M. Phyllis Kempf, age 95 resident of Shelby passed away peacefully Sunday, November 1, 2026 following a long illness with her son Scott and her daughter-in-law Lisa at her side.

Phyllis was born September 26, 1931, in Shelby, to Gabriel and Bessie (Holycross) Day. She spent the majority of her life in Shelby and was a 1949 graduate of Shelby High School. Phyllis worked at Shelby Sales Book Company for many years before becoming the owner and operator of Style Shop in Shelby from 1977 to 1983. She was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

Phyllis enjoyed scrapbooking and cherished the time she spent with her family. Her grandchildren held a particularly special place in her heart, and making memories with them was one of her greatest joys.

She is survived by her son Scott (Lisa) Kempf of Shelby; two grandchildren Adam (Tara) Kempf of Brandenburg, KY, and Ashley Kempf-Goeden of IN; two great-grandsons Jackson and Simon Goeden; one brother Norm (Judy) Day of Shelby and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband Howard "Howdy" Kempf in 1997; infant daughter Lisa Marie Kempf; three brothers Ray, Ed and Ronald Day; along with four sisters Ruth Stanford, Nellie Popa, Imogene Lewis, and Marie Dodge.

Friends may visit at the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory in Shelby Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 11:00 to 12:00 PM. A funeral service will immediately follow at the funeral home at 12:00 PM with interment held in the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery.

In place of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Phyllis to The Dream Center at 109 Auburn Ave. Shelby, OH 44875 or Avita Home Health & Hospice at 1220 N. Market St., Galion OH 44833.

The Kempf family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Adam Bihl, Avita Hospital, and Avita Home & Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Phyllis over the years.