Phyllis Diller passed away today at the ripe age of 95. She died in her sleep surrounded by her family on August 20, 2012 in her home. According to the county coroner, the cause of death has not been determined. Not determined? I am not a medical professional; however, if you make it to age 95 before going to your reward, I am going to assume you died of "natural causes."
My father, Richard Twigg, was the Command Master Chief of USS Richmond K. Turner (CG-20) and he ran into Phyllis Diller in Mombasa, Kenya. The ship had made a Port O' Call in Mombasa, allowing the sailers a well deserved respite. My father invited her to have lunch onboard to meet the sailors on duty and to see the ship. When Phyllis showed up on-board with dad, the Commanding Office and members of his wardroom tried to abscond with her to give a dog-and-pony show. Phyllis looked the Captain in his eyes, and told the skipper, "I came here to see real men honey, I think I'll stick with the Master Chief." She had brass and loved the troops.