Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home - Phyllis C. Couch 1936 - 2023 - Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions

Obituary photo of Phyllis Couch, Topeka-KS

In Loving Memory of

Phyllis C. Couch

1936 - 2023

In Loving Memory of

Phyllis C. Couch

1936 - 2023

Phyllis C. Couch, 86, of Topeka, passed away Monday, February 20, 2023.

She was born November 2, 1936, in Hollis, Kansas to Fay and Marie “Faye” Smith. Phyllis was later adopted by Roy and Zella Norris. She graduated from Kingman High School, Kingman, Kansas in 1955. After graduation, she attended the College of Emporia on a Voice Scholarship and Clark’s School of Business, Topeka, Kansas.

For 16 years, Phyllis was a Bookkeeper for C-G-F Grain Company which eventually sold to Cargill Corporation. She later owned her own typing service business and finally worked as an Assistant Manager for McDonald’s at 12th & Gage Blvd before retiring in 1993.

Phyllis married William Lee Couch on July 29, 1966 in Topeka. They welcomed two children to their marriage, Kevin and Shelley.

Both Bill and Phyllis had a love for bowling. Phyllis was a part of a women’s bowling league at Gage Bowl for many years and would travel all over the United States competing in tournaments. She even appeared in several articles in The Woman Bowler publication.

Phyllis enjoyed getting together with friends to play cards. She could also be found seated for hours in front of penny and nickel slot machines while Bill played poker. She enjoyed lunches with friends, fishing, long chats with family members and was an enthusiastic KU basketball fan.

Ultimately, her favorite thing to do was spending time with her family, especially her two grandchildren, Alexa and Austin. She loved going to their sporting and school events, streaming their games on TV and texting back and forth.

Phyllis will be remembered as someone that was a good listener, an equally skilled advisor, a person of faith, and a provider of unconditional love to her family and dear friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Shelley (Todd) Rosetta; two grandchildren, Alexa Rosetta and Austin Rosetta; siblings, Gib (Kay) Burgan and Jackie Branine. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Lee Couch in 2009; young son, Kevin Lee Allen Couch; her adoptive and biological parents; three brothers and one sister.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that you spread a kind word to someone in need or donate to your favorite charity. To leave a message for the family online, please click the "Share Memories" button above.

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Memories & Condolences

Shelley, as you know I worked with your mother at C-G-F. She was great to work with and a good worker. Ske kept everybody in line. Sorry for your loss. God bless

~ Lynn Cook - March 11, 2023

Phyllis was a great neighbor & even better friend. Many evenings I spent chatting with her on her deck. She absolutely couldn't have loved or been more proud of her family. While at the same time keeping an eye on mine.
Phyllis has to be one of the most honest, from the hip, humorous, genuine people I've had the pleasure of knowing. They don't make them like her anymore & she'll be dearly missed. Thank you Phyllis for all you've done & for sharing your smile with the world.
God bless all of her family while her departure here leaves a gap. I'm quite certain she's getting "things done" in heaven. She'll never truly be gone, because she'll never be forgotten. Peace to all.

~ Derrick Cuffel - March 7, 2023

Phyllis and Bill were good friends of my mother Annie Boger and her longtime boyfriend Lyle Ogden. The couples played cards together often.

Phyllis stayed with my Mom, my sister and I when she went into the hospital her final time. I was very grateful to have her there during that difficult day and for many of the days that followed.

She was a kind, intelligent and loving woman. One of the gifts my Mom left for us were her many friendships that were a connection to her for us after she passed. Phyllis was a gift to us and I will be forever grateful for her support.

May your wonderful memories of her be a comfort and a blessing to you in the days to come.

~ Diane Needham - February 28, 2023

My prayers are with you all, Shelley, Todd, Alexa, and Austin and extended family. Phyllis was such brilliant light that brightened everywhere she went. My world dimmed when I heard of her passing. She is now with our Lord and Bill, and her son, Kevin One day we will see each other again. Eternal rest grant unto Phyllis O Lord and may the Perpetual Light shine upon her, may God grant her pardon and peace

~ Ann Kirmse - February 26, 2023