Mary Phyllis (Zimmerman) Van Kirk, 89, Constantine, MI, died peacefully at home Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026. She was born June 29, 1937, in South Bend, IN. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Edward Van Kirk, and her daughter Susan (Dell) Hull. Her life was full of loving and caring for so many fortunate enough to have known her.

Phyllis had a deep passion for all children and devoted her working years by choosing to impact young lives as an elementary school teacher. She received her Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University and taught kindergarten and second grades for Smith-Green Community Schools (Churubusco, IN), Lakeland Community Schools (LaGrange, IN), and Constantine Community Schools (Constantine, MI). She loved the simple things in life and could find wonder and beauty in seemingly insignificant things; like the rustle of the corn stalks ready for harvest, the drifting of a leaf gliding down in autumn, or the shimmer of a rock drenched by spring rain.

Her heart foremost belonged to Jesus and in recent weeks, she truly longed for heaven. Her children and her grandchildren were a constant pride and joy of hers. She made time in her life to establish a special relationship with each grandchild whether they lived close or far away. One recently commented that “she is the grandparent every child deserves to have”. She will be greatly missed and remembered by each one of them.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Doyle and Dorothy Zimmerman, her brother Robert Zimmerman, her sons Brad (Donna) Dell (Churubusco, IN), Michael (Julie) Dell (Eureka, CA), Lance (Larisa) Dell (Middlebury, IN) and a step-son, Gregg Van Kirk (Pocatella, ID). She is survived by her husband, Edward Van Kirk (Constantine, MI) her daughter, Susan (Don) Hull (Sturgis, MI), seven grandchildren, Amanda, Brad II, Audrey, Caitlin, Emily, Kyrah, and Leah; six great-grandchildren, Breanna, Jaylynn, Ivy, Harper, Raegan, and Silvia, and one great-great grandchild, Olivia. Also surviving are two step-grandchildren Jesse and Jason Van Kirk of Pocatella, ID.

Her family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, October 12, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm with services following at 12:00 pm at the Eley Funeral Home, 280 S. Washington St., Constantine, MI 49042.

Interment will follow at the Smith Chapel Cemetery, Niles, MI.

Her family welcomes messages and memories in their online guestbook at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.