Phyllis Ann Romine

Phyllis Ann (Jones) Romine, age 95, died at her home in rural Paola on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. The daughter of Albert and Mae Charlotte Jones of Chicago, IL. She was born on June 18, 1928, and had one sister, Roberta Mae Mattick of IL.

Phyllis grew up two blocks away from Wrigley Field. She told stories of the many rats who inhabited the baseball field during the Cubs’ summer games and left for the upscale neighborhoods for the winter. The baseball rats hid in carriage houses, under back porches, and sewers.

Phyllis graduated from North Park High School in 1945. She attended the University of Missouri, studying journalism until her father passed away. Returning home, she worked in The Loop for an advertising agency.

Always having an interest in airplanes, she decided at the age of 21 to learn to fly as she was always a free spirit. When other young women chose not to hang out in an airplane hangar, she learned to fly a bright yellow Piper Cub. This is where she met her future husband, John.

They were united in marriage on December 26, 1952. They had six children: James, Beth, Andrea, Carrie, Guy, and Gwen. The family lived in Park Ridge and Barrington, IL, before moving to Paola in March of 1970.

For a city woman, life in the country fit her well. Fixing fences, raising chickens, chasing horses and cows at dawn, slinging manure, and raising monumental gardens.

Phyllis planted a plethora of fruit trees and an overabundance of flowers just for the butterflies. She created a haven for all wildlife on her farm. Turkeys, deer, and coyotes made pathways through her backyard.

Phyllis had a love for art and became a “Picture Lady” volunteer in the Paola USD 968 during the 1970’s. She also volunteered in the libraries and worked as a substitute teacher.

She was hired as a library assistant for North and South Schools, Hillsdale, Sunflower, and Middle School from 1981-1986. Phyllis loved finding books for youngsters who disliked reading.

Phyllis and her husband were inseparable. They were very interested in history and archeology. Participating in many “digs” around Kansas – near Mine Creek, Ft. Hays, Arkansas City, and Pawnee Indian Museum with Kansas Archeology and Historical Society.

They traveled throughout Mexico, Central America and Peru studying ancient civilizations. Also traveling historical destinations in Europe, The Middle East, and Egypt. She seldom traveled to lay upon a beach and drink old-fashioneds. It was to study humpbacks in Hawaii, killer whale color patterns and walking up mountains in Mexico to observe Monarch butterflies.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband John, of 62 years, her parents and sister Roberta, sons James and Guy, daughter Andrea; granddaughter Coy Conner, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Survivors include Beth (Chris) Conner of Paola, Carrie Romine Howell of Kentucky, and Gwen Romine of Kentucky; 12 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Monarch Watch - University of Kansas 2021 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel 305 N Pearl St. Paola, KS 66071.