Phyllis Walton

Phyllis Jean Walton, age 88, of Atchison, KS, died March 4, 2025, while on a trip in Alaska, doing what she loved to do, enjoying life and making memories.

Phyllis was born on July 31, 1936, in Highland, Kansas, the daughter of Paul John Walton and Minnie Ellen (Dittemore) Walton. She is a graduate of Highland High School.

She married Norman Lee Walton on October 7, 1955, and they shared forty-five years together, creating a family and sharing their love. Phyllis and Norm moved to Atchison, and she began her professional career with Dr. E.J. Bribach, whose practice specialized in Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat. She then worked at JC Penney, the Water Company of Atchison, and served as the Deputy City Clerk (1985-1992) and City Clerk (1992-2005) in Atchison. She retired with over 25 years of exceptional service to the City of Atchison. Phyllis was a former member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, she was the Past President of the Kansas City Clerk and Finance Officer Association, and the recipient of the Mildred Vance City Clerk and Municipal Finance Officer of the Year award for outstanding service and contributions to her community.

She was a member of First Christian Church and former church elder. She served on the outreach committee and the church Women’s Group.

Phyllis was always on the GO! She was always ready to travel with friends and family and if you ever agreed to a trip with her, she had plans in place and was ready to go see the world. She never wanted her days to be dull, so she filled her weeks by playing bridge numerous times. She truly loved her weekly Card Club ladies and her weekly watch parties with her Chiefs Chicks. Her grandchildren brought her great joy, and she loved the time she spent with her family.

She is survived by her children, Jacque (Clark) Pregont, Scott (Linda) Walton; grandson, Justin (Melinda) Pregont; granddaughters, Rachel (Emily) Pregont, Jessica (Austin McClain) Walton, Hannah (Justin) Ross; and seven great grandchildren, Xavier and Viviane Grimes-Pregont, Maya and Louis Pregont, Jovie McClain, Isla and Rhett Ross.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norm; twin brother, Paul Dean Walton; sisters, Alma Sisk, Lenora Snapp, and Juanita Ausmus.

A funeral service will be Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 11 am at the First Christian Church with Rev. Dr. David May officiating. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Wednesday, March 12th from 5:30-7 pm at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church or the Amelia Earhart Festival and may be left in care of the funeral home.