Phyllis Charlene Deitrich passed away early Friday November 29, 2024, at the Life Center in Burlington. She was 88 years old.

She was born July 14, 1936, at Burlington, KS, the daughter of Otis L. and Virginia Maude (Clay) Rohr. She spent her childhood in Burlington and graduated from Burlington High School. With the exception of living in California from 1947 to 1953, she made her home in Burlington.

She was employed at the cafeteria for the Burlington schools for a number of years. She had also worked at Duckwall's in downtown Burlington and had done ironing for others.

She raised her two sons, Dan and Mike, by herself in a loving home. They were the center of her life. Her home was often a gathering place for the many children in the neighborhood and she welcomed them with open arms.

On February 14, 1981, she and John Junior Deitrich were married at Burlington. They made their home on the west edge of Burlington.
Phyllis suffered the loss of her oldest son, Daniel Smith on October 10, 1995.

Her husband, John, preceded her in death on December 10, 2016. She was also preceded by two sisters, Betty Decker and LeEtta Sobba; her brother, Lester Rohr; and two great-granddaughters, Aubrie Makenna Smith and Lila Belle Deitrich.

She leaves her son, Michael Smith (Maggie), of Burlington; a step-son, John William Deitrich (Evie), Lawrence, KS; grandchildren,Virginia DuBuke (Michael), Burlington, Sharon Smith, Bladenboro NC, Brett Smith (Peggy), Enid, OK, John Nolan Deitrich (Danyel) Lawrence,  Jennifer Rene Putnam (Brandon) Phoenix, AZ, Jaimey Jo Oak (David) Crystal Beach FL, Derek Moore (Chad) Kansas City MO, Marc Moore Yucca Valley CA.; seven great-grandchildren, Tyler DuBuke, Anthony Smith, Khloe Smith, Leanna Deitrich, Mila Putnam, Lucy Deitrich, Carter Putnam, Elizabeth Oak, and Christian Oak; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Rohr, Burlington, Dorothy Doolittle, Strong City, Carol Means, Emporia, and Janis (Terry) Knight, Lebo; a number of nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 1:30 P.M. Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Jones Funeral Home in Burlington. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery at Burlington.

The family will meet with friends from 12:30 P.M. until service time Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Diabetes Assoc., Coffey County Cancer Support Group, or the Alzheimer's Assoc. and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.

The funeral service will be streamed on Facebook Live at this link https://www.facebook.com/jonesfuneralhomeburlingtonks