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Phyllis Watkins Obituary
A Life of Family, Friends, Service, and Courage.
Phyllis Ann Meitl was born on August 14, 1949 in Oakley, Kansas. The fourth of nine children of Philip and Eleanor Meitl, Phyllis was the laid-back child whose love for others manifested itself as a loving daughter and sister and a dedicated friend. Her easy-going personality was coupled with a strong desire to find joy in life. It is with that same joy that all of us who loved her commend her to her eternal rest.
Phyllis was blessed with over 44 years of marriage to her dedicated husband, Dan. Together, they raised a dynamic family of four sons: Matthew, Andrew, Patrick and D.J. For Phyllis, baseball, basketball and soccer games were more than a pastime and piano lessons and mowing lawns were more than hobbies or simply jobs. As their mother, with Dan's support, Phyllis used these enjoyments and endeavors as teaching tools to instill values that carry on in the lives of their children, their spouses, and her five grandchildren.
Throughout her life, the door to home was not only open, but welcoming to many. Friends will forever treasure the memories of the good times spent in Dan and Phyllis' kitchen and in their company, anywhere. Before she was set back with the symptoms of MS, she set an example for her sports-minded sons, pitching softball for Archie Dykes and setting and spiking volleyballs for the Dry Heaves.
Phyllis' teaching career best revealed her dedication to serving others. Phyllis loved books and loved to read. And, after a few years of teaching, Phyllis went back to school to get her Master's Degree in Library Science. She made lasting friendships in service to children and her library colleagues.
It is the courage with which Phyllis faced her greatest challenge in life for what she may best be remembered. With a determination to not simply survive, Phyllis practically ignored her diagnosis of MS for some 25 years. The dignity and strength with which she handled this struggle helped define the final chapter of her life enriching our lives in the process.
The family would especially like to thank Phyllis' long-time kind and compassionate caregivers – Carolyn, Deidre, and Terri from VNA - and Carol Pilant, Linda Beilman, and Carol Reynolds who spent many hours with her, reading and helping her enjoy life.
A visitation will be held at Warren McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 4, 2018. All are invited to join the family for fellowship following the visitation in the basement of the Burger Stand at 803 Massachusetts starting at 5:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church at 1234 Kentucky in Lawrence at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 5, 2018 with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at the Cider Gallery following the burial.
Contributions in her memory can be made to the National MS Society or Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Watkins
Manny King
July 18, 2025
I know it´s been awhile but I remember bringing you a dreamcatcher to pray over you. Our Cheyenne people believe we return to the Milky Way and we when we look up there, a star is smiling at us telling us you´re okay when they twinkle. Thank you for taking my children in and being there for them. May Mah´eo (Creator God) bless you and all the goodness you blessed everyone with.
Beth Ankerholz
January 28, 2019
What a nice thing that the mortuary reminds people that the pain of losing a loved continued continues over time. Phyllis was a warm, caring individual and I'm certain she is still missed dearly by her loving family. I'm thinking of you as the anniversary of Phyllis passing is upon us.
Beth Welsh
February 20, 2018
To Phyllis' family
It was my pleasure to work with Phyllis while I was involved with the library program in Lawrence. She was a strong, but easy going dedicated and very intelligent lady. Her strength is a lesson for us all. She will be missed by many.
Karen Bigsby Finstad
February 10, 2018
Dan, Phyliss was an inspiration to all. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. God be with you all at this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Laurie Culling
February 8, 2018
Dan and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Phyllis was a wonderful woman.
McDonald Family
February 5, 2018
A wonderful woman and a wonderful family. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Beth Ankerholz
February 5, 2018
Dan and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Phyllis always being cheerful no matter what life dealt her. She was an inspiration.
Leslie Reynard
February 4, 2018
Dan and family, we send our loving thoughts and prayers to you. Love lives forever; grief does not. Leslie Reynard and Joe Skeeba
Leslie Reynard
February 4, 2018
Dan and family, we send our loving thoughts and prayers to you. Love lives forever; grief does not. Leslie Reynard and Joe Skeeba
Phyllis Tocco
February 4, 2018
Heaven awaits Phyllis. God bless her caretakers especially her husband Dan who showed true love ❤ My sympathy to the Watkins family
Paul Stuewe
February 4, 2018
As a fellow teacher I enjoyed talking with Phyllis and having her wonderful kids in my class. She was a great mother, teacher, and human being. I am sorry for your loss.
Paul Horvath
February 4, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Paul Horvath
February 3, 2018
Dan and family, Very sorry for you lost.
Sandra Lenihan Mostyn
February 3, 2018
My heart aches as I remember Phyllis and her terrifically strong spirit. Even in the throws of MS, her smile lit up the room. Thank you for your generosity and beautiful spirit, Phyllis! My condolences to all her family and friends of which there are many. May we all have a little Phyllis in us!
Mary Burchill
February 3, 2018
I so enjoyed serving time with Phyllis on the Library Board. My thoughts are with you.
Barb (Watkins) Sack
February 3, 2018
What an inspirational woman. We will miss her terribly, but we are all better for having had her in our lives. https://photos.app.goo.gl/xIHfjrtJWf4A12VG2
Micheline Burger
February 3, 2018
So sorry for your loss.
Dennis Harris
February 3, 2018
My respect and condolences to Dan, Phyllis and Dan's sons, and the extended family members.
Bryan Wyatt
February 3, 2018
So sorry to hear of Phyllis's passing. I grew up across the street on Ohio from Dan, Phyllis and a couple of the kids before moving away. I have very fond memories of Phyllis and her kind nature while growing up. My heart goes out to Dan and the boys. RIP Phyllis
Shirley Domer
February 3, 2018
Phyllis was a lovely, courageous woman whose contributions to to her community will long impact many individual lives. Condolence to Dan, her sons, and her extended family.
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Memorial Events
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Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Warren-McElwain Mortuary & Cremation Services - Lawrence Chapel120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
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Warren-McElwain Mortuary & Cremation Services - Lawrence Chapel120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
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