Phyllis Darnell Purcell, the daughter of Earl and Maude (Lyne) McGeary, was born Dec. 17, 1931, in Lincoln County, Kansas. She died Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the Jewell County Hospital Long Term Care at Mankato, Kansas, at the age of 91 years, 5 months, 13 days.

Phyllis attended a Vesper Kansas country school and graduated from Montrose High School. She was a member of the Webber Community Church.

She was united in marriage to Eugene Purcell on June 9, 1950, at Colby, Kansas. This union was blessed with three children. Phyllis was a cook for the Montrose and Superior Schools for many years.

Phyllis was a member of the United Methodist Women, serving as secretary for many years, the Valley View Club and the Webber Wide Awake 4-H Club. She entered Jewell County Long Term Care in July of 2022 and resided there until her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Maude; husband Eugene on Nov. 23, 2009; daughter Deanna Reed; five sisters, Betty Price, Lois Cheney, Doris Nelson and Nina Snyder; her brother, Dwayne McGeary; and grandson, Kajaw Griffiths.

Survivors include her children, Dianna Gatewood of Salina, Kansas, and Bradley (Tracy) Purcell of Superior, Nebraska; six grandchildren, Houston (Matt) Becker, Chase Purcell and friend Alli Foy, Karie Griffiths, Jeneka Kelly, Stacy Green and Michael Purcell; nine great-grandchildren; her sister, Bonnie (Frank) Langer, of Superior; a sister-in-law, Avadon McGeary, of Clearwater, Kansas; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Her funeral was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 5, 2023, from Megrue-Price Funeral Home in Superior, Nebraska with Betty Bouray officiating.

Music was recordings of "It Is Well With My Soul," "I'll Fly Away," and "Amazing Grace."

Visitation was held on Sunday from 4 to 8 with the family present from 4 to 6 to greet friends.

Pallbearers were Levi Schultz, Logan Christiancy, Payton Christiancy, Howard Schultz, Chase Purcell and Matt Becker.

Interment was in the Pleasant View Cemetery near Montrose, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to go to Webber Community Church.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of http://www.pricefuneral homes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.