Born on November 2, 1964, in Springfield, Missouri, Sammye grew up in Granby, Missouri, and graduated from East Newton High School. After high school, she married her husband, Christopher Phelps. She spent her adult life in Los Angeles, Seattle, Palm Springs, Colorado Springs, and Kansas City, eventually settling in Overland Park.
Sammye had a successful career as a radio host and also worked in tech during the early days of internet radio and music streaming. In later years, she served as the Membership Manager for the Kansas City Barbecue Society.
A passionate singer, Sammye performed in bands and loved her karaoke league, often calling it the most fun she’d ever had. She was also an avid Kansas City Royals fan, with an encyclopedic knowledge of the team. Sammye’s church was very important to her and she served as a Deacon for many years. Her greatest joy in the last few years was spending time with her grandson, Milo.
Sammye was preceded in death by her father, George Pennell, and two brothers, George Quinton Pennell and Kevin Schif. She is survived by her husband, Christopher Phelps; daughters, Madeline Phelps-Jaworski and Isabel Presley; grandson, Milo James Presley; parents, Marshall and Helen Jo Silence; 31 nieces and nephews; and 7 great-nieces and nephews. Sammye will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 31, at 1:00 p.m. at First Christian Church of Olathe, 200 E. Loula Street, Olathe, KS 66101.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the First Christian Church of Olathe Food Pantry or the Uplift Organization (uplift.org).
