Phyllis Diane Schmidt, 76, of La Crosse, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Locust Grove Village in La Crosse.

She was born on October 24, 1949, in Longmont, Colorado, to William "Billy" Vernon and Eleanor "Jean" (Baessler) Pendleton. On May 27, 1978, she married Gary Dennis Schmidt, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others.

Phyllis dedicated her professional career to helping others as an occupational therapist. Her passion for serving extended well beyond her profession, as she devoted countless hours to her community through the Area Agency on Aging, the American Red Cross blood drives, Meals on Wheels, and the Cross Road Pregnancy Care Center. A woman of deep and abiding faith, she found strength and comfort in reading her Bible. Her compassion was evident in the many prayers she faithfully offered for her family, friends, neighbors, and anyone facing difficult times.

Above all, Phyllis treasured her family. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 48 years, Gary Schmidt, of La Crosse; her son, Brandon Schmidt and his wife, Lindsay, of Shawnee, Kansas; her beloved granddaughters, Ava, Ella, and Maeley, who brought her immeasurable joy; and her brother, Wayne Pendleton and his wife, Willa, of Monument, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her infant son, Jason Alan Schmidt, in 1979.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Keithley Funeral Homes – La Crosse Chapel, 611 Peace Street, La Crosse, Kansas, with burial to follow at La Crosse City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Locust Grove Village.

Memories and condolences may be shared on Phyllis's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com