Phyllis Jean McCartney

Phyllis Jean (Bartel) McCartney, 78, passed away on the morning of Friday, January 31st, 2025 at her home in Coffeyville, Kansas after living with Parkinson’s Disease for over 8 years. Born on November 23, 1946, in Wichita, Kansas to Kermit Frank "Bud" Bartel and Neva Jean (Ward) Bartel, Phyllis spent her early years in Coffeyville. A proud graduate of Field Kindley Memorial High School in 1964 and Coffeyville Community Junior College in 1966, Phyllis went on to live a life full of adventure, resilience, and love. 

On May 4th, 1973, Phyllis married Jerome Dean "J.D." McCartney, whom she met while working at Funk Manufacturing. Together, they built a family and a lifetime of memories. Phyllis was the devoted mother of John David, Marsha Jean, and Laura Beth. She also welcomed J.D.’s son, Curtis, into her family. Phyllis was preceded in death by her son John David and her parents and grandparents. 

Throughout her life, Phyllis embraced many roles. She was a homemaker and full-time mom in the early years of her marriage before returning to work as a church secretary, and then as a legal secretary. She retired from Schneider Law Office in 2006. 

Phyllis had a warmth and kindness that endeared her to everyone she met. She loved to laugh, share stories, and welcome people with open arms. Her creative spirit was expressed through quilting, sewing, and crafting. She made countless gifts, clothes, and decorations for her family and friends. 

Phyllis was an avid bowler, a passion that began in her youth when her parents co-owned Edgewood Lanes in Coffeyville. She and J.D. bowled regularly in their early marriage, and she became active again after retirement. 

Family meant everything to Phyllis. She was a dedicated daughter, hosting dinners for her extended family. She found joy in traveling with her daughters and in the companionship of her beloved Golden Retrievers, including Abby and Bailey. Phyllis passed down a legacy of love, humor, and strength that will live on in her daughters. 

Phyllis was a member of First Christian Church in Coffeyville, where she taught Sunday School, was a member of Christian Women’s Fellowship, and served as church secretary. 

Phyllis’s memory will be cherished by her husband of 51 years, J.D.; her daughters, Marsha Jean and Laura Beth; her stepson Curtis and his wife Leslie; and her many friends. She is reunited in love with her parents and her son John David. 

A private memorial service will be held at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel in Coffeyville, KS. Phyllis will be laid to rest in Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation.  

Her smile, humor, and boundless love for others will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.