Wilma Catherine (Mantz) Phebus

It is with great sadness that the family of Wilma Catherine (Mantz) Phebus passed away at the age of 89. Surrounded by her loved ones, she went peacefully to our Lord Sunday morning, March 3, 2024, at Willow Haven Care Center in Zanesville, OH. She was a devoted and loving wife of 70 years to Clark Eugene Phebus of Frederick, MD. Together they had four children: Clark Eugene, Jr., Mark Garfield, Nanette Denise, and Eric Alan.

Wilma was the youngest daughter of Austin “Pete” Kolb and Nanny Mae (Tracy) Mantz (both deceased) from New Market, MD.  She was born July 16, 1934, in Frederick, MD, and had two siblings: Mary Anna (Mantz) Burgee—deceased, and Austin “Petee” Kolb Mantz, Jr—deceased.

Wilma met Clark on a blind date on New Years Eve. It was love at first sight and they were married 5 months later on May 11, 1951, in Hagerstown, MD.  She worked in various jobs over the years, but her love, pride and joy were being with her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great granddaughter. Wilma’s family and friendships encompassed all aspects of life, and each was special to her. From phone call chats to joint family outings, to sharing informal meals, to adventures near and far, to helping in times of sadness and difficulty. She lived most of her life around the Frederick area until they decided to build at their hunting and camping site in Paw Paw, WV. She loved being up on the mountain with Clark enjoying their wonderful fascination with nature and the outdoors. Wilma loved the LORD and attended church meetings faithfully at Church of Christ in Paw Paw. She was very concerned that all her family knew the Lord and kept them in prayer. When her husband died in 2021, she moved to Zanesville, OH.

She is survived by her youngest son Eric A. & Sheryl Phebus of Zanesville, OH; two daughters-in-love, Beverly Phebus of Frederick, MD, and Joanne Phebus of Fall Branch, TN; nine grandchildren—Jennifer & Jeff Hooper of WV, Christopher & Valarie Phebus of KY, Kimberly & Bradley Alger of WV, Jonathan & Amanda Phebus of TN, Rebecca & Ronnie Vaughan of PA, Andrew & Heather Phebus of VA and, Micah & Jamie Gonzalez of Australia; 14 great grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband—Clark Eugene Phebus, sons—Clark E. Phebus Jr. and Mark G. Phebus; daughter—Nannette D. Phebus; and grandsons—Jason Phebus and Benjamin Phebus.

At her request cremation, with a small grave site memorial with family and friends at Mt Olivet in Frederick, MD—date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, in your area on her behalf.

THE SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME, 1150 WEST MILITARY ROAD, ZANESVILLE, has the distinct honor of serving the Phebus family.

To send the family a note of condolence, go to www.snoufferfuneralhome.com, find us on Facebook or call our locally owned caring staff at 740.450.8000.

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