Phyllis J. Severs

Phyllis Jane Severs, 90, of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, surrounded by her family at Angel Arms, McPherson. She and her husband, Jim, owned and operated Jim’s Plumbing for many years. Phyllis was also an Avon lady for 25 plus years.

She was born April 9, 1935, in Newton, KS, the youngest of five children born to Henry Preston and Ruby (Davis) Kennedy. In 1954, Phyllis was united in marriage to Ronald D. Hensley, and this union was blessed with seven children, Jim, Teri, Lisa, Kelly, Kris, Kimi, & Lori. On February 7, 1975, Phyllis married James “Jim” C. Severs in Valley Center, KS. He preceded her in death on May 27, 2002.

She was a devoted member of New Hope Evangelical Church and the founder of Loaves & Fishes, where her heart for service touched many lives. She taught Sunday school for many years and volunteered for the McPherson jail ministry. Known affectionately as the "peanut brittle making queen," Phyllis shared her warmth not just through her treats, but through her deep and abiding faith. A true prayer warrior, she faithfully journaled the names of those she encountered, ensuring she could lift each one up in prayer.

Survivors include her children, Lisa Foos of McPherson, KS, Kris (Angela) Severs of McPherson, KS, Kimi LaGree of South Dakota, and Lori (Kevin) Anderson of McPherson, KS; nine grandchildren, Sara (Jake) Lowery, Jordan Severs, Caden Severs, Chance (Sam) Severs, Erica Rivera, A.J. Rivera, Brandon Koehn, Colton (Parker) Anderson, and Tyson (Nicole) Anderson; numerous great-grandchildren, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Preston & Ruby Kennedy; husband, Jim Severs; infant daughter, Teri Hensley; sons, Kelly Hensley and James Hensley; and siblings, Joe Kennedy, Helen Gresham, Gladys Ropp, and Robert Kennedy.`

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, May 7, at New Hope Evangelical Church with Pastor George Bocox officiating. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery.

To view a live-stream broadcast of the funeral service, please CLICK HERE

Memorial donations can be given to New Hope Evangelical Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.