Phyllis J. Bierl

Phyllis J. Bierl, age 84, of Reynoldsburg, passed away unexpectedly at home early Christmas morning, Saturday, December 25, 2021. It was fitting that she passed away on Christmas, the birth of Jesus, because it was “her holiday” and always will be now. She was born on October 15, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Dorothy and Harry Norris. Phyllis was preceded in death by her brothers, George and Charles “Chuck” Norris; sisters Dorothy “Dodie” Mack, Alice Tomzak, and Betty Ann Tuchich; son, Glen Steven Bierl; and grandson, Michael Alexander Bierl.

Phyllis is survived by her brother Robert (Bonnie) Norris; sister-in-law Carol Ann Norris; and her children Steve Bierl, Doug (Julaine) Bierl, Valerie (Steve) Hollenbaugh, Bruce (Valerie) Bierl, and Craig (Annette) Bierl; as well as 14 grandchildren: Jacob (Jennifer) Bierl, Amber Bierl, Alexandria Bierl, Daniel (Jennifer) Bierl, Patrick (Erin) Bierl, Jackson (Meghan) Roberts, Paige (Brennan) Kephart, Amanda (Eric) Hughes, Matthew Hollenbaugh, Andrew Hollenbaugh, Tamara Johnson, Joseph (Megan) Bierl, Vincent Bierl, and Cassandra (Brian) Jamison; and, 19 great-grandchildren: Matthew Vondrak, Aviana and Chloe Bierl; Bianca Bierl; Rowan and Cora Roberts; Truman Kephart; Tyler and Riley Bierl; Natel and Karleigh Bierl; William and Emma Hughes; Eli, Elizabeth, Eilwynn, Emerson, and Elliott Johnson; and, Ezekiel Drewes. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Phyllis was committed to her Catholic faith. She lived for others, often putting family and friends above herself. She was a loving mom, making sure that her kids had what they needed, and getting them to where they needed to be. At gatherings, concerts, performances, and sports events she was often seen behind a camera capturing key moments in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and others.

Crocheting was her favorite hobby and pastime. When her kids were growing up, she made them hats and scarves to keep them warm (much to their chagrin at times). She lovingly crocheted her daughter Valerie’s wedding dress and made baptismal gowns used by her grandchildren. Phyllis also made a baby blanket for each grandchild and great-grandchild. A crocheted blanket was almost always a wedding gift.

Phyllis had a giving heart. If she knew someone needed help, she stepped forward, whether that meant driving them to church or somewhere else they needed to be, providing food, or being there to just listen. She was involved in several church and social groups that helped others, such as the Women’s Auxiliary of Knights of Columbus, St Pius X Seniors, and Senior Citizens of Reynoldsburg (SCOR). Most recently, she was part of a group, knitting and crocheting items for people in need throughout the community. She donated hundreds of crocheted items over the years. She also loved to bake and would make tasty treats for bake sales and other fundraisers, including tomato-based products (e.g., tomato jelly/jam, tomato buckeyes) for the annual Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival for many years. Her specialties included homemade pizza, buckeyes, three-layered German chocolate cake, butternut balls coated in power sugar, pizzelles, and French pastries coated in powdered sugar and filled with pineapple, cherry, peach, and mincemeat.

Growing up, Phyllis was part of the Civil Air Patrol. She also played the violin and competed in synchronized swimming. She passed on the love of musical instruments and talents to some of her grandchildren, and loved to hear them play. In her younger adult years, she was an avid bowler, passing down that passion to several of her children. She served as the secretary for the St. Pius X women’s bowling league for many years. 

Phyllis was the biggest cheerleader for her kids (grandkids, and great-grandkids) in whatever sport, concert, play, or activity in which they participated. She could be seen applauding and heard shouting encouragement. When she wasn’t cheering her kids and grandkids, Phyllis loved to listen to or watch sports, especially The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Reds (The Big Red Machine back in the day). She loved playing cards, bingo, and going to casinos. When she was able, she also enjoyed traveling within the US and to Europe. Her favorite place was Italy.

Phyllis’s family will receive friends on January 5 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 East Main St, Reynoldsburg Ohio 43068. Mass will be on January 6 at 10:30 AM at St Pius X Catholic Church, 1051 South Waggoner Rd, Reynoldsburg. The Celebration of Life, following Mass will be streamed at https://www.cotnerfuneralhome.com/obituary/Phyllis-Bierl. A brief graveside service and private burial will be held at Redford Cemetery in Detroit MI. Contact a family member for details if you would like to attend.

In lieu of flowers, you may bring a skein or two of yarn to the visitation to be donated to the knitting club Phyllis was part of, or you may make a memorial donation in Phyllis’s name to Joseph’s Coat, 240 Outerbelt St, Columbus, OH 43213.

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