Phyllis Jo Stewart
1931 - 2023
Phyllis Jo Stewart, of Plainville, passed away on November 30, 2023, at her home, at the age of 92.
She 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 a Salutatorian from Plainville High School.
After high school, Phyllis worked at Stephenson’s, selling 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 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. She was watching her grandkids when she wasn’t working at the store. To them, she was known as Nene.
She enjoyed sewing, and her skills led her to become a seamstress. She altered many articles of clothing for people, including many high school cheerleader uniforms, formal dresses, and 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 and 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 column from 100 years ago. 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 from her flower garden many Sundays.
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, and 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 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at First Christian Church in Plainville. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Private family inurnment will be held later 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.
