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)
