She was born November 15, 1933 to Homer Charles Baxter and Hazel Lucille (Brown) Baxter. She graduated from Torrington High School in Torrington, Wyoming in 1950 and married Kenneth “Bud” Vondra in 1951. They farmed and ranched southwest of Lusk, Wyoming where they enjoyed the gatherings of family, friends and community while raising their two sons, James (June 19, 1952) and William (July 19,1954). Along with farming and ranching Phyllis worked as a waitress in Lusk, Wyoming, was an Avon Sales Representative and drove school bus for the Moore Springs School. In 1966 she began course work on a degree in education with her first classes in Torrington, Wyoming at Goshen County Community College. After graduation from the University of Wyoming she taught for Goshen County Schools in Torrington. Later she moved to the Denver, Colorado and served as Director of Admissions at Accelerated Schools (1982-1988) She was an Admission Counselor at Denver Automotive and Diesel College (1990’s) She sold insurance and was a financial planner, as well as a real estate agent and a trainer for real estate agents. She divorced and later married Ron Graebing in (1984).
You knew Phyllis was in the room with her boisterous and memorable laugh. She loved fashion and was always in style. As a teacher she was loved by her students because she made learning fun while she encouraged growth, imagination and work ethic. Phyllis enjoyed Bronco Games and tailgating with her Graebing Family. She carried a get-together with her fantastic spirit for life. She took pride in her home and loved patio flowers. Other interests included cruise travel, gambling and shopping. She was a steadfast warrior who overcame as she continually pressed forward and remained as positive as possible.
She is survived by her daughter in law Melede Vondra Kaplan and her husband Richard of Henderson, Nevada, Grandchildren; Cody Vondra and wife Christina DVM, Candice Bradley, Matthew Bradley, Step Grand Siblings Courtney Justine Kaplan, Robbie Kaplan. Sister in Laws; Pat Kuns and Mac Vondra; nieces Bobbie Kuns, Judy Buhr and Janet Zimmerman; nephews; Kevin Kuns and Bernie Schnorenberg; Ron Graebing Stepsiblings; John Graebing and wife Kellie, Missy Graebing and partner Andrea, Cassie Graebing and son Brandon; Stepsibling; Marcia Hort, Special Friends; Janie LaCroix and Jack Hughes.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth “Bud” Vondra, her sons James Vondra (6/29/2008), William Vondra (9/22/1968) and husband Ron Graebing (09/01/2013).
Arrangements are under the direction of Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary where she will be buried next to her husband Ron.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Powder River Veterinarian Clinic, 537 Sussex Ln., Kaycee Wyoming 82639 for Animals in Need. Vondra-Graebing Memorial.
