Phyllis Eileen (Way) Kellerman, 94, died Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Wichita KS. She was born April 7, 1932, in Dodge City, KS., to Harvey and Marjorie “Mudge” (Krisle) Way. She married James “Jim” V. Kellerman in 1952, in her hometown of Fowler, KS. Jim and Phyllis observed their 50th wedding anniversary just three days prior to his death in 2002.
Phyllis was a graduate of Fowler High School and Fort Hays State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in elementary education. During her career, she taught hundreds of elementary school students in Copeland KS, Mullinville KS and at Wilson Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School in Hays. She was active in the communities where she and Jim lived, including WaKeeney, Copeland, Greensburg and Hays.
Phyllis was active in her church, first as a member of First United Methodist Church (Hays) and later at the North Oak Community Church (Hays). She served many organizations and people in numerous ways throughout her life. She was known for her close relationships and support of women students from China who attended Fort Hays State University. Her viewpoint on foreign relations was that “we are less likely to have a war with friends than enemies.”
Phyllis was a collector of Chinese memorabilia, dolls from her childhood and donkey figurines which she started collecting when she and Jim owned a summer home in the historic gold mining town of Cripple Creek, CO. She gave away many of her donkey figurines as tokens of friendship and a large number to the Donkey History Museum in Mesquite, Nevada. She and Jim travelled in the United States and Europe and enjoyed attending country and gospel music concerts.
Most importantly, Phyllis was a devoted daughter, spouse, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her final wish was to thank her many relatives and friends for helping to make her life a joyous ride. Her final words were “Pray. Pray.”
She is preceded in death by her husband, James; and her father and mother. She is survived by two sons, Rick (Janet) of Wichita and Mark (Rebecca) of Hays, five grandchildren [Laura Geritz-McPhail (Robb), Katherine Kellerman, Michael Kellerman, John Kellerman and James Kellerman (Shelby)], one great-grandchild (Calvin Kellerman), other relatives and a host of friends. A private, family-only burial service was held at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, Stuttgart, KS on June 6, 2026.
Memorials may be designated to the Fort Hays State University Foundation, One Tiger Place, Hays, Kansas 67601 or https://foundation.fhsu.edu/ for student scholarships.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Share tributes online at dlwichita.com