Phyllis E. Ernst, 75, of Penn Township, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 in her residence.

Born in West Reading, she was the daughter of the late Normon and Esther (Horst) Ernst. Phyllis graduated from Tulpehocken High School and received her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Millersville University. She taught fourth and fifth grades at Bethel Elementary School in the Tulpehocken Area School District for thirty-four years. Phyllis was a member of Mohrsville Church of the Brethren where she played piano for many years. She was a member and president of the Tulpehocken Education Association. Phyllis enjoyed gardening, reading mystery novels and historical fiction, cats, and watching Jeopardy.

Phyllis is survived by her siblings: Barbara J. Nwoke, Palmyra; and Lauren Ernst, husband of Christine, Pittsburgh; nephews: Obi-ike Nwoke, husband of Sarah Khoury and Geoffrey Dixon-Ernst, husband of Julie; and nieces: Uchenna Nwoke-Muhammad and Alexandra Dixon-Ernst, wife of James Nesbitt; and great-nieces and nephews: Ziya Nwoury, Ayala Muhammad, Olivia Dixon-Ernst and Elliott Dixon-Ernst.

A celebration of Phyllis's life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 2:00 pm in Mohrsville Church of the Brethren, 1542 Shoey Road, Mohrsville, PA 19541. Burial will be private in Viewpoint Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Mohrsville Church of the Brethren at the above address. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Leesport is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.