Phyllis Blackwood, 77 Chanute, Kansas fought a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She died Thursday, March 22, 2012 at Yates Center Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center. Phyllis was born in Chanute on July 24th, 1934. She was the daughter of Don F. and Alberta Beach.

Phyllis graduated from Chanute High School and attended the University of Kansas. Later she earned her cosmetology license for Kansas.

Married to Dr. Dwight E Blackwood on September 25, 1955 and resided in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. They made many lifelong friends during the Air Force S.A.C. enlistment. Their next journey took them to Memphis for Optometry school in Memphis Tennessee and returning to settle in their home town of Chanute, Kansas.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Don C. and Alberta Beach. She has been a lifelong member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Chanute.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Dr. Dwight Blackwood, her son Tim Blackwood and his wife Lori of Louisburg, Kansas, her daughter Linda Hatch and Craig Hatch of Yates Center, Kansas, her brother Don and wife Jan of Houston, Texas. Phyllis also leaves four terrific Grand children - Chase Blackwood, Karli Blackwood, Samantha Hatch, and Katelyn Hatch.

Phyllis loved life, her composure, kind thoughts and soft smile endured her to many friends. She was the anchor for

her immediate family, had two great children and raised them in her likeness. Phyllis loved to be with her grandchildren, to nurture and to watch them grow into great adults. Her loss will be felt by everyone. She loved to dance, sing, manage her home and view the country in their motorhome. She was very accomplished artist producing many long lasting paintings. Her family of many relatives was paramount in her fortunes and was her pride.

Phyllis was the exceptional mixture of talents, class and a loving commitment to friends and family. She will be missed by those who know her and her family.

Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. March 26 at Penwell-Gabel Gibson Funeral Home, 16 N Forest, Chanute.

Funeral is Tuesday, March 27 at 10 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, 1202 west Main, Chanute, KS.

Burial is at Memorial Park South, on 14th Street, east side of town.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 2404 West 8th, Coffeyville, Kansas. Please note for Phyllis Blackwood or leave with church.

Words of condolence may be sent at www.penwellgabelchanute.com