Phyllis Sue Bradley

The world lost one of its sweetest souls and heaven gained an angel when Phyllis S. Bradley, passed away at home surrounded by family on July 20, 2024. She had a strong will to live and a passion for life yet she was at peace when she passed away.

Phyllis was born in Indianapolis to Charles H.J. and Lora Inez Brinkman on April 20, 1935. She was a proud graduate of Arsenal Technical High School where she majored in business. She worked in bookkeeping, accounts payable, and accounting throughout her career, often training and supervising other employees with more education but far less experience. She took immense pride in being a stellar worker and was beloved by many colleagues. Phyllis was an active founding member of the Mended Hearts chapter at Riverview Hospital.

Phyllis’ life was so defined by her faith in God that she never knew life without a church family. Her identity as a Christian was paramount to everything else. Phyllis served her church communities in many ways: sang in choirs, led the ladies’ circles, was the treasurer for the mission team for 22 years, cooked for Friday night suppers, cleaned and was a receptionist in the office. 

Phyllis loved cookies with her coffee in the morning, summer fish fries, train rides, playing the organ, musicals (especially the ones that her grandchildren performed in!), rainy days, music from the 1940s and 50s, picnics, trips to Brown County, and traveling but nothing compared to the love she had for her family. She was married to the love of her life, Ralph, for 71 years and together they had four children whom she adored: Mark Bradley (Karen), Jan Baum (Gary), Mary Ann Goens-Bradley (Sharon), and David Bradley (Cindy). Raising them was the greatest joy of her life. She never missed a school open house, parent-teacher conference, dance or piano recital, choir performance, athletic event or graduation; if one of her kids was in it, she was going to be there cheering them on. Phyllis and Ralph were blessed with 9 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great grandchild.

Phyllis was an eternal optimist. She dealt with a number of health issues in her later years but she never let go of hope that she’d feel good enough to go out to eat with her friends. Every day was a gift and she found joy in simple things: beautiful flowers, butterflies and birds, watching and feeding the squirrels at Forest Park, taking drives, soft pajamas, scented lotions, and the change of seasons. Phyllis saw the best in people, extended herself to help others, and was generous with her time and possessions. If you were to look up “Hoosier Hospitality” in the dictionary, Phyllis’ photo would be there.

Phyllis was preceded in death by both parents and her sister, Carol Openshaw. She is survived by her husband, Wm. Ralph Bradley, all children and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Legacy Bible Church, 13490 Howe Road, Fishers, IN on Monday, August 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. 

Contributions can be made in her name to: Mended Hearts Chapter #350, 18828 Round Lake Rd., Noblesville, IN 46060.