Phyllis Lola Sinclair

Phyllis L. (Miles) Sinclair, 1943-2026

Phyllis L. (Miles) Sinclair, 82, formerly of Las Animas, CO, passed away peacefully at home in Colorado Springs, Friday, January 16, 2026. Phyllis was born in Las Animas, CO on October 26, 1943, to Wilbur C. and Dorothy G. (Kious) Miles. She grew up in McClave, CO until 1958 when the Miles family relocated to a farm just north of Las Animas. Phyllis married William "Bill" Sinclair in August 1966. After graduating from Bent County High School in 1961, Phyllis attended Kansas Wesleyan University and graduated with her teaching degree in 1965 and later earned a master's degree from Adams State College.

Phyllis was a lifelong learner and educator. Her passion for teaching carried into a career in education and continued even after her retirement from teaching at Las Animas Elementary school in 2003. She loved impacting children's lives through reading and math. Nothing made her happier at work than the day a student looked up at her with bright eyes and said, "I can read!" She talked about these moments often, even to the later days of her life.

Phyllis had a servant's heart giving countless hours to her communities, philanthropic organizations and the United Methodist Church. She is remembered by countless students, colleagues, and friends as a caring influence who gave selflessly and encouraged always. And of course, she will always be the Tupperware Lady.

Phyllis loved to knit and crochet and gave everything she made away. She was an avid game player and was the Queen of Five Crowns. She enjoyed reading her cookbook collection and making all kinds of goodies in the kitchen. A good book was never far away, and word puzzles were always part of her day. Her family will never forget the love, books, and yarn she brought into their lives.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill Sinclair, and sister Joann (Mike) Taylor of Denton, TX. She is survived by her son Matt (Eva) Sinclair of Alamosa, CO, daughter Mandi (Craig) Elder of Colorado Springs, CO, sister Mary McKenry of Golden, CO, and sister-in-law Lucille (Eugene) Beaudrie of Lakewood, CO.

Phyllis took extreme joy in her 4 grandchildren, Alissa (Jake) Heaton of Helena, MT, Erica (Kolby) Shannon of Kim, CO, Jared (Jessica) Sinclair of Alamosa, CO, and Renae (Cutter) Robbins of Mosca, CO. She was also delighted with her 3 great-grandchildren, Adelaide Heaton, Henry Heaton, and Tucker Shannon.

Phyllis enjoyed the lifelong relationships she made with her international "host kids" Satoshi Kanazawa (England), Misaki Kunishige-Weitl (Japan), Misato Idesawa (Japan), Iku Motonaga (Japan), Johan Lagrelius (Sweden), and Banda Aleghazawi (Jordan).

A celebration of life will be held at 1pm on March 7, 2026, at the Las Animas Methodist Church (Wesleyan Fellowship) in Las Animas, CO. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked to honor Phyllis's love of education through donations to the Phyllis Miles Sinclair memorial scholarship at Kansas Wesleyan University. Donations can be made directly to Kansas Wesleyan's Advancement Department online (specify in memory of Phyllis Sinclair on the 3rd screen) or by mail at 100 E. Claflin Ave., Box 40, Salina, KS 67401 (specify in memory of Phyllis Sinclair on the "for" line).