Phyllis I. Hammett

Phyllis I. Hammett, 96, of Marysville, KS, passed away on November 11, 2025, at Cambridge Place Senior Living in Marysville.

Visitation was held Sunday, November 16, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary. A rosary service followed that evening at 7 p.m. at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Marysville.

A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 17, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. Father Quentin Schmitz officiated. The organist was Dolores Bruna and the vocalists were Ron and Fran Grauer and Roberta Temeyer. Hymns included “Be Not Afraid,” “The Lord is My Shepherd,” “Prayer of St. Francis,” “On Eagle’s Wings,” “Ave Maria,” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

The pallbearers were Devin Roewe, Andrew Tripp, Brett Hammett, Jason Hammett, Dustin Hammett, Michael Hammett and Thomas Hammett. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Phyllis was born on March 30, 1929, in Marysville, to Raymond and Nellie (Wolff) Ellenbecker. She grew up in the Marysville community and graduated from Marysville High School in 1947.

Phyllis met the love of her life, Otis Hammett, at a 4-H meeting—a simple beginning that turned into a lifetime partnership. On October 30, 1951, they were united in marriage at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church and went on to raise seven children. In their early years, Phyllis embraced life as a farm wife, devoting herself to caring for her growing family. As her children became more independent, she began driving a school bus, a job she enjoyed for nearly two decades.

A woman of faith, Phyllis was an active member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church Altar Society.

Phyllis had a natural gift for music. She and her three sisters once sang on WIBW Radio in Topeka, creating cherished memories they talked about for years. She was an accomplished piano player who loved to fill her home with music—especially her signature song, “You Are My Sunshine.”

She found joy in the simple things: plants, flowers, gardening, sewing, cooking, and baking. Her kitchen was always warm, her flower garden always tended, and her home always welcoming. Phyllis was especially fond of her cats, who kept her company.

Above all, she was known as an exceptional hostess who made everyone feel at home. Her kindness, warmth, and steady presence left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Otis C. Hammett on April 12, 2003; sons, infants John Phillip in 1952 and Jeffrey Mark in 1964, and Stephen Hammett in 2023.

Survivors include her children, David (Diane) Hammett of Marysville, Greg Hammett of Sabetha, KS, Brad (Julie) Hammett of Lawrence, KS, Jean (Dave) Tripp of Gardner, KS, Kevin “Arnie” Hammett, and George Hammett, both of Marysville; daughter-in-law, Teresa Hammett of Marysville; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Fred Ellenbecker, Bayfield, CO; and sister, Ramona Colson, Valdosta, GA.

A memorial fund has been established to St. Gregory’s Catholic School. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary.