Phyllis Jean Zook

Phyllis Jean Zook, 85, Olathe, KS peacefully passed away at her residence at Lakeview Village Care Center in Lenexa, KS on July 3, 2024.

Phyllis was born October 21, 1938 to parents Orville and Violet (Bacon) Bistline in McPherson, KS. She was raised in McPherson, KS and attended both Central College and McPherson College, where she not only received her Teaching Degree, but also met her husband and the love of her life, Wilbur “Bill” Zook.

Phyllis had a love for music and was an extremely talented musician. She was a lifelong pianist and organist, playing music for congregations where her husband was appointed as a Methodist Minister, most notably the United Methodist Church in McLouth, KS and the United Methodist Church in Eudora, KS. Up until 2019, she also shared her musical talent as an organist and pianist with many local Churches and places of worship throughout Johnson County Kansas. She never passed up an opportunity to play a pipe organ, having a special place in her heart for a Reuter. She composed and published several Hymns throughout her life. One of her favorite musical stories to share was when she met her husband, Bill, while in college. He needed an accompanist for a solo and didn’t have or know any accompanists. His music instructor told him to “go find Phyllis”, and so he did. She would finish the story by saying “and I’ve been accompanying him ever since”. They were married on August 12th, 1958, and shared over 62 years of music and marriage together until Bill’s death in 2021.

Phyllis’s years of employment included working Emerson Elementary School in Argentine as a Kindergarten Teacher in the mid 1960’s, Jenkins Music Store in Kansas City, Weaver’s Department Store in Lawrence KS, the Jones Store in Overland Park KS and later retiring from Macy’s. After retiring from her Retail Career, she worked part time at ETC Institute in Olathe KS. She loved to go shopping with family and friends! Her sharp eye for a bargain, along with her “lifetime discount” benefitted her family and friends with the very best deals to be found. She enjoyed and took pride in finding the “outfits that matched” for herself and Bill. She took her years of retail experience with her to her volunteer time at the local Thrift store, Turnstyles in Olathe KS.

Phyllis attended church her entire life and had a deep Faith in God. She would often say “I’ll be praying for you” and “Thank God prayers have been answered”. She was kind and compassionate and she cared deeply about her family and friends. She loved being a Nana and was quick to share with anyone the most recent pictures and happenings in their lives. She was always ready to recognize and celebrate all accomplishments, big or small. She gave the best hugs. When she gave you a hug, you knew that you had been completely hugged, including your soul. She loved all dogs and never met one she didn’t like. She loved watching movies on the Hallmark Channel and never missed an episode of Dancing with the Stars. She loved the color blue, and recently had started to love the color purple just a much. Throughout her lifetime here with us, she was a constant example through her words and actions, that the most important gift you can share with others is kindness.

Phyllis is at peace and reunited in Heaven with the love of her life, her loving husband Bill, along with her parents, Orville and Violet Bistline. She is survived by her daughter Barb Zook and husband Lee Williams, grandson Dylan Williams, granddaughter Cassie Jones and husband Cody Jones. She was expecting her first great grandchild.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Lakeview Village Care Center for their exceptional care and support. Their dedication not only to Phyllis, but also to our family during this challenging period has meant the world to us. We would also like to thank Elara Care Hospice for their excellent care until the end. Their support brought comfort to our family during a difficult time, and we are truly grateful for their kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you extend an act of kindness or offer an encouraging word toward others, honoring the legacy of genuine kindness and compassion that was so important to Phyllis.


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