Phyllis was born on November 5, 1937, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to George J. Keller and Carmene Willie (Warren) Keller.
She graduated from PC High School and went on to pursue a career in nursing. In 1972, she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification in Alma, Michigan. Continuing her education, she graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1983, earning her bachelor’s degree and becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
Phyllis lived in Michigan from 1968 to 1973 before returning to Oklahoma, where she made her home.
She enjoyed the listening to her favorite country and disco music. Her favorite colors were pink and purple, and a perfect day for Phyllis was one spent shopping and creating treasured memories through scrapbooking.
Phyllis had a special way of teaching those around her the importance of patience and kindness. She would want to be remembered as a loving mother and grandma “DeDe.”
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Richard “Rick” Hecht and her beloved daughter, Lori Ellis, who passed away in 2025.
She is survived by her daughter, Kris Helton, and her husband, Morris Helton, of Yukon, Oklahoma; her son-in-law, Mark Ellis, of Yukon, Oklahoma; and her grandchildren: Andrea and her wife, Brandy Limbocker; Shannon and her husband, Andrew Welch; Phillip and his wife, Rebecaa Borghee; Alex and his wife, Carrie Borghee; and Kailey O’Day and her partner, Justin Moore.
Her legacy continues through her twelve great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and one on the way. She is also survived by her devoted caregiver, Charlene Jester of Visiting Angels; her beloved fur babies, Sassy and Bear; and her best friend, Linda Brienco, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Though Phyllis will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
A visitation will be held on October 15, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Funeral Home and her service will take place on October 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Funeral Home. Her final resting place will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
