Phyllis Marie Kean

The family moved to Tieton, Washington where the children were raised and schooled. Phyllis graduated from Highland High School and had been co-valedictorian of her graduating class. Notably she had the winning entry for the City of Yakima Chamber of Commerce "Name the Parade" contest. She won fifty dollars for her "Sunfair" entry. At the same time, she was honing her skills for her second passion to come "Quilting". She was making and selling Barbie Doll clothing. Phyllis displayed her sewing skills by taking first place in a state fair sewing contest and winning a new sewing machine.

Phyllis was an avid bowler, winning many trophies. Traveling, touring and sightseeing were also a joy to Phyllis, including annual family gatherings to Tipsoo Lake and Rimrock Lake. The Seattle World's Fair and the California attractions were also visited.

Phyllis worked at the Yakima Herald Republic, Yakima Planning Department, State Seed Branch, DSHS Vocational Rehab and eventually retiring from the Personnel Department at Yakima Valley School. During her employment at the State Seed Branch, she met Robert Kean, a kind Christian man. They were married in 1968. With the marriage, Phyllis gained two stepsons, Tom and Larry. The family resided in West Valley. Both parents working while the children finished their schooling.

Phyllis and Bob loved the outdoors, family gatherings and traveling. Phyllis loved to read and the beauty of flowers. She also enjoyed gardening, antique and doll collecting with Bob. With the addition of grandchildren, Phyllis and Bob began a new phase and very much enjoyed being grandparents, involving themselves in the grandchildren's activities and childhood.

The unexpected passing of Bob in 2006 brought many changes for Phyllis. A change of residence, more time with the grandchildren and the weekly get together with her quilting group of friends. Phyllis also enjoyed browsing for clothing, jewelry and FABRIC.

A debilitating stroke in 2017 started an arduous backslide into residing in assisted living facilities. Her determination and stubbornness (the armor worn by the fiercely independent) gave us a little more time with Phyllis. But time and health has changed that too. The family wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of her loving caregivers over the last seven years. Phyllis will be missed in our lives. Knowing she is no longer suffering and united with family that led the way, will temper the grief. But the strength, determination, and values she instilled in us will remain.

Phyllis is survived by her sister, Janice (Jodie) Hensley, nephew, Terry (Debbie) Hensley, niece, Cheryl (Steve) Daughtrey; son, Michael (Candace) Hayenga and grandson, Chad Carpenter; daughter Susan (John) Walkenhauer; grandchildren, Brian (Andrea) Walkenhauer and Kevin (Jessica) Walkenhauer and great grandchildren, Cole, Cara, Kinsley and Kaden Walkenhauer; stepson Tom Kean and granddaughter Heidi Burris; stepson Larry (Janet) Kean and numerous nieces and nephews.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Kean, her parents Arthur and Anna Dehne and brothers, Merlin Dehne and Willard Dehne.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Keith & Keith Funeral Home. A Funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024 at West Valley Missionary Church, 11107 Wide Hollow Rd. Yakima, WA 98908. Interment will follow at West Hills Memorial Park. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.