Phyllis J. Madl

Phyllis J. "Jeannie" Madl, 86, longtime Altamont resident, passed away at 12:14 a.m., Friday, February 26, 2021, at her home.

Phyllis Jean Shepard was born on April 11, 1934, to Arthur Moses and Eva May (Powell) Shepard in St. Paul, Kansas. As a young girl, she grew up and attended schools in rural St. Paul, including the Bloomer Country School. In 1951, she graduated from McCune High School. She continued her education at Labette Community College earning an Associates degree and then attended Pittsburg State University.

For many years Jeannie worked for the state of Kansas in Topeka. She began working at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center in 1978 and moved to Altamont, where she has lived since.

She was a member of the Altamont First United Methodist Church. Her greatest enjoyment came from spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed doing ceramics, fishing and camping.

On August 29, 1958, Phyllis and Ronald L. Madl were united in marriage in Topeka, Kansas. He preceded her in death on December 14, 2012.

Survivors include:

One daughter – Debra K. Smith of Altamont, Kansas

Three grandchildren – Daniel Smith of Altamont, Kansas

Kendra Smith and her companion, Brian Johnson, of Owasso, Oklahoma

Kassia Bolden and her husband, Marshall, of Mound Valley, Kansas

Four great-grandchildren – Allison Eisenhour, Reagen Smith, Blake Bolden and Riley Bolden

One brother – Chauncy Shepard of Strauss, Kansas

Two sisters – Artie Lewis and her husband, Bob of McGregor, Minnesota

Carolyn Moore of Humboldt, Kansas

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ronald; two sons, David Madl in 2016 and an infant son, Michael; her son-in-law, Andy Smith; and two brothers, Verlin Shepard and Delbert Shepard.

The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 4, 2021, at the Altamont First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont. Friends may call at the church from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, to sign the register and view Mrs. Madl. The funeral service can be viewed live on the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home Facebook page. For all events, social distancing guidelines will be followed, including the requirement of face masks.

Memorials are suggested to Grace Foundation to benefit Kindred Hospice. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.