She was born January 31, 1942 in Stella, NE to Don and Marjorie (Selk) Gilbert. She was united in marriage to Duane Volkmer on October 6, 1958 in York, NE. The union was blessed with six children, Russ, Julie, Mary, Lisa, Jeff and Andrew.
Phyllis was a member of the First Baptist Church in Beatrice. She was a great cook and enjoyed get-togethers with her children and grandchildren. She loved reading, writing letters and sitting on her front porch watching the birds and enjoying nature’s beauty.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Russ Volkmer of York, Julie (John) Tucker of Columbus, NE, Mary Volkmer of Beatrice, Lisa (Shawn) Post of Beatrice, Jeff (Elea) Volkmer of Carlton, NE and Andrew (Rayma) Volkmer of Wymore, NE.
Grandchildren: Brian Volkmer, Jessica Volkmer, Kyle Likens, Sarah Hurst, Heather Elmore, April Tucker, Mitchell Tucker, Sabrina Tucker, Haileigh Volkmer and Hannah Volkmer.
Great-grandchildren: Shelby Bartlet, Christian Volkmer, Brianna Volkmer, Trevor Zimmerman, Hadlee and DJ Elmore, Kendra Volkmer, Kayleigh Volkmer, Ethan Volkmer, Johnny Bravo, Noah Volkmer, Greyson Gobel, Liam Tucker and another grandchild due in July.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters Wanda Perez, June Bourke and Donna Ferris.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Monday, March 21, 2016 at the Metz Chapel in York, NE with the Reverend Clayton Lundstedt officiating. Interment will follow in the Exeter Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-9 pm Saturday and Sunday at the mortuary. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.