Obituary

Phyllis Anne Tilson

Obituary

Phyllis Anne Tilson died Feb. 28, 2014, from the complications of cancer and Alzheimer's.

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 7, 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Arkansas City. Entombment of Ashes will be at the Veterans Cemetery, Winfield, at a later date.

Phyllis was born Feb. 8, 1935, to Warren and Hilda (Warkentin) Utterback in Newton. She was the oldest of three children.

Phyllis graduated from Newton High School in 1953 and attended Emporia Teacher's College (Emporia State University) for two years. She was the president of her sorority, Sigma, Sigma, Sigma. She worked for the Santa Fe Railway as a messenger/PBX Operator during summer vacations while in college.

Phyllis married Kyle Tilson in 1956. They had two daughters. Phyllis and Kyle moved to Arkansas City in 1960, where she lived the rest of her life.

Phyllis worked at the Arkansas City Public Library for 26 years, retiring in February 1995. In honor of her service to the library, Feb. 28, 1995, was designated as Phyllis Tilson Day by the city of Arkansas City.

Phyllis was an active member of her church, Arkansas City First United Methodist Church, participating in the church choir, various circles and district offices. She served as the wedding coordinator for more than 50 weddings. Phyllis was also a dedicated community volunteer, giving her time and talents to many organizations, including BPW, ABWA, the Arkansas City Music and Dramatics Club, the Arkansas City Lioness Club and then the Early Bird Lions Club. She served as president for both Lions clubs.

After retirement, Phyllis and Kyle traveled extensively. They visited all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia. They wintered in south Texas for 17 years.

She is survived by her husband, Kyle; daughters, Kristin (Mike Jadud) and Laura (Jeff Carroll); granddaughters, Chloe and Rebecca; and her sister, Susan Kimbrough.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Edwin Utterback.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be given to the Arkansas City Public Library. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Arrangements are being made through the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home of Arkansas City. Online condolences may be made at www.rindt-erdman.com.