Phyllis Lutin, 78, of Elkhart, Ind. and formerly of Niles, died at 4:12 a.m. Thursday, April 29, 2010 at Memorial Hospital, South Bend following an extended illness.

She was born Feb. 12, 1932 in Easton, Pa. to Ruben Christian Pretz and Margaret Walburn Pretz. She lived most of her life in Niles, moving to Elkhart in 1995. She worked for many years at Essex Wire in Berrien Springs. She also retired as director of the Michiana Literacy Council. She enjoyed birdwatching, crocheting and spending time with her family.

She married Allen Lutin on April 18, 1953 in Niles. He died Jan. 12, 1987. Her daughter, Donna Lutin, who died in November 2005, also precedes her in death.

Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Elaine (Gary) Simmons, of Niles, Sue Sukolics, of Niles, Mary (Randy) Womble, of Niles; sons, Dennis Lutin, of Elkhart, David (Dawn) Lutin, of Niles, Charles “Chuck” (Kathy) Lutin, of Niles; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles with Pastor Jim Wing of First Baptist Church officiating.

Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.