Phyllis Scherbarth

Phyllis Ann Scherbarth went home to be with Jesus on May 26th. Born on October 9th, 1939, in Chadron, Nebraska, to John and Prudence Augustine, she was the eldest of three children, with brothers Tom and David completing the family. At around 8 years old, Phyllis accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and relied on Him throughout her life. After graduating from Chadron High School, she earned her teaching certificate and enjoyed teaching for one year before marrying the love of her life. Phyllis and Emory Scherbarth were married on May 24th, 1958, and shared 62 wonderful years together. They were blessed with five children: Arlin Loy, Arlene June, Betsy Lavonne, Bruce Paul, and Julie Marie. Phyllis was devoted to her role as a farm and ranch wife, exemplifying strength, selflessness, and resourcefulness. She dedicated her life to being a wife and mother, assisting in every way she could—whether driving the wheat truck, loading pigs, serving a three-course meal to her husband in the field, or milking cows. She planted gardens and canned her produce, harvested geese to make down comforters, and cooked game meat, including squirrel, goose, rabbit, elk, deer, and turtle—and her least favorite, rattlesnake. Her many special talents were used to care for others. An accomplished seamstress, she made her own wedding dress, fancy outfits for her daughters, and bridesmaid and flower girl dresses for their weddings. A generous hostess, she was known for her homemade rolls and always had treats prepared for visitors. A lifelong member of First Baptist Church, Phyllis served faithfully, playing the organ and piano for over 50 years. She joyfully supported ministries and loved hearing how God was working in the lives of others. Many years of her life were also devoted to caring for aging family members. Phyllis loved auctions, garage sales, flowers, gardening, gospel music, and collecting many treasures—always finding joy in gifting them to her loved ones. She found happiness in the little things and in supporting others’ passions, often spending many hours fishing with her husband. She cherished memories from special trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Yellowstone, Oregon, and Washington. In later years, she especially treasured Wednesday Bible studies with her dear friend Shirley. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, whom she loved deeply and who brought immense joy to her life. Throughout her later years, Phyllis remained independent, resilient, and steadfast in her faith as she struggled with spasmodic torticollis. What she cherished most was Jesus and her family. Her greatest hope and desire in life was that her friends and family would come to have a personal relationship with Jesus, her Savior and friend. Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband, Emory; her daughter, Betsy; and her brother, David. She is survived by her children: Arlin and Christy Scherbarth, Arlene and Dale Long, Bruce and Laura Scherbarth, and Julie and Chris Garrett; her brother Tom and Mary Augustine; sisters-in-law Bobbie Augustine and Laura Scherbarth; brothers-in-law Lance and Gwen Scherbarth, and Wayne and Marci Scherbarth; her close friend Shirley Peters; 13 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Phyllis will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.