time to retire. Just like everything else in life, they did it together! The two enjoyed the season of life to the fullest, filling every day with fun and laughter. Life without Phyllis’ great love will never feel right. However, the family she leaves behind will forever be grateful for the example she set, and the unconditional love she gave. She will be missed beyond measure!

Those left to carry on Phyllis’ legacy of love are her husband, Kenneth Trulock; son, Kenny Trulock, daughter, Kindra (Brent) Tragesser; grandson, Aaron S.T. Avery; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Dempsey & Della Ferguson; sisters, Mildred (Charles) Coffey, Helen (George) Barnes, and Betty (Max) Bayliff.    

Out of respect for Phyllis’ wishes, there will be no formal services held. Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Trulock family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Phyllis with her family on her tribute wall.  

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