Phyllis Bretches Buchanan

Phyllis Bretches Buchanan, 97, died Monday, October 23, 2023 at Wichita Presbyterian Manor. She was born September 25, 1926, in San Bernardino, CA, to Everett and Twila Heasty Bretches. Her father died when Phyllis was 2, and she spent her childhood in Wichita, Sumner County, KS, Oklahoma and California. She married Paul Buchanan November 24, 1967, and they enjoyed more than 55 years of marriage, supporting each other in their jobs and other pursuits. They loved to travel, including making trips to China and Africa, along with many visits to Santa Fe and Yellowstone National Park. They also shared a love of art, history and most importantly, their Christian faith.She was preceded in death by her husband, who died April 5, 2023, her parents, two brothers, and her first husband, Kenneth McJimsey. They married in 1946. He died in 1962.She is survived by multiple nieces and nephews.She attended Sterling College, and later worked for several oil companies based in Wichita. She was a devoted member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, and a long-time member the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America and the Daughters of the American Revolution, including a term as president of the state chapter. She compiled an exhaustive family genealogy and collected perfume bottles.She had an indomitable spirit and was cheerful and friendly despite multiple health issues during the last few years of her life.Services will be Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1958 N. Webb Road, Wichita, with burial in the old Chikaskia United Presbyterian Church yard in Sumner County, alongside many other family members.Memorials to Eastminster Presbyterian Church.Services in care of Downing and Lahey East Mortuary.