Phyllis Ann Jansen

Phyllis was born at Newman Hospital in Emporia, Kansas, daughter of Guy and Myrtle (Varvel) Hunter.

Guy had to borrow a tire from a neighbor first so they could get to Emporia (rubber was scarce then from WWII).

She grew up on a farm in Aliceville and went to school in a one room schoolhouse at Avondale. She was in the last graduating class before it closed down. She went to Westphalia High School. Phyllis went one year at Iola Junior College, then started at Blue Cross Blue Shield in Topeka.

She met her future husband at Gage Bowl in Topeka, in the fall of 1964. They married in May of 1965.

When she moved to Topeka, her parents cautioned her to stay away from those “Fly Boys”, and don’t marry a Catholic. Obviously, she didn’t listen.

They weren’t very crazy about Jess at first but grew pretty fond of him.

Phyllis loved music, took piano lessons, and played at the United Methodist Church in Aliceville, starting in grade school.

Phyllis loved watching the kids’ and grandkids’ sports, academic, and musical activities. She enjoyed bowling in mixed leagues with Jess. They bowled at Southwest Bowl with Gary and Esther White, at Meadow Lanes with Larry and Sandy Tucker, and later with Kim and Carla Emmons and really had a good time bowling with them.

She became a Cardinals fan (by marriage), usually going to a game with the Illinois relatives each summer during their vacation.

Phyllis really loved Jess’ family and friends. She thought they always treated her so special and really appreciated that. Coming from a small family (one sister that was 12 years older) to his family was kind of overwhelming at first, but a lot of good times.

The last three years have really been a struggle for her and she really appreciated everyone’s prayers and support, especially Father Tim’s. And a “Big Thank You” from all of the family.

Phyllis was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for 60 plus years, also a member of the Altar Sodality. She helped with the Germanfest for a number of years. Also, she served on the parish council, sang in the choir for Christmas and Easter celebrations as well as the Germanfest Mass.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Ina June (Dwight) Combs; father and mother-in-law, Anton and Anna Jansen; brothers-in-law, Paul (Agnes) Jansen, Andy Jansen, Ron Bottons; sisters-in-law, Jo Ann, Bess, and Gloria Jansen.

She is survived by her husband of 60+ years, Marcellus “Jess”; son, Brian; daughters, Michelle (Scot) Goacher, Karen (John) Fernandez, Becky (David) Dixon; grandchildren, Josh (Nicci) Jansen, Jordan (Stephen) Smith, Anthony Thompson, Audrey (Steven) Call, Chris Fernandez, Sydney Fernandez, Wyatt (Melissa) Goacher, Isaac Dixon, Hunter Dixon, Samantha Dixon; great grandchildren, Everest Jansen and Levi Call.

The family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, with a rosary at 6:00pm, Friday, March 13, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am, Saturday, March 14, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions should be made to Sacred Heart/ St. Joseph Parish, Holy Family School, or Midland Hospice, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.