Phyllis Ann Hawley, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at her home in Coffeyville, Kansas, surrounded by her beloved husband and sons. Throughout her life, she was known for her artistic spirit, advocacy for mental health, and boundless love for her family and community. She crafted a legacy of care and compassion that will be remembered by many.
Phyllis was born on August 28, 1941, in Newton, Kansas to Gale and Lois Williams. She and her two younger brothers grew up in Newton; she graduated high school in 1959. Furthering her education, in 1963 she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics from Kansas State University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Kansas the same year.
On August 25, 1963, she was united in marriage to her beloved husband, Dr. Raymond Hawley. At the time of their marriage, Raymond was going to med school, and she helped put him through his program. The couple first made their home in Kansas City, Kansas where Phyllis worked as a nurse at Menorah Medical Center until 1965. In 1966, they moved to Columbus, Ohio where she worked at Riverside Methodist Hospital until 1967. In 1970, Raymond, a major in the United States Army, was stationed in Japan at Camp Zama where the family would live until 1973. They returned to Kansas where they lived in Concordia until 1976 when they moved to Wichita, Kansas. They made their home in Wichita for 24 years until moving to Coffeyville in the year 2000. This past August, Phyllis and Raymond celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
During her time in Japan, Phyllis unearthed her fascination for ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. This creative pursuit grew into a lifelong passion, with Phyllis becoming a certified instructor of the Ichiyo school. She taught ikebana classes from her studio and grew a panoply of flowers and herbs in her home garden. In 1981, Phyllis returned to her beloved Japan to attend an ikebana conference, and thereafter she traveled to Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong. She loved the arts of Asia.
Phyllis' caring nature led her to the career path of nursing, specializing in psychiatric care. Her contributions to the medical community extended beyond her nursing duties; she founded and co-facilitated the Wichita Depressive/Manic Depressive Association, providing a safe space for those with mental health challenges. Her mission was to help destigmatize mental illness.
Her creative talent was also reflected in her 3-year project of transforming a Victorian home here in Coffeyville. This home became affectionately known as "the Lavender Lady," and it was her dream to turn it into a bed and breakfast so that she could continue sharing art, beauty, and her hospitality with others.
