Phyllis Adaline Heistand Stroud

Phyllis Adaline Heistand Stroud of Georgetown, South Carolina, formerly of Lancaster, Pa, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday 4/28/2026. Phyllis was born in Lancaster, Pa. on January 2, 1947, to her late parents, Roy M. Heistand and Myrtle (Neff) Heistand. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Gerald (Gary) Stroud.

After graduating from Hempfield High School in 1964, Phyllis received certification in X-ray and Medical Technology from a school in Minneapolis, Mn, where she met and married her husband, Gerald. She worked at several jobs until their 2nd child was born in 1969 and then became a full time stay-at- home Mom. Phyllis was an active member in the Lancaster Unitarian Church during the 1980s and 1990s and was instrumental in forming and running their food pantry. Since she was young, she was involved with Girl Scouts, finishing as a Senior Girl Scout Troop Leader. She was a member of the Fulton Axillary, the Lancaster Coterie Club and served as President of both organizations. Through her joint efforts with close friends for many years, she helped coordinate a fund raiser for March of Dimes by running an annual round robin Bridge tournament. Through those efforts she formed many long-lasting friendships that continue. During the 1970s, through the efforts of March of Dimes, she volunteered to help disabled young children develop muscle tone by guiding their limbs repetitively in hopes of the child’s muscles developing. She loved playing any kind of board and card games and excelled at playing Boggle. She could play against any two other players, or the computer and most times win hands down

She loved traveling and during her life she visited all but 5 of the United States and traveled abroad to 9 different countries. After moving to South Carolina, Phyllis discovered her love of walking the beach, collecting seashells and watching her favorite shore bird, the pelican. A lifelong Philadelphia Phillies Baseball fan, she cheered for them whether they won or lost. One of her prized possessions is an autographed Baseball by Tug McGaw who struck out Willie Wilson to end the 1980 World Series against the Kansas City Royals, bringing the Philadelphia Phillies their first World Series championship in franchise history.

In addition to her husband, Phyllis is survived by their children, Dawn (Barry) Nolt of Lititz, Pa, Tamara (Anthony) Fennell of Fredericksburg, Va. Grandchildren include Jada and Christopher Fennell, Ryan Nolt, Meghan Nolt (wife of Drew Schmidt) and Dylan Nolt. She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Robert and Donald Heistand.

A celebration of life will be held at some future date. If you would like to honor Phyllis’ memory, please donate to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to an organization of your choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.ridgewayfh.com

Ridgeway Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 485-4242