1944
Phyllis
2024
Phyllis Gerdsen
April 11, 1944 — June 5, 2024
Phyllis Ann Gerdsen, 80, of Canyon, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
Phyllis was born on April 11, 1944 in Canyon to Herbert and Alice (Kuehn) Gerdsen. In 1962, she graduated from Canyon High School. She was a classmate and friend of Terry Funk, and they continued their friendship until his passing in August of 2023. In 1967, Phyllis received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from West Texas State University, now West Texas A&M University. Phyllis taught in Pampa and Hereford, and then taught at Lakeview Elementary in Canyon. After her retirement, she continued her love of teaching by tutoring and helping students with their reading.
Phyllis always loved the Lord and was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where she enjoyed playing the piano and organ for many years. She will be lovingly remembered for her kind and gentle spirit, always wanting to do the right thing, and her passion to help others. She was a longtime member and supporter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. In addition to loving music, Phyllis enjoyed many crafts.
With a great heart for generosity, Phyllis, along with her late brother and sister, gifted the Gerdsen Family Centennial Ranch to the West Texas A&M University Foundation for the purpose of agricultural education and research. This land will benefit generations of students and is a true tribute to her family.
Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Henry 'Hank' Gerdsen, and her brother-in-law, (Ret.) LTC Stanley R. Prichard. She is survived by her sister, Rosemary Prichard, of Plano, Texas, cousins Charlie and wife Andrea Kuehn of Canyon, Texas, Susan and husband Duane Drake of La Jolla, California, their families, and many friends whom she loved dearly.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to West Texas A&M University Foundation, Box 60766, Canyon, Texas, 79016, for the Gerdsen Family Centennial Ranch endowment or your favorite charity. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors.
Phyllis was born on April 11, 1944 in Canyon to Herbert and Alice (Kuehn) Gerdsen. In 1962, she graduated from Canyon High School. She was a classmate and friend of Terry Funk, and they continued their friendship until his passing in August of 2023. In 1967, Phyllis received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from West Texas State University, now West Texas A&M University. Phyllis taught in Pampa and Hereford, and then taught at Lakeview Elementary in Canyon. After her retirement, she continued her love of teaching by tutoring and helping students with their reading.
Phyllis always loved the Lord and was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where she enjoyed playing the piano and organ for many years. She will be lovingly remembered for her kind and gentle spirit, always wanting to do the right thing, and her passion to help others. She was a longtime member and supporter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. In addition to loving music, Phyllis enjoyed many crafts.
With a great heart for generosity, Phyllis, along with her late brother and sister, gifted the Gerdsen Family Centennial Ranch to the West Texas A&M University Foundation for the purpose of agricultural education and research. This land will benefit generations of students and is a true tribute to her family.
Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Henry 'Hank' Gerdsen, and her brother-in-law, (Ret.) LTC Stanley R. Prichard. She is survived by her sister, Rosemary Prichard, of Plano, Texas, cousins Charlie and wife Andrea Kuehn of Canyon, Texas, Susan and husband Duane Drake of La Jolla, California, their families, and many friends whom she loved dearly.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to West Texas A&M University Foundation, Box 60766, Canyon, Texas, 79016, for the Gerdsen Family Centennial Ranch endowment or your favorite charity. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Phyllis Gerdsen, please visit our flower store.
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