Phyllis D. (Ward) “Dolly Mama” Baskerville, 91, of Fortville passed away Monday, January 15, 2018 at her home.  She was born July 14, 1926 in Indianapolis to Harry and Flossie (Frazier) Ward.  Phyllis was a member of the Telephone Accounting Girls (TAG), Red Hats Socialites, 20th century Doll Club, Zeta Alpha Delta Sorority, American Legion Auxiliary and Jehovah Witness Congregation in Plainfield. 

While in grade school she worked in her mother’s restaurant “Midway Café” on West 16th Street in Indianapolis.  As a teenager she “hopped” curbs at Corky’s Drive-In and Lanigan’s Drug Store in Speedway. Phyllis worked in the Lay-A-Way Department for H.P. Wassons, sold clothes at Lerners was a hat check girl at Red Gables Nite Club.  She worked for Indiana Bell Telephone Company for 16 years in accounting, worked for Hertz Rent-A-Car in Indianapolis and Las Vegas.  She returned to Plainfield and worked for Standard Grocery and The Sport Shop.  Phyllis then moved to Florida where she worked for National Travel. She eventually returned to Indiana where she opened a “Toy and Doll Museum”.  She gave tours to guests from all over the United States including Alaska and Hawaii.  People from all over the world toured the museum including guests from Canada, Denmark, Germany, Spain and Mexico.  The museum has been on TV seven times and is featured in many books, magazines and newspapers including the Indianapolis Star and Star East. Phyllis's heartfelt desire is to see her museum legacy continue under the care of someone who would love it as much as she did. If you can help fulfill her dying wish, please email dollymama@twc.com

Phyllis is survived by daughters: Tammi (Charlie) McTargett and Tara (Steve) Lee; grandchildren: Morgan (Evan) Murray, Audrey and Avery Lee; step-children: Maureen, Robert and Tim Baskerville; many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Baskerville, her parents, sisters: Imogene Noonan and Charlotte Svendsen; brothers; Thornton Ward and Laurel “Bub” Ward.

A celebration of Phyllis’ life will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Seals Funeral Home, Fortville.  Friends may call on Saturday from 2:00 pm until the time of service.  Burial will follow at a later date at Mill Creek Cemetery, Danville.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Jehovah’s Witnesses at JW.org.  Online condolences may be shared at www.sealsfuneralhome.com. 

 Service Information