Obituary: Phyllis Schoenhals

Phyllis was born Oct. 13, 1930, to James and Eleanor Service in Palisade, Colo. James had built the last homestead in Rio Blanco County in 1929. In the following years brothers Duane Conrad and James Joseph joined the family.
Later the family moved into Meeker so the children could attend school. Phyllis was graduated from Meeker High School in 1949. The family was then blessed with foster children Sam and Sharon Love. Phyllis went to Rockmont College in Denver where she was graduated with a teaching degree following in her mother’s footsteps.
While teaching school in Follett, Texas, Phyllis fell in love and married Bill Schoenhals on July 10, 1961. For many years they farmed and ranched in Lipscomb County, Texas, while raising their children. Bill and Phyllis bred Appaloosa horses and were 4-H leaders in their community for many years, even taking a group of young people to Washington, D.C.
While living in Texas Phyllis was a volunteer EMT for 22 years helping her small town of Darrouzett immensely. Upon her retirement Bill and Phyllis moved to her hometown of Meeker. Phyllis could not stay idle for long and worked as a librarian and school nurse for 10 years. For four years after that she enjoyed driving the rural mail route until her death.
Phyllis enjoyed many things such as competing in the Rio Blanco County Fair and won many blue and grand champion ribbons just like her mother before her. Year after year she loved hosting church socials and the Lime Kiln Reunion at the Service family cabin. Hobbies included fishing, sewing, gardening, flower arranging and horseback riding. One of her greatest joys was spending lots of time with her grandchildren.
Phyllis stayed very active in her beloved Grace Bible Church which her father was pivotal in building. She immensely cherished her church family and we know they will miss her as much as her own family.
Preceding Phyllis in death are her parents, brother Jimmy Joe and wife Natalie, and son-in-law, Denis Uecke. Phyllis is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Bill Schoenhals, son Terry Overstreet and grandson Hunter Overstreet; daughter Julena Schoenhals Uecke, granddaughter Gypsy Overstreet and great-grandsons Nicky Overstreet and Kayden LaRose, granddaughter JaNine Mack and great-granddaughters McKena and Kailyn Mack; daughter Liria Staton and husband Jason, grandson Larin Crase and granddaughter Lauren Staton; brother Duane Service and wife Karlene; brother Sam Love and wife Ginny; sister Sharon Good and Roger Almgreen. Also numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Because of her great love of animals, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite no-kill animal shelter or the charity of your choice.