Phyllis (Ater) Cockrell

Phyllis (Ater) Cockrell, age 91, passed away December 2, 2024.  She was born to the late Fred Ater and Myrtle Slee in Columbus, Ohio.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Ater, her half-sister, Linda Graham, her half-brother, Freddie Ater, her sons, Brian Bahn and David Alan Bahn, and her husband, Paul Cockrell.  She is survived by two half-sisters, Lori Sanders and Gena Ater, her step-daughter, Connie (Richard) Nicholas, her daughter, Loretta Bahn, her granddaughter, Bobbie Bahn, two great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Phyllis graduated from West High School and the Columbus College of Art and Design.  She married Franklin Bahn in 1955 and had three children, Loretta, Brian, and David Alan.  After she and Franklin were divorced she worked in advertising for Glicks Furniture and the Columbus Dispatch.  After moving to Upper Arlington she did freelance advertising until she met Paul Cockrell.  They married and moved to California, where they greatly enjoyed the temperate climate.

Several years after Paul died Phyllis moved back to Ohio to be close to family.  She enjoyed soap operas, contributing to charities, and participating in sweepstakes.

We would like to thank the staffs at Cotter House and National Church Residences for the care and comfort they provided to Phyllis and her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mid-Ohio Food Collective, P.O. Box 182883, Columbus, OH 43218-2883, or the Alzheimer’s Association .

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