Rev. Phyllis J. Baum, 74, died on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, of pancreatic cancer. She was the wife of the late Rev. Vernon H. Baum and the daughter of the late Walter and Joyce Risser of Campbelltown.
She graduated from Palmyra High School in 1967 and Indiana University of PA with a BS degree in Education in 1971. Phyllis was called to be a Commissioned Minister at Penn Central Conference and served from 1982-1992. She served as a Parish Assistant at St. Paul’s UCC in Stoverstown from 1984-1987. In 1992, Phyllis enrolled in Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1995. She was ordained on Oct. 29, 1995, and began her ministry as Pastor at Hayshire UCC in York on Oct. 30, 1995. She served as the Pastor for 16 years and retired in June 2012.
Phyllis and Vernon enjoyed traveling and attending concerts and theatre. After Vernon’s passing, Phyllis continued to attend concerts and theatre. She began quilting in 2014 and continued until 2023 when her health began to decline.
She is survived by three children, Matthew, Meghan, and Michael Carson (Ladan), and five grandchildren, Leila, William, Clem, Forrest, and Matthew Jr. Phyllis is also survived by five siblings, Jay Risser (Cindy), Walter H. Risser Jr., Joanne Longenecker, Christine Oliver (Jack), and Lisa Burnett (John); and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Micheal Risser, in 2005.
Memorial gifts are designated to the Layman Center Crisis Nursery, at 400 West Market St., York, PA 17401, or Milagro House, at 669 West Chesnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603. This program helps women break the cycle of poverty by giving them access to opportunities to finish their high school education or complete a post-secondary diploma or certification through partnerships with local educational institutions.
There will be a visitation on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, from 2-3 p.m. at Salem UCC in Campbelltown. Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
