Phyllis Eileen Lustgarten

Phyllis E. (Lock) Lustgarten of Denton, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at the age of 98. She was born June 4, 1928 in Gary, Indiana, the daughter of Philip and Catherine (Carr) Lock. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert Lustgarten, her parents, her sister Marcia, and brothers Philip, Dale, and Paul (Terry).

Phyllis graduated from William A. Wirt High School in Gary in 1946 and met her husband to be, Robert, while working at Jack Spratt Ice Cream shop in Miller, Indiana. They were married on November 15, 1947, a union that lasted 56 years until Robert’s death in 2004. Phyllis was a devoted and supportive mother and wife, and in those 56 years she became Aunt Phyllis to 36 nieces and nephews. She also worked as a Corporate Secretary in Bob's construction business and as Administrative Secretary at Portage High School. During those years the couple lived in Portage, Valparaiso, and Chesterton, Indiana.

Phyllis loved reading books, enjoyed league bowling, and was a very accomplished organist. Although she declined to play for a crowd, she did play for close family and friends at small holiday and birthday gatherings. She also loved playing cards -- Bunco Club in her younger years, then Crazy Eight’s and Uno with the little ones. Phyllis and Bob enjoyed a little square dancing too. After retirement they moved to North Port, Florida, where Phyllis rarely missed an opportunity to play Bingo.

All who knew Phyllis appreciated her kind, gentle, and loving spirit. Phyllis was an active member of Hope Lutheran Churches in both Portage and in Port Charlotte, Florida. She looked forward to being welcomed into the arms of the Lord and reunited with her many past friends and family members. Phyllis is survived by her brother David Lock of California, daughter Dr. Catherine Lustgarten of Denton, Texas, son Leonard Lustgarten (Ruth) of Kouts, Indiana; six grandchildren, Charles Lustgarten, Stacie Ware, Christina Cadwell, Michelle Mendoza, Robert Mendoza and Denise Williams; fifteen great-grandchildren and a great-great granddaughter.

A Memorial Service will be held 1:30 pm, October 3, 2026 at Graceland Cemetery Chapel, 1505 E. Morthland Drive, Valparaiso IN, Chaplain Missy Beche officiating. Visitation begins at 1:00.

Memorial Tributes in Phyllis’ memory may be made to: Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 1717 K Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006 or Macular Degeneration Research Foundation, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, P.O. Box 1952, Clarksburg, MD 20871-1951.