Phyllis McLellan

1927 - 2024

Nampa - Phyllis Irene McLellan, 96, of Nampa, passed away on Monday January 29, 2024.

Phyllis was born on September 12, 1927, at home, in Yakima, Washington, the second child to George and Nancy Stone. After starting school in California, the family moved to Nampa in 1937 where Phyllis completed her education, graduating from Nampa High School in 1945. During high school Phyllis was involved in school government, and, like so many from the "Greatest Generation', contributed toward the war effort. Victory Corp, rolling bandages, USO, magazine drives, collecting grease. Phyllis attended First United Methodist church and at the time of her death was one of the oldest continuous members.

When Phyllis was sixteen she began working at the Majestic Theater, first as an usher, later as a cashier, in addition to cashier duties at another theater in town; The Adelaide. Her boss at the Majestic was a young man by the name of Don McLellan. One day, Don fired Phyllis. Of course, Phyllis was enraged. Apparently Phyllis had arranged to switch shifts with another cashier without Don's knowledge. She announced to her mother her disdain for this Don McLellan fella. Her mother responded by suggesting one day Phyllis might marry him.

Afterward Phyllis went to work at Vic Stolle Drug. A few years after that, Don McLellan showed up again. This time he was driving a nice looking Buick. He was the cutest thing Phyllis had ever laid eyes on. Don had recently been honorably discharged from the military. His heavy-handed firing of a few years earlier apparently went out the window that day. Don and Phyllis would go on to wed in April of 1948 in Winnemucca, Nevada. During their 72 years of marriage every once in a while the incident from the Majestic would crop up. It was good for a laugh. They each had their side of the story and neither would ever budge.

Don and Phyllis raised three children. While Don ran a business, Phyllis held down the fort. Cook, maid, taxi driver, bedside nurse, guidance counselor, Phyllis did it all.

Beginning in the 1970's, Phyllis worked as a manager of the Nampa chapter of the American Red Cross. Duties included helping organize blood drives and providing assistance to military families. She remained in the position for over 20 years. Later, she volunteered in various capacities for the Red Cross, which took her to many states including Alaska.

Don was a talented artist and throughout their marriage Phyllis accompanied him on outings where he painted or exhibited his artwork. Don valued her critiques. Don and Phyllis provided a loving home to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memories from holidays and summer barbecues will never be forgotten. Their home was the family gathering place.

Don passed in March of 2020. Afterward Phyllis would often say she didn't have a death wish but she was ready to go anytime.

Phyllis is survived by three children, Cheryl (Derrick) Deter, Martin (Connie) McLellan, and Scott McLellan, plus numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and older brother, Clyde.

The family would like to thank Karcher Estates for their care and love given to Phyllis

and Don.