Phyllis Jo Stewart, of Plainville, Kansas passed away on November 30, 2023, at her home, at the age of 92. Phyllis was born on August 26, 1931, the daughter of Pastor Joe David and Marthella Ann (Worcester) Brumbaugh in Hill City, Kansas. She was the oldest of “The Four Sisters.”
She grew up in Hill City and went to Hill City schools through her sophomore year. As a kindergartener she walked to school in the dust storms. During the depression and due to job and money shortages, she and her family lived in the basement of her grandparents’ home. She moved to Plainville with her family during her junior year as her father accepted the pastorate of the First Christian Church. Phyllis was involved with cheerleading and music events at school. She graduated in 1949 as Salutatorian from Plainville High School.
After High School, Phyllis worked at Stephenson’s where she sold fabric and clothing. She was also the bookkeeper for Prickett Tank Service. As she walked to and from work every day passing by Farm Implement, she caught the eye of Rodger Hooper Stewart. They were married on December 11, 1949 by her father at the First Christian Church. Being quite the seamstress, she made her own wedding dress with fabric purchased at Stephenson’s.
They made their first home in Paul and Yvonne VanDyke’s basement until their house was built on Section Line where they were blessed with three children, J.D., Sheri and Stephanie. Over the years they had the most wonderful neighbors including the Bruna, Brungardt, Foss, Morris, Staab and Thompson families and Curtis Johnson. In 1967 they bought into Arnhold’s Furniture Store. Phyllis worked at the store where she helped make draperies and was an interior decorator. When she wasn’t working at the store, she was watching her grandkids. To them and their friends she was known as Nene.
She enjoyed sewing and her skills lead her to become a seamstress. She altered many articles of clothing for people including many of the high school cheerleader uniforms, formal dresses, and many bridal dresses, including alterations for Green’s Bridal. She made the most beautiful clothes for herself, her daughters, and her grandchildren.
She was an active member of the First Christian Church where she volunteered countless hours playing the organ (from 1947 until October 15, 2023), teaching Sunday School, directing and writing musicals, Christmas programs, reenacting Bible skits at Vacation Bible School and helping with Dorcus Club. She would send birthday and anniversary cards to church members young and old. She also volunteered and entertained at Red Bud Village with Bible studies, themed sing-a-longs and reading and discussing the 100 years ago column. Phyllis made and distributed masks during covid. She devoted her entire life to serving others and the Lord.
Phyllis was an avid gardener. She had the most beautiful flower gardens with endless tulips. She graced the church with huge bouquets many Sundays from her flower garden.
Following Sunday services, she would provide a buffet lunch for her family. There was always an extra seat at the table for any church members or visitors. Her hospitality was endless and one of her spiritual gifts.
Survivors include, son, Joe Dean “J.D.” (Margie Hakel) Stewart, Ph.D., of Pasadena, California; two daughters, Sheri (Mike) Page, Stephanie (Wes) Bjornstad, all of Plainville; six grandchildren, Claire Marquez, Graham (Kate) Stewart, Buffy (Eric) Woodward, Hayley (Dean) Brown, Audrey (Brady) Bell, Kelsey (Seth) Brin; ten great-grandchildren, Beatrice Stewart, Kyleigh Woodward, Dakkota Brown, AJ Brown, Zoe Brown, Maximus Brown, Blake Bell, Brock Stewart Bell, Dominic Brin and Knox Brin; two sisters, Carrol Jaco, Hays, Kansas, Dianne (Donavon) Williams, Vassar, Kansas and brother-in-law, Jack (Joyce) Pulec, Wichita.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rod, on November 26, 2014 and sister, Eileen Haston and sister-in-law, Glenice Pulec.
A Visitation will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023 from 5PM to 7PM at First Christian Church in Plainville. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 11:00 AM also at the church. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date at the Plainville Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to First Christian Church or Samaritan’s Purse and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, Kansas 67663.