Phyllis J. Baer

Phyllis J. Baer, 89, passed away peacefully at home in Loudon, TN on Sunday, July 11, 2021.  Born February 11, 1932, in York, PA, she was the daughter of the late William H. and Daisy M. (Strickler) Koons, and the wife of Donald J. Baer, who preceded her in death in 2014, after 54 years of marriage.  She attended William Penn Senior High School in York. 

Phyllis loved life almost as much as she loved her family.  Her children were her pride and joy, and she loved them more than life itself.  She was fondly referred to as “Mom Baer and Mama Bear” by many of her children’s friends, including many of her own friends and colleagues.  She was a “spitfire” and a force to be reckoned with, but could also make you laugh.  Growing up on a farm, she was one of the hardest workers you’d ever meet.  Never afraid to tackle a challenge.  Phyllis had a drive like no other, and it showed in her ability to sell Avon products to her loyal customers for 45 years, while taking care of her home and her family.  She had also worked at York Dress and Fincor Electronics.  Early on, she and her husband owned the former “Baer’s Café”, which is now well known to many as the Sherwood Inn in York New Salem.  From there they opened up “Phyllis’ Snack Bar” in downtown York City.  Phyllis was an excellent cook, and was always getting requests from her family for her famous “potato soup”.  She had a passion for keeping her home beautiful both inside and out.  In her younger years, she was a “fashionista” in her own right, wearing beautiful dresses, high heeled shoes, makeup just right, and her hair styled to perfection for a night on the town with friends.  But, she was no stranger to dressing down either.  She donned hunting garb with her father at a young age and continued hunting well into her 70s.  When roller skating was “in”, Phyllis was there for it!  She could roller skate like she was born on skates, and also worked the snack bar at the skating rink, handing out goodies to the kids who loved her like a mom.  She loved to dance and sing in the kitchen with the music on the radio, and she was good, too!  Her smile and her zest for life will be greatly missed.

Phyllis is survived by her sister, Bertha E. Keller of Manchester; 3 daughters, Barbie A. Hintz and her husband Greg of Loudon, TN, Sherry L. Baer of York, and Pamela J. Olinger and her husband Paul of Rutherfordton, NC; daughter-in-law, Patsy Rauhauser of York; 10 grandchildren, Richard E. Rauhauser III, Melissa Hyder, Franklin D. Buttorff III, Chaun Buttorff, Dylan Baer, Jazmine Baer, Michelle Dillon, Nicole Salsgiver, Angel Schnabel and Heather Billet; 13 great grandchildren, Richanda Hyder, Kira Hyder, Chanda Rauhauser, Franklin D. Buttorff IV, Riley Buttorff, Wyatt Dillon, Lillian Dillon, Camila Castelan, Sofia Castelan, Hunter Billet, Delilah Billet, Dakota Schnabel and Savannah Schnabel; and 3 great great grandchildren, Isabella Buttorff, Bentley Buttorff and Dawson Buttorff; and nephews Robert Keller, John Keller and Michael Keller.  Phyllis was also preceded in death by sons, Richard E. Rauhauser II and Jeffrey J. Baer; and granddaughter, Crystal Bulger and nephew Bill Keller.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Kuhner Associates Funeral Directors, Inc., 863 South George Street, York.  Viewings will be 5-7:00 PM Friday and 10-11:00 AM Saturday.  Burial will be in Mount Rose Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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