Phyllis V. Kern, 88 of North Platte passed away December 10, 2015 at Linden Court. She was born on November 13, 1927 in Long Beach, CA to Ray and Frances (Hartford) Gamble.
After living most of her childhood years around the Los Angeles, CA area, she moved to North Platte with her mother. Phyllis met and married Orville L Kern May 6th, 1949. There were 4 children in this marriage. Charles (Kay) Kern, Karen Pierson, Kathleen (Wes) Newtson and Keta (Matt) Smith. She held different jobs from Montgomery Wards to sewing drapes for Schwesers. She loved to sew and was a 4H Leader for many years, teaching her daughters to sew and bake. When it came to baking, she made wedding cakes for many years that were amazing and beautiful. Phyllis also loved to garden and canned everything she grew. The inside garden was like a jungle at times. She even grew an avocado seed into a huge tree.
Animals were always a big part of her life as well. She considered them all to be a part of the family. Starting with a pig named Pokie to chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs, cats that people would dump in their yard, fish, a bird, a guinea pig and 2 horses. Not all at the same time of course.
After her husband retired from the Union Pacific Railroad, they took to traveling full time in their camper. They went from Alaska to old Mexico and everywhere in between that a camper could go and sometimes even places where campers shouldn’t be. After Orville’s health started to decline, they became permanent residents of North Platte again. Phyllis took to reading more and crocheting. When her health declined, she moved into Linden Estates and then to Linden Court where she lived the final years of her life.
Phyllis is survived by 2 daughters, Karen Pierson of Denver, CO, and Keta (Matt) Smith of North Platte; 1 son-in-law, Wes Newtson of Benkelman, NE; 9 grandkids, Mike Pierson of Denver, CO, Krystal (Eric) Traver of Eagle River, AK, Keta Rinne of Benkelman, NE, Scott (Sarah) White of North Platte, Miranda Newtson of Lincoln, NE, Kati Seybold of Benkelman, NE, Sara (Jason) Evert of Fairfax, VA, Lindsey Smith of Los Angeles, CA and J.C. Smith of Gothenburg, NE.; and 10 Great grand-children.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Orville; her son, Charles; 1 daughter, Kathleen; a daughter-in-law, Kay Kern; her parents; and her husband’s parents.
Memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Cremation was chosen and memorial services will be held 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at Messiah Lutheran Church with Reverend Tim Eighmy officiating. Inurnment will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in the spring of 2016. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book Tuesday and Wednesday December 22nd and 23rd from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.