Phyllis Hanke, 96, of Port St Lucie, FL passed away peacefully at home with her loving family at her side on March 6, 2024.

Phyllis was born in Jamaica, NY to Lewis and Hilda Coombs on October 31, 1927 and had lived in Valley Stream, Rosedale, Lynbrook, Rockville Centre, Hempstead and East Meadow on Long Island, NY; Havelock, NC; Escondido, San Diego and San Marcos, CA; Waikiki, Aiea and Honolulu, Hawaii; Glenelg, Australia; Jupiter and Tequesta, FL, McIntosh, NM then Stuart, Jensen Beach and Port St. Lucie, FL.

She graduated from Valley Stream Central High School in 1946 where had been a cheerleader and active in sports, including Field Hockey. She was in close contact with several classmates throughout the years. She had attended several high school reunions and even organized a reunion at Pinelake Village in Jensen Beach. She also attended San Diego Business College.

She married Curt August Hanke on October 30, 1948. As Curt was a career US Marine, they traveled to many parts of the country and beyond.
She had worked various jobs throughout her career. Most notably important to her was when she was Editor of the Torrance County Citizen Newspaper In New Mexico. The highlight of that position to her was her privilege to interview Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17 astronaut who had walked on the Moon and was a former U.S. Senator from New Mexico. She worked for Honolulu Iron Works, Air California airlines, was a substitute teacher in New Mexico and was a pharmacy clerk at Eckerds/CVS in Jensen Beach when she finally retired.

She was an active and loving member of the Order of the Eastern Star. First initiated in McIntosh, NM in 1977, held the office of Worthy Matron there and was a longtime, devoted member of Unity Chapter No. 37 in Stuart where she served as Worthy Matron on several occasions, was a plural member of Star of Jupiter Chapter No. 312 and most recently was a member of Ruth Chapter No. 7 in Ft. Pierce. She was honored to receive the appointment as Grand Representative of Georgia in Florida 2013-2015.

She was a Life Member of Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Gold Star Wives of America, VFW Auxiliary-Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW, American Legion Auxiliary and 1 st Marine Division Association. She was an avid bowler, attaining games of 500 and 600 series. She belonged to the Ladies Fun Club at Jensen Beach Bowl. She finally hung up her bowling shoes at age 90. She loved sports and enjoyed watching football, basketball and golf. She was a huge San Diego (now Los Angeles) Chargers fan and went to 2 games where the Chargers were shut out by the Miami Dolphins in 2014 and the other, they won against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015. She thoroughly enjoyed being able to see those live games.

She was predeceased by her "Ever-loving Husband", Curt, her parents, Lewis and Hilda Coombs, brothers Bruce Coombs and Edwin L. Coombs, Sr. and her son, Bruce N. Hanke. She is survived by her son, Gordon Hanke, and daughter Paula Hanke both of Port St. Lucie. Granddaughter Rebecca Hanke Multhup, Great-grandsons; Tommy, Josh and Matt Multhup of Waxahachie, TX; Grandsons Chris Reber of Daytona Beach and Max Reber of Port St Lucie, FL; Sister-in-law Karen Coombs of Stuart, as well as, 4 nieces; Debby Craft, Marcie Gallagher, Kathy Giffune and Judy Frelin and 6 nephews; Roy Haller, Ted, Ken, Ed Jr, Bob and Scott Coombs. She is also survived by many cousins throughout the United States, Newfoundland and Canada.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Treasure Coast Hospice 1201 SE Indian St Stuart, FL 34997. Services will be held on Saturday March 16, 2024 with visitation staring at 11:30a.m. at Forest Hills Funeral Home, 2001 SW Murphy Road, Palm City. Visitation at 11:30am with an Order of the Eastern Star funeral service, service at 12:30pm. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park.