Phyllis Lorraine Schell

Phyllis Lorraine Schell, 88, of Wichita, Kansas, was born March 17th, 1938, in Oxford, Kansas, and was called to be with the Lord on June 19th, 2026. Born to Frank and Veda (Edmunds) West, Phyllis carried forward a life shaped by steady devotion and the quiet strength of a heart that knew how to endure, how to work, and how to love—fully and faithfully.

From the beginning, family was her first language. She grew up alongside her brother, Bill West, and later graduated from Oxford High School. Those early years shaped her into a woman whose life would be marked by steadfast devotion and quiet resilience. In time, she built a family of her own that became the center of her days and the measure of her joy.

Phyllis was married to Lee Schell for 70 years prior to his passing in March of 2026—a long companionship marked by shared seasons and steadfast commitment. Together they raised their son, Kent Allen Schell, and their daughter, Debbie Lee Nordyke. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Veda West; her husband, Lee Schell; and her son, Kent Schell. She is survived by her brother, Bill West; her daughter, Debbie Nordyke; her sister-in-law, Carol Schell; and her granddaughters, Megan (Andy) Frieze, Mandy (Mike) Lygrisse, Jennifer and Jessica Schell, as well as 7 amazing great grandchildren.

A faithful presence in her community, Phyllis held a church affiliation with Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Her faith was not merely spoken—it was lived in the everyday ways she showed up for others, in the steadiness of her care, and in the resilient grace she carried through life’s changes.

Phyllis had the hands of a master gardener and the patient eye of someone who could see beauty before it bloomed. She loved her time planting flowers, and in the life she cultivated—both in soil and in spirit—there was always room for one more blossom, one more visitor, one more reason to gather. In younger years, she and Lee shared a love of the lake, spending treasured time on Grand Lake, OK, where their days were shaped by water, sun, and the simple happiness of being together.

When the boating years gave way to quieter rhythms, Phyllis poured her energy into a backyard that became a lovingly tended oasis. The pool in that backyard did more than sparkle in the Kansas light—it held laughter, learning, and the kind of family memories that endure. Countless grandkids and great grandkids learned to swim there, and her back gate “knew no stranger,” welcoming friends and family into what many came to think of as a little slice of paradise.

She loved her KU Jayhawks and WSU Shocker basketball, faithfully watching their seasons on TV, and she cherished the everyday comforts that made life sweet: a good cup of coffee, a homemade pie, a morning breakfast with a friend. Always hard-working and always moving, she kept herself active with her “feet in the street,” finding purpose in a new project around the house and joy in the steady motion of a life well lived.

Most notably, Phyllis was known for the way she loved her grandkids and great grandkids—deeply, attentively, and with a devotion that made each one feel seen. She was involved in their activities and interests and made it a point to be at all the events that she could. In so many ways, she made a living out of being an amazing grandma, granny, and Gigi—beloved and cherished not only for what she did, but for the warmth and constancy she brought to every moment.

Phyllis went to be with the Lord surrounded by her family. Her life remains a testament to faithful love, resilient strength, and the enduring beauty of a heart that gave generously—again and again—right up to the end.

The Memorial Service and Reception will be held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church August 7th, 2026 with Graveside service to be held at Lakeview Cemetery following Memorial Service.