Phyllis Jean Bollinger of Piper, Kansas passed away peacefully on September 8, 2018 after a lengthy illness. She was a woman of strong faith who believed in the love of Jesus Christ and the beauties awaiting her in Heaven where she has reunited with her husband, family, and friends. We are sure you have many stars in your crown!
Phyllis was born on August 30, 1924 in Primghar, Iowa to Grace and Thomas Hadden. As a youth, Phyllis enjoyed playing the cornet and piano and was active in 4-H. She attended college at The University of Iowa majoring in home economics. She met her future husband, Blane, at a Methodist Church party in Ames. They married June 8, 1945 in Tampa, Florida following the end of World War II.
Phyllis was employed as a teacher in North Carolina. She also worked as a seamstress and at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City. Phyllis and Blane lived in several states until they settled on their beloved farm in Piper, Kansas, which they would consider their home for the rest of their lives. Phyllis considered her greatest accomplishment in life the raising of her three daughters. She encouraged them to be creative and inquisitive with weekly trips to the public library and allowing many opportunities for them to play freely whether it was setting up a forest on the front porch or building a tent in the living room. Phyllis was dedicated to her family and her church. She was active as a Sunday school teacher, choir member (singing alto), and Bible School teacher at Maywood Community Church. She was a Blue Bird leader for her daughters and a PTA volunteer. Phyllis was a talented seamstress, sewing all of her daughters’ clothes, and she was famous for her jelly at the annual Maywood Church Bazaar.
Phyllis was an amazingly hard worker. She and Blane had a large, productive vegetable garden each year that they were happy to share. She used creativity to entice her daughters to help them in the garden by pretending they were on a safari in a jungle while picking corn and digging for gold while harvesting potatoes. Phyllis loved solving a good jigsaw puzzle. She loved to help others in need in any way she could whether it was by playing the piano and singing hymns at nursing homes, sewing lap robes for the elderly, or sending monetary donations to support numerous organizations.
Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Ann Adams (Lynn), Linda Bollinger (Kirk), and Laura Whitaker (Brian); her grandchildren Kirsten (Tom), Grant (Atou), Sybil (Andy), Claire, Ian, and Sam (Sarah); and her great-grandchildren Ben, Emery, Jack, Elena, Aba, Chou Chou, and Tristan. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Jessie Fritzsche and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Tommy.
Phyllis will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, generous spirit, and love for the Lord, her family, and friends. She is dearly loved and will be missed until we are reunited. In honor of Phyllis, call someone today and let them know you love them. Nothing would make her happier.
The family wishes to extend its gratitude to the tireless Evergreen staff who loved Phyllis despite her sometimes feisty personality. We are grateful to you. A private family service and burial will be held at Maywood Community Church.