Phyllis Shirley Jenkins Ackerman, 80, of Columbus, formerly of Lancaster, Penn. passed away December 23, 2012 at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Born August 26, 1932 in Orange, N.J. to the late Russell S. Jenkins and Ellen Frances Schutz, Phyllis was the wife of Wayne Ackerman for 57 years.

She was a nurse for over 30 years in a variety of fields, executive director of Home Health Agency in Clinton County, Penn.; president of the Women’s Symphony Association for the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra; on the board of the Visiting Nurse Home Care Association in Lancaster, Penn.; troop leader of her daughters’ Girl Scout troops for many years; an active church member in each community where she lived; and active in United Methodist Women. She helped organize the Med-Assist Program at Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry. She served on the medical liaison committee, and for two years as the coordinator of the arts and craft program at Tryon Estates.  She loved handwork, reading, music, cooking and hostessing.

She always had a smile for everyone and a twinkle in her eye. She was a treasured friend and a warm and loving person who always strived to make other’s lives happier. She will be greatly missed.

Survived by her husband; three daughters, Patricia Martz (Jon) of Pittsburgh, Penn., Deborah Berrang (Paul) of Milwaukee, Wisc., Susan West (Pat) of Mount Joy, Penn. and four grandchildren.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, December 29, 2012 at Columbus United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. Rob Parsons assisted by Rev. Ralph Kuether. A reception will be held after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Columbus United Methodist Church Building Fund.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.