Phyllis June Schairbaum

SCHAIRBAUM, Phyllis June, “Pat” (Jenkins), age 89, of Kettering passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025 after a life dedicated to family, gardening, and supporting the community through her fundraising business, Schairbaum Enterprises.

Born on June 29, 1935, Pat grew up in Columbus, Ohio and graduated from Bexley High School in 1952. She attended The Ohio State University where she met the love of her life, Clarence John Schairbaum, whom she married on June 2, 1956, beginning a journey of love, partnership, and devotion that spanned 43 years until John’s passing in 1998. Pat is survived by her four sons, eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren: son Rick (fiancée Martina), grandson Steven (Sara); son Jeff (Patti), granddaughter Nicole Mals (Justin), great grandsons Jackson and Jameson, grandson Michael (Jamie), great granddaughters Hailey and Brynn; son Dave (Barb), granddaughter Jenna Goedert (John), great grandson Charlie, grandson Jay; son Chris (Amy Askins), grandsons Jake, Joey, and Cooper. She is also survived by her niece Lynn Cline and her daughters Laurie Carrick (David) and Beth Gersper (John).

Pat had at least four passions in her life, family, gardening, Gatlinburg, and Schairbaum Enterprises. She loved her family dearly which included three generations of Maltese dogs named Jingles, Biscuit, and Muffin. She supported many family school, sports, and life events and activities, never missing an opportunity to send cards for birthdays and holidays. Pat was also a life-long gardener and was a member and one-time president of the Country Corner Garden Club. Her backyard was always spectacular with a wide array of flowers and hanging baskets. Pat and John honeymooned in Gatlinburg TN on the way to Florida. They loved the Smoky Mountains so much they cut their Florida trip short and finished their honeymoon back in Gatlinburg. Their love of the mountains inspired them to eventually build a chalet in Gatlinburg that provided many years of enjoyment for family and friends.

Pat’s fourth passion was her fundraising business, Schairbaum Enterprises, which she operated for 62 years. Pat started fundraising in 1963 working as a sales representative for Madison Enterprises, an organization that supported school groups, clubs and organizations in raising funds through the sale of candy. She blossomed this startup into Schairbaum Enterprises supporting organizations across the Miami Valley to help provide them quality products to raise the funds needed for school events, trips, and activities. Pat was also very proud of the Santa Shops she arranged at local elementary schools for young children to be able to purchase inexpensive Christmas gifts for their parents. Pat’s ultimate satisfaction was helping young people from hundreds of schools, churches and sports groups achieve their personal and financial goals through the services and products offered by Schairbaum Enterprises.

Pat was a long-time UD Basketball and Ohio State Football fan. She was a loyal UD season ticket holder for over 30 years enjoying the ups and downs of the Flyers. She and John also attended the Rose Bowl in 1997 to watch OSU defeat Arizona State. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America, and many other organizations throughout her life.

In addition to Pat’s immediate family, she also cherished many dear friends throughout her lifetime, including her dedicated business staff, her neighbors on Jameswood Circle, her garden club friends, close friends Ed and Connie Heigel, and many, many others.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E, Stroop Rd, Kettering, OH. A Memorial Service is planned for 11:00 AM followed by a luncheon on site. A private burial will take place at David’s Cemetery following the luncheon. If desired, donations may be made to SICSA Pet Adoption & Wellness Center or The Garden Club of Dayton.