Phyllis was born in Alliance, Nebraska, on January 12, 1939, to Merle and Ellen Pollat of Bayard. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Ellen; husband, Richard; brother Jackie; and grandson, Nicholas. She is survived by her daughter, Judy; granddaughter, Jennifer McMurtry, and close sister- in-law, Carol Roberts.

During her life, Phyllis would often find peace and joy around horses and on her family’s farm along the tri-state. Her grandparents farmed watermelons, tomatoes, and onions. She retold stories of being able to eat as many unsold tomatoes as her heart desired and how good they tasted. In her teens, she became her dad, Merle’s, finest right-hand woman, handling driving teams, tractors, and assisting with the hayfields and ending long, hard days with evenings of homemade entertainment- playing instruments and telling stories. Her mom, Ellen, was sure to have something delicious to share: cake, cookies, but most of all love. All of which

they shared with anyone who stopped by!

Her education was equally adventurous. She rode her horse to and from elementary school in Snell School District 25, and later, as a McGrew Bobcat, she participated in volleyball and band until graduating in 1957. She made lifelong school friends who rallied around each other and kept in touch all these years later.

Phyllis married Richard Smith, and together they built a life in McGrew. In February 1965, they were blessed with their daughter, Judy Ann.

Phyllis kept herself occupied and continued learning through various careers, including sorting and harvesting potatoes for local farms, sewing at the Jerry Co., supervising at Midwic, and cooking at Chimney Rock Villa for nearly 20 years.

Her grandchildren, Nicholas and Jennifer McMurtry, and her bonus grandson, Tyson Draper, were her pride and joy. She loved attending their school activities, supporting them in Boy Scouts and 4-H, and took special pride in teaching her granddaughter the ropes of horsemanship. These were treasured times for all.

Phyllis and Richard joined Judy in Bayard, where she lovingly cared for both of them through their final days. Her family admired her determination and ability to remain at home and live a quiet, happy life, despite multiple medical scares. She remained independent until these last few months, when she received care at Mitchell Care Center, where she was blessed with excellent support and meaningful new friendships.

Phyllis loved to read and questioned everything.We believe that she now has every answer.

The family kindly requests financial support to help cover funeral expenses. Contributions may be made directly to Judy Deaver or viaVenmo (@ jenniemc08). For those who wish to make a non-monetary contribution, the family asks that donations be made to the RegionalWest Blood Bank, whose transfusions gave Phyllis more than a decade of cherished time with her loved ones.

Fond memories and condolences may be left at www. dugankramer.com for the Smith family. Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.