Phyllis PowellHutchinson, KS

Phyllis Powell, 96, of Hutchinson, passed away peacefully at Sterling Village in Sterling, on February 1, 2026. She was born April 20,1929, to Otto and Lida (Brock) Zimmerman, in Otis, Kansas.

Phyllis was a 1946 graduate of Hutchinson High School. On October 17, 1950, she married Verne K. Powell in Bentonville, AR. They had been married 43 years at the time of his death on August 26, 1994.

Phyllis worked as a telephone operator in Hutchinson until her children were born, then she stayed at home to take care of them. She was a scout leader, she taught Bible classes, and they also managed the local Baskin Robbins. Phyllis was the ultimate caregiver. When her adult daughter, Susan, was stricken with cancer, Phyllis took care of her in their Hutchinson home until her passing on December 28, 1990.

Phyllis was preceded in death by: her parents; sister, Glendora; husband, Verne; and daughter, Susan Powell Evans.

Survivors include: a son, Kenneth "Brad" Powell of Hutchinson; a great-niece, Lisa Coonts; and Lisa’s children, Lyla and Miles of Kansas City.

Phyllis was a long-time member of the Eastwood Church of Christ in Hutchinson and looked forward to receiving her eternal reward in heaven and reuniting with Verne and Susan.

Phyllis will always be remembered as a "classy" lady. She always dressed sharply, and looked "perfect", regardless of the occasion (even though she never saw it that way). Phyllis loved to shop, and in her younger days you would see her driving around town in her 1987 Honda Civic Wagovan with the OU tag on front! Her favorite stores were Dillard's, Casual Corner, and JC Penney.  Phyllis would often have to go to Walmart for cat food because she was known as the "cat lady" of Crescent Blvd. She fed all the neighborhood feral cats for many years, right up into late 2025 when she finally needed to move into Sterling Village.

Phyllis will surely be missed by many here as a genuine and sincere friend.  She was a devoted wife and mother, but most importantly she remained committed to her Savior Jesus Christ until the time of her passing.  A life well-lived, good and faithful servant!

Phyllis' wishes were to be cremated and a graveside service at Memorial Park Cemetery will be announced later in the Spring.

Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Eastwood Church of Christ, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.