Phyllis Marie Lee, 82, passed away peacefully at Lawrence Memorial Hospital on November 10, 2022, surrounded by her loving husband Larry and daughters Cathy and Carol.
Phyllis was born on April 25, 1940, in Garnett, Kansas to parents Robert E. Allen and Grace. Phyllis was raised by her father Robert until he met and won the heart of Ruth M. Jones, and they married April 14, 1946.
She had 3 daughters, Laura, Cathy, and Carol with her first husband, who moved them from Garnett to Lawrence in 1968. They divorced in 1978. While working at Hallmark Cards and being admired from afar, Larry James got the nerve to finally ask her out, they spent a wonderful 44 years together.
Phyllis worked at Hallmark Cards as a machine operator and retired after 25 years and from Lawrence Journal World after 6 years. She then became the Queen of Sweaters-N-Things, selling her many handmade treasures at as many craft shows, county festivals and holiday bazaars should fit into the year.
She was preceded in death by her sister Malissa Allen August 12, 1984, by her parents Robert March 11, 2002, and Ruth Allen October 10, 2020, daughter Laura Guinn (Jim) July 30, 2020, and great granddaughter Chloe Nieder January 1, 2012.
Phyllis is survived by her husband Larry James, daughters Cathy Montgomery (Brian), Carol Lee-Emery (Mike), her eight grandchildren: Jessica Floren (Brian), Jamie Guinn, Kara Nieder, Patrick Nieder, Matthew Guinn (Carrie), Brandon Montgomery, Brandie Spencer (Jeremy), and Travis Rose (Candance) 19 great-grandchildren and the awaited blessing of her 20th great grandchild. Siblings: Fred McGinnis (Patricia), Charles Allen (Becky), Robert Allen (Pamela) and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday November 20, 2022, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions on behalf of Phyllis to the American Cancer Society (hhtps://donate3.cancer.org) or Lawrence Humane Society (https://lawrencehumane.org)
Larry
I was so sorry to hear about Phyllis passing. Always enjoyed visiting with her at the shows.
Phyllis was always such a joy to be around, enjoyed working with her at Hallmark Cards. Prayers to you all during this time.
Dear Larry & Family, I am here to tell you that at this moment, no matter how you are individually processing this experience, YOU ARE ALL STRONGER THAN YOU KNOW! Sometimes we are unaware of our inner strength until a moment (expected or not) pulls us in. It’s often then, whether through choice of perseverance or natural supports, we find the encouraging presence of power & strength we never thought possible. Love always Barbara & Loletha ❤️
Larry, so sorry to hear about the loss of Phyllis, she will be missed
I’m sorry to hear of Phyllis’s passing. She was always fun to see at Hallmark. She was never in a bad mood. God bless.
Larry and family, so sorry for the loss of your loved one. My condolences and prayers for your healing.
Larry and family, so sorry to hear of Phyllis’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with her.
Larry and familly so sorry for your loss of Phillis she was always a caring person and a long time. May she rest in peace.
I’m so sorry Larry and family. I remember our times running all over Springfield looking for flea markets while you guys were bowling. Good times . I will miss her smile and her ability to help any one who needed help . She always had answers .
My condolences to Larry and the family. I knew Phillis as a quilting sister. From the first time I met her until her passing we had great conversations that will remain my memories. RIP My friend. Muriel Cook
Larry and Family .Sorry to hear the passing of Phyllis .She was a good friend and a co worker. Always had a smile . RIP .
Great friend Larry and rest of family, so sorry for your loss of Phyllis, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Larry and family, I am so sorry to hear of Phyllis passing. She was a great person.
Larry, our condolences of Phyllis’s passing
Larry and family, so sorry to hear of her passing. She was so much fun to work with and I cherish the sweaters I have that she made. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Larry & Family, i m so sorry to her of Phllis’s passing. She was one of the good ones. Always happyto see you. She will be missed.
Sorry to hear of your loss. I know she will be missed.
Larry and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Phyllis was such a sweet lady and was always a pleasure to be around; I know she will be missed.
Phyllis had a beautiful smile and a good soul. She always was so warm and friendly. She will be missed. Larry and family, I’m very sorry. May your good memories comfort you. Always be sure to share stories of Phyllis with each other. She is definitely watching over all of you from above.
My heart breaks for you Larry, knowing all you experienced over the years. Please know prayers are going up for you in your days ahead. That is exactly what Aunt Dale and Uncle Joe would want me to do. Sending love your way, Cuz.
Larry I’m so sorry this really hurts I’m definitely going to miss Phyllis coming cross the yard when I pull up to tell me all about the craft show she was so good to my daughter and grandkids we really going to miss her praying for the family
We will miss seeing her so much! She was such a loving neighbor/friend. Prayers to you Larry. Let us know if you need anything. Prayers also to the family❤️
Larry James and family of Phillis Lee. We’re so sorry to hear of Phillis ‘s passing. She was so much fun to be around at work. Could make anyone’s bad day , a much better one. She will definitely be missed. RIP. Sweet lady.
Larry and family. I am so sorry to hear about Phyllis. Enjoyed working with her. Prayers to all.
Larry and family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Phyllis. I liked working with her very much, and she always seemed to have a smile on her face. Prayers for peace for you all.
Larry and family. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Phyllis. May she rest peacefully in a pain free world.