Phyllis Eileen Kellerman
June 2, 2026
Phyllis Eileen (Way) Kellerman, 94, died Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Wichita KS. She was born April 7, 1932, in Dodge City, KS., to Harvey and Marjorie “Mudge” (Krisle) Way. She married James “Jim” V. Kellerman in 1952, in her hometown of Fowler, KS. Jim and Phyllis observed their 50th wedding anniversary just three days prior to his death in 2002.
Phyllis was a graduate of Fowler High School and Fort Hays State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in elementary education. During her career, she taught hundreds of elementary school students in Copeland KS, Mullinville KS and at Wilson Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School in Hays. She was active in the communities where she and Jim lived, including WaKeeney, Copeland, Greensburg and Hays.
Phyllis was active in her church, first as a member of First United Methodist Church (Hays) and later at the North Oak Community Church (Hays). She served many organizations and people in numerous ways throughout her life. She was known for her close relationships and support of women students from China who attended Fort Hays State University. Her viewpoint on foreign relations was that “we are less likely to have a war with friends than enemies.”
Phyllis was a collector of Chinese memorabilia, dolls from her childhood and donkey figurines which she started collecting when she and Jim owned a summer home in the historic gold mining town of Cripple Creek, CO. She gave away many of her donkey figurines as tokens of friendship and a large number to the Donkey History Museum in Mesquite, Nevada. She and Jim travelled in the United States and Europe and enjoyed attending country and gospel music concerts.
Most importantly, Phyllis was a devoted daughter, spouse, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her final wish was to thank her many relatives and friends for helping to make her life a joyous ride. Her final words were “Pray. Pray.”
She is preceded in death by her husband, James and her father and mother. She is survived by two sons, Rick (Janet) of Wichita and Mark (Rebecca) of Hays, five grandchildren [Laura Geritz-McPhail (Robb), Katherine Kellerman, Michael Kellerman, John Kellerman and James Kellerman (Shelby)], one great-grandchild (Calvin Kellerman), other relatives and a host of friends.
A private, family-only burial service was held at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, Stuttgart, KS on June 6, 2026.
Memorials may be designated to the Fort Hays State University Foundation, One Tiger Place, Hays, Kansas 67601 or https://foundation.fhsu.edu/ for student scholarships.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Phyllis Eileen Kellerman 's name.
Fort Hays State University Foundation
One Tiger Place
Hays,
KS
67601
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Rick and Mark, so sorry to hear about your mom. Prayers and hugs for you both and your families. So hard to loose your mom. Moms are very special individuals!
Rick, Janet and family,
Buck and I send you warm condolences in memory of your dear mother. Her life was well lived and those who knew her are better for knowing and loving her. I was so lucky to be close to her for many years. We shared many good times and she walked with me through some tough ones. She remains “Mom P” to me and her warmth shines through in the memories we formed. May you be comforted in knowing that her love was shared by many. Love, Sherri and Buck and family
Rick, Mark and family, we are so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. Know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Phyllis will be sadly missed, but her kind demeanor and smile will never be forgotten.
RICK AND FAMILY,
WE CERTAINLY ENJOYED OUR TIME WITH PHYLLIS IN HAYS. SHE WOULD OFTEN SAY…..”I HAVE JUST ONE MORE STORY TO TELL, THEN I WILL LET YOU GO!” SHE WAS A JEWEL TO SO MANY OVER THE YEARS.
ROGER & TONI LOHRMEYER
So sorry to hear about your mom. Such a special lady. One of my daughters was so blessed
to have had her as a teacher. Phyllis was a sister Red Hatter. Always enjoyed visiting with her. Such neat stories she had to tell. Missed her after she moved to Wichita. Jennie Ellner
Such a sweet funny lady. I loved visiting with her. Her nephew Kerri worked at the bank with me. Going to his wedding, at the dance that evening she went around the room and ask men to dance with me and 2 co-workers. She had a funny story about going to the doctor and what all happened there. She was a neat lady and will be missed. Sympathy to the family.