Phyllis Jean Lebsack
Friday, July 17, 2015
(Photo) Phyllis Jean Lebsack
July 22, 1921 - July 16, 2015
McCOOK, Neb. -- Phyllis Jean Lebsack, a life-long resident of McCook, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2015, at the Homestead Assisted Living facility in Hastings, Nebraska. She would have been 94 years old on July 22, 2015.
Those who knew Phyllis will remember her always as a classy and graceful lady, and will miss her kind and loving heart, her warm and infectious smile, and the twinkle in her eyes that would light up any room.
Phyllis was born on July 22, 1921, in McCook to parents George and Katherine (Kechter) Gettman. She excelled at school and graduated from McCook High School in 1937, at the age of 15.
On Aug. 8, 1942, Phyllis married Samuel Lebsack in Spartanburg, South Carolina, before Sammy left to serve in World War II. Upon Sammy's return, they settled in McCook and raised three children, Julie, Christy and Todd. Phyllis and Sammy were happily married for 39 years and shared many beautiful memories together until Sammy's death on March 17, 1981.
In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Phyllis managed a successful career in public service that spanned more than five decades. Phyllis began her career as Red Willow county court clerk in 1944-45 and 1947-48. She also worked as McCook City clerk from 1948-50, and served on the Election Registration Board for McCook from 1952-67. In 1970, Phyllis became deputy county clerk for Red Willow County and in 1977 was elected Red Willow county clerk and Register of Deeds. During her tenure as county clerk, she also served on various boards including the Red Willow County Health Board, Board of Commissioners and County Registrar of Bureau of Vital Statistics. After a long and notable career, Phyllis retired as county clerk at the end of 1994 at age 73.
When Phyllis was not working, she enjoyed golfing, dancing, playing cards and working puzzles. Most recently, she enjoyed playing bridge with numerous groups at the Senior Center. But most importantly, she was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who loved to spend time with and spoil her family.
Phyllis was preceeded in death by her parents, George and Katherine Gettman; her husband, Samuel Lebsack; brothers, Ralph, Elmer, Ray, and Kenny Gettman; and sisters, Alvina Kissler and Esther Rehn.
Survivors include her daughters, Julie Dickerson and husband, Craig, and Christy Terwey and husband, Don, all of Hastings; son, Todd Lebsack and wife, Jeanne, of St. Louis, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Skyler, Wayde, and Katie Dickerson of Hastings, Trevor (Abby) and Derek Terwey of Hastings, Emily (Jason) Shields of Princeton, New Jersey and Torie Lebsack of Columbus, Ohio; eight great-grandchildren, Elsie and Raegan Dickerson, Olivia, Barron, Amelia, Bennett and Mia Terwey, all of Hastings and Damian Shields of Princeton, New Jersey; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harry and Mary Lebsack; sisters-in-law, Delores Gettman and Clara (Lebsack) Adams; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.
Memorials may be given in her name to the McCook Senior Center in care of Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel, 607 Norris Ave., McCook, NE 69001
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 21, 2015, 1-8 p.m. at Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 22, 2015, 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in McCook with Rev. Steve Bales officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook is in charge of the arrangements
