Phyllis (Stubbs) Tarburton

Phyllis Stubbs Tarburton, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully January 2, 2026 in Bayhealth Medical Center, Dover Delaware, at the age of 88. Born in Henderson Maryland on January 15, 1937, to the late J. Norman and Evalyn (Gooden) Stubbs.  She attended Henderson Elementary, graduating from Greensboro High School, Class of 1955.

Her first job was with the Bell Telephone Company in Dover and she held various jobs while raising her family in the Dover and Newark area. She came back to the Dover area in 1971 and found joy working for several doctors where she met and cherished many lasting friendships. She truly loved helping others in any way she could. 

She was an avid bowler from 1960 until 2022. She was inducted into the Delaware State Bowling Hall of Fame and the Lower Delaware Women’s Association Bowling Hall of Fame. She held many positions within the LDBA and the Delaware Senior Olympics bowling. She was very passionate about the sport and was always looking to engage others in the sport, old and young!

Her strength and grace inspired all who knew her.

Phyllis is survived by her children: Terri Denny (Steve), Alan Richard (Terri), Dave Richard, Andy Richard (Dawn), Mike Richard (Connie); step children Stephanie Stegmier (Robert), Greg Tarburton, and Eric Tarburton (Debra); 6 grandchildren, Amy (Jasin), Stephanie (AJ), Amber (Jerry), Kevin (Mindy), Brandon (Paula), Caroline (Chase), 5 step grandchildren, Crystal (Brendan), Brian, Rob (Angela), Hunter and Kimberly; many great grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

She is survived by 2 sisters, Darlene Zlock (Carl) and Lydia Tucker (Jim); several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Brother Robert Stubbs and loving husband Jim Tarburton, along with the father of her children James Richard.

A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Pippin Funeral Home at 11:00 am.  Family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00 am.  

Burial will be private in the Odd Fellows Cemetary, Camden.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to New City Church, 761 S. Little Creek Road, Dover, DE 19901.