Phyllis Nelson Obituary

Phyllis Nelson, 86, of Baldwin City, KS died Saturday September 6, 2025 at Neuvant House in Lawrence, Kansas.

She was born November 23, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois the daughter of Stewart Johnson and Helen (Nyberg) Johnson. She later graduated from Blue Island High School in Chicago with the class of 1955. Phyllis would go on to Augustana College in Rock Island, IL where she completed her degree in 1959, majoring in Art.

On July 19, 1958, Phyllis was united in marriage to Victor Eugene "Gene" Nelson at Rock Island, IL. They shared over sixty-four years of loving marriage.

Phyllis worked in the business department at Baker University after her children were older. She eventually became the Financial Aide assistant working in that position for many years until she became the Financial Aide Director at Baker University, retiring in 2008.

Art was always a part of Phyllis and her life. She loved being a member of the Pottery Guild in Baldwin City and spent many years selling her artistic wares at the Maple Leaf Festival. She was also very active in the Lumberyard Arts Center. Later in her life she became an active member of the First United Methodist Church and loved volunteering her time to the church.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gene Nelson; her parents, Stewart and Helen Johnson and infant brother.

Phyllis is survived by two sons, Jon Nelson and his wife, Dona, Lawrence, KS, Don Nelson and his wife, Rochelle, Carbondale, KS; eight grandchildren, Amy, Cody, Gabriel, Helen, Isaac, Lynnea, Victor Glen, Victor Robert; three step grandchildren, Gary, Nicole and LeighAnn; and eleven great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday September 12, 2025 at First United Methodist Church, Baldwin City, KS. To celebrate Phyllis's life, a visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday September 10, 2025 at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, 712 Ninth St, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Memorial contributions may be made to the Baker University Scholarship Fund and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.