Phyllis Jean Richardson, 91, passed away May 19, 2023, at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community, Buhler, KS. She was born March 22, 1932, in McPherson, KS, to Paul W. Emmitt and Edna (Sidwell) Emmitt.
Phyllis was a graduate of Nickerson High School, Nickerson, KS, and Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson, KS. She was employed by Dillon Stores Inc. and then went to work at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility, formerly Kansas State Industrial Reformatory, as a secretary in the Education Department. Phyllis was a member of the Cameo Club, and an active member of the Nickerson United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women’s organization of the church.
She was a member of the Senior Citizens Group in Nickerson, KS, and was instrumental in keeping the group going. Phyllis was involved in the decorating of the town for the various seasons and holidays. She was the caretaker for the flowers that were planted along Main Street. Phyllis would pull a little red wagon filled with jugs of water down the street to water the flowers. She was at her best when it came to organizing funeral dinners. Every detail, even down to lace tablecloths, had to be perfect. Phyllis enjoyed attending Hutchinson Community College ballgames and volleyball games in Omaha, NE.
Phyllis loved her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed following all their sports, school programs, and family events. Phyllis and David had no problem taking trips out-of-town, and at times, out-of-state for ballgames. Her grandchildren were all very special to her and they all have stories to tell.
On December 21, 1952, Phyllis married David Mark Richardson, in Nickerson, KS. They shared over 63 years of marriage, prior to his death on June 17, 2016.
Phyllis is survived by: her children, Les (Joni) Richardson of Hutchinson, KS, Barb Nichols of Lousiville, KY, and Robert Richardson of Goodland, KS; grandchildren, Landis (Ana) Richardson, Tyson (Andrea) Richardson, Micah VanNover, Meaghan (Blake) Briscoe, Lynsey (Kevin) Reynolds, Reid (Amber) Nichols, and Collin Nichols; and great-grandchildren, Quinn Richardson, Connor Richardson, Lyra Arriga, Austin Arriga, David Richardson, Elsie VanNover, Eldon VanNover, Esmay VanNover, Graham Briscoe, Olivia Briscoe, Benjamin Briscoe, Clara Reynolds, Cace Reynolds, Carson Reynolds, Cora Reynolds, and Colton Turney.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; and brother, Paul Emmitt.
Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., at the Nickerson United Methodist Church, 8200 N. Riverton Road, Nickerson, KS, with the Reverend Larry Brock officiating. Private burial will be in the Wildmead Cemetery, Nickerson, KS. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, at Elliott Mortuary, and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2023, with the family present at the Nickerson United Methodist Church. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community or Nickerson United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.