Sep. 1, 1922 - Feb. 14, 2018
Date of Service: Feb. 23, 2018
Phyllis I. Meireis
PAUL – Phyllis’s 95-year journey began on September 1, 1922, in a small farming town in Central Kansas and this short portion of her life ended on February 14, 2018, at Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center in Burley.
Through the eyes of a child, Mother witnessed the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl in Texas; and later, as a young woman, the war effort of WWII at Lockheed Aircraft in California. Mother joined many other young women and watched as their handsome young soldiers came home from Europe as they observed the heartbreak of war.
It was an exciting but much different time for young people then, and in Mom’s life it was about getting married, starting a family, and several years later winning the lottery. Winning this lottery didn’t mean getting a big check, but rather a chance to work hard, face disappointment, then work harder in hopes of creating a better life for your family. This lottery was won by my parents and many other returning veterans as part of the Homestead Act.
After many years of hard work, successes, failures, and more hard work, Mom and Dad turned that 130 acres of sagebrush into a beautiful, successful farm that is now in its second generation. Mom and Dad were a great team and she was always ready to help whenever asked, regardless of the job. Picking rocks, cutting potato seed, working on a potato harvester, growing a garden, and in later years working off the farm at numerous jobs to supplement the farm’s income. She took it all in stride and never complained.
Mom and Dad had a deep love for the Lord and had their family in church every Sunday morning. Serving in the Baptist Church, and later in the Rupert First Christian Church, Mom was always ready to help when a need arose. Through all the trials that life placed in Mom’s path, she never lost her trust and faith in her Lord and Savior.
Phyllis was met in heaven by her husband, Wayne; daughter, Glenda; her parents; two sisters; and all the friends she has made. Left behind is her son, Jerry; his wife Claudia; their children and grandchildren; her son-in-law, Wayne Plocher; and his children and grandchildren.
The family extends their sincere appreciation to the staff of Parke View for their respectful care given to Mom in the last days of her life.
Final arrangements have been entrusted to Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St, in Burley, where a visitation will be held Thursday, February 22, from 6:30 until 8 p.m.
A graveside service will be held the following day, Friday, February 23, at 11 a.m. in the Paul Cemetery.
Thanks Mom and Dad; Rest in Peace.
