LUCAS - Phyllis Elaine Vaupel passed away May 16, 2023, at the age of 64 years. She was born June 21, 1958, in Lincoln, Kansas, the firstborn daughter of Delmer and Norma Jean (Cooper) Gier. She was baptized December 20, 1964, and confirmed March 30, 1972, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hunter, Kansas.
Phyllis attended Ash Grove School, Hunter Grade School, and graduated from Sylvan Unified High School in 1976. She then attended North Central Kansas Technical College in Beloit, Kansas.
Phyllis began her career at Farmers State Bank in Hunter, Kansas, in 1977. She continued to serve in the Lincoln, Lucas, and Sylvan Grove communities until her passing. She served others with her knowledge and kindness throughout her 46 year career in banking.
Phyllis married Richard Lee Vaupel on July 21, 1978, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hunter, Kansas. To this union were born two sons, Michael in 1980 and Matthew in 1984. Phyllis and Rick were inseparable and did everything together. Whether building a shed or tearing one down, participating in tractor drives, or building the perfect playhouse for their granddaughters, they were always side by side.
Phyllis was always up for fun with her granddaughters. She shared with them her love of animals and her gifts as a talented gardener, cook, and baker. Family vacations were a special time, and so were quick rides to explore the countryside with Rick in their buggy. She created beauty in this world with her gentle smile, infectious giggle, the beautiful flowers she grew, and with the love she stitched into the afghans she crocheted.
Phyllis was the most kind-hearted, caring, and selfless person that one could ever hope to meet. She cared tirelessly for everyone, always putting others before herself. She served with love and never a complaint. Her time was too short, but she spent it well. She didn’t wait to spend time with her family and found the beauty in each day she was given.
Left to mourn Phyllis’s passing are her husband of nearly 45 years, Rick Vaupel of Lucas; son Michael and wife Cammie Vaupel of St. John, Kansas; son Matthew and wife Erin Vaupel of Ellinwood, Kansas; granddaughters, Chloe and Ensley Vaupel of Ellinwood, Kansas; mother Norma Jean Gier of Hunter, Kansas; brothers, Lloyd Gier and Dell (Cheryl) Gier of Sylvan Grove, Kansas; sisters, Joni (Bill) Bunker of St. John, Kansas, and June (Chad) Henkelman of Valley Center, Kansas; brother-in-law Steve (Deb Snook) Vaupel of Russell, Kansas; eight nieces and nephews; and seven great-nieces with another arriving in August. Regardless of the relationship, Phyllis was a mother to all.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her father, Delmer Gier; father-in-law and mother-in-law Richard R. and Fae Vaupel; sister-in-law Arlene Vaupel; and niece Julie Gier.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 1:00-7:00 p.m. at Hall Chapel, Lincoln, Kansas. The family will be in attendance from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be Friday, May 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church of Hunter, Kansas, with additional seating available at the Hunter Community Center. Burial will follow at Greenwood Union Cemetery, Hunter, Kansas.
In honor of Phyllis’s life, memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Trinity Lutheran Church of Hunter, Kansas or the Post Rock Community Foundation in care of Hall Chapel P.O. Box 37, Lincoln, KS 67455. Condolences may be left at hallchapel.com.