Phyllis V. “Vel” Swarts

Phyllis V. “Vel” Swarts 80, died December 2, 2021 at Paramount Health and Rehab in Newton. She was born March 29, 1941 in Florence, Kansas to Ira R. and Margaret L. (Collins) Kelsheimer.  She attended Florence Schools and was retired as a cafeteria food service worker at the St. Mary School Cafeteria where she cared for many children through the years.

She was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and enjoyed her 70’s music.  Phyllis was affectionately known as “Mom Swarts” to her children’s friends as they were growing up. Family was a priority to her and she greatly enjoyed cooking and baking with her grandkids and sharing her love of sweets.  She always enjoyed a good cup of coffee and conversation. A special memory her grandkids have is G-Ma having gum for them.

She also enjoyed old TV shows especially Andy Griffith and the movies Gone with the wind and It’s a wonderful life were close to her heart.

Phyllis is survived by her sons: Lynn (Beth) Swarts Jr; Laron (Cindy) Swarts and Gregory (Molly) Swarts; daughter Lori (Tom) Bedlington; one brother David (Laurie) Kelsheimer and two sister Cheryl (Lowell) Miller and Regina (Bob) Cornelius. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, infant son Gary Lee Swarts, Granddaughter Amber Dawn Swarts, brothers Ron Kelsheimer and Dennis Kelsheimer.

Graveside committal service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Hillcrest Cemetery in Florence, Kansas.  Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Fresenius Dialysis Center in care of Petersen Funeral Home.