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Phyllis Kays Obituary
June 17, 1928 ~ July 3, 2011
" We will lovingly recall her kindness, her sparkle,
and that ever present helping hand. It was so easy to love her, so easy to be with her, and so easy to say I love you."
Phyllis Kays passed away peacefully on July 3, 2011 after spending a wonderful vacation with her family in Hawaii. She was born on June 17, 1928 at St. Joseph Hospital in Vancouver, WA. She lived her entire life in Southwest Washington and the Portland area. Her early years were spent on the family farm in La Center, WA.
While attending La Center High School, Phyllis met Doug Kays, which sparked a lifetime of love and devotion. They were happily married for 56 years until Doug's passing in 2006.
Doug and Phyllis lived in Lake Oswego/West Linn for 40 years. After a 40 career year as a beautician in downtown Portland, Phyllis retired and returned to La Center. Doug and Phyllis were the third generation to live on the Nelson Farm.
Phyllis' daughter and granddaughters were the focal point of her life. She also shared her enthusiasm for life with her many friends and extended family.
Phyllis is survived by her daughter Susan and her son-in-law Mark Clark; her granddaughters, Alicia and Sarah; along with her brothers, Bill Barnhart and Don Barnhart, and Don's wife, Barbara.
At Phyllis' request, there will be no service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations on behalf of Phyllis Kays to your favorite charity.
Please sign Phyllis' guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Kays
5 Entries
Kathie Kerler
September 10, 2011
HI Susie,
Theola told me recently your Mom had passed away. I wanted to let you know how sorry I was to hear this news. When I think back to my childhood, some of my favorite memories include times with your family and mine, whether we were horsebacking at our barn, waterskiing on the Willamette, or rolling around in the Tumbletub in your basement. I don't think I ever laughed any harder than when you, Shannon, and I played in that thing.
My parents had a lot of nice friends at CF, but your parents were always my favorites.
July 25, 2011
Dear Susan and family, I read with great sadness the loss of your Mom. She was a sweet, kind and wonderful lady. I know my parents always enjoyed her and your Dad at family gatherings. I wish you healing. Fondly, Vicki Coles
Tom & Candise Hill
July 25, 2011
Our condolences to your family - for the loss of a great lady.
Barry Kolbe
July 24, 2011
She was a wonderful Lady and friend... I will miss her encouraging words.. We were neighbors for about 40 years as I bought part of Doug's (Bill) home place..... It was always a joy to see them both at the cafe in La Center.. I will miss them a lot.. and no doubt I will see them both in heaven when I get there.. Barry Kolbe..Yuma, AZ.
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Martha Dorrell
July 24, 2011
Both my mom, Jean Bullwinkle, and I were devoted clients of Phyllis's at the Charles F. Berg salon in downtown Portland. Phyllis was the first stylist to "frost" my hair when I was in high school 40 + years ago and she helped to keep my mom's hair snowy white with Roux Fanci Full products. My mom is 95 now and in an adult foster care home. We still talk about the fun we had on Wednesdays (my mom's "standing appointment day") when we would go downtown, have our hair done and then meet our friend, Nancy Ann Leary, who also went to Phyllis, to have lunch.
Sincerely,
Martha Dorrell
Portland, OR
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