Phyllis Wietharn

Phyllis Ann Wietharn, beloved daughter of God, her Heavenly Father, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026. A long-time resident of Topeka, Kansas, she was 88 years old. Her long battle with Alzheimer's is over and she's now with her Lord, joyful and whole.

Phyllis was born on February 4, 1938, in Axtell, Kansas, to Oscar August and Creta Jane (Carney) Stueve. She was one of five siblings that grew up on a farm outside of Axtell. After graduating from high school in 1956, Phyllis attended Stormont Vail School of Nursing and graduated in 1959. On September 7, 1956, she married Marion Matthias Wietharn at St. Michael's Church in Axtell. They moved to Topeka where they raised their family, Kent (Julie) Wietharn of Richmond, Virginia, Jule (David) Rook of Allen, Texas, and Ross (Jenny) Wietharn of Peoria, Illinois. They also have six grandchildren, Kas (Isayke) Wietharn, Rachel (Matthew) Eldridge, Trent (Sam) Baez-Rook, Bryce Rook, Anna and Michael Wietharn, and one great-grandchild, Rebekah Ann Eldridge. She is also survived by a brother, Glenn Stueve of Hiawatha, a sister, Iris Holthaus of Seneca, and numerous nieces and nephews. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sisters Laura Lee Shirley and Wanda Porting.

As a registered nurse, Phyllis worked for over 30 years in hospital, public school and geriatric nursing. She retired from Brewster Place in Topeka with 21 years of service. She was a natural caretaker, which shined when someone needed help. In retirement, Phyllis volunteered at the Crisis Pregnancy Outreach and as a children's leader with both Bible Study Fellowship and the Christian Home children's program at Topeka Bible Church, where she was a long-time member. She enjoyed interacting with children through crafts, music and storytelling. Phyllis was generous, caring, kind, loving and friendly. She loved music, dancing and singing, and made sure her children had opportunities to explore music. Later in life, Phyllis enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren – reading, playing games, going on outings and attending any of their events when possible. Her many other interests included Bible study, sewing, crocheting, traveling, gardening, crosswords and jigsaw puzzles.

Phyllis was a sincere believer and follower of Jesus. She came to understand God's extravagant love and forgiveness later in life by which she was profoundly changed. While continuing to grow in her own faith in Christ, she faithfully shared with others. Her daily commitment to Bible reading and prayer was an endearing witness to her family.

Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2026, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Topeka Bible Church, 1101 SW Mulvane St, Topeka KS 66604.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association via https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/julerook/phyllis or Lifeline Women's Resource Center via lifelinewrc.com/donate/, or Topeka Bible Church and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.