Phyllis J. Struble
GLASCO – Phyllis J. Struble was born at home in Glasco, Kansas, on December 20, 1922, to Dr. Andrew and Ida Struble. She departed this life at Nicol Home on August 19, 2023, having lived a long life, full of years.
The only daughter of an oldtime doctor who still traveled by horse and buggy to see patients in their homes where he sometimes performed surgeries as well, Phyllis grew up in a neighborhood of boys, which included younger brother Andy. Most likely this is the reason for her lifelong love of the outdoors and animals! She skipped a grade in elementary school, graduating from Glasco High School in 1939 at age 16 and entering the University of Kansas the following fall. In 1943, she completed studies at K.U. with a degree in entomology. From there Phyllis taught school until her retirement in 1988; many of those years were spent teaching biology, as well as girls’ physical education, at Beloit High School. Later, she returned to school to earn a master's degree in botany at Fort Hays State College.
Apart from the years at K.U. and a few early teaching years, Phyllis lived in Glasco in the same house where she was born. She learned to play the piano and organ from Irene Plush and loved playing both instruments, providing accompaniment at the United Methodist Church where she was a member and at each of the other churches in town. An athletic woman, Phyllis played golf, tennis, and softball. She was also a swimmer and worked as a lifeguard at Glasco’s swimming pool in the 80’s. A person did not have to spend much time with her to know that there were things she fiercely loved - the K.U. Jayhawks, Glasco, teaching, animals, playing the piano, red convertibles, and her family.
Having no children of her own, Phyllis was extremely generous toward her nieces and nephew. She was an enthusiastic supporter of all their athletic, musical, and academic endeavors. There are many fond memories of traveling in her red convertible to Beloit or Concordia or Minneapolis on Sunday afternoons to go swimming, of riding bikes out to the Solomon River, and of singing at the piano as she played our favorite tunes! When great-nieces and greatnephews were added to the family, and then yet another generation began to come along, they were also recipients of her interest and encouragement.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; two halfbrothers, George Struble and Philemon Struble; one brother, Andrew Struble; a sister-in-law, Virginia Struble; a niece, Andrea Struble Oliver; and a great-greatniece, Darcy Lindhiem. She is survived by nieces, Stephanie McAlister and husband Dennis, Patricia Coco and husband Clark, and Lori Lowell and husband Jim; nephew, Philip Struble and wife Stephanie; ten greatnieces and six great-nephews; thirteen great-great-nieces and thirteen great-great-nephews.
A memorial service is planned for September 23 at Glasco Bible Fellowship Church. More details will be forthcoming.