Phyllis Jane (Ivy) Ottmann, the daughter of Harry Hamilton and Florence Katherine (Mather) Ivy, was born December 22, 1944, in Maryville, Missouri. She grew up in Tarkio, Missouri, with fond memories of her aunts, uncles, and cousins close by. She attended Tarkio High School, graduating in 1962. After high school, she completed one year of college at Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri.

Phyllis was known for her quick wit and sense of humor, often joking that she would “never do two things – marry a farmer or a Rock Port Blue Jay.” Life, of course, had other plans. On March 30, 1968, she married Keith Ottmann – both a farmer and a Rock Port Blue Jay – at the First Christian Church in Tarkio. Together, they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and family, and were blessed with three children: Stacy, Ryan, and Nancy.

A devoted wife and mother, Phyllis poured her heart into caring for her family. While her children were in school, she worked part-time at The Sampler Dress Shop and Stoner Drug, where many came to know her friendly smile and warm conversation. She was also known for her meticulous work wallpapering homes, taking great pride in doing things carefully and beautifully, a reflection of her attention to detail and strong work ethic. She was deeply committed to her community and affectionately known by many as “Aunt P.”

Phyllis was a very active member of the First Lutheran Church in Rock Port, Missouri, where she served on numerous church boards through the years. She generously gave her time to the community of Rock Port and throughout Atchison County.

Phyllis had a remarkable artistic talent and a creative spirit that touched everyone around her. She expressed her creativity through sewing, often making costumes with care and imagination, as well as through stained glass and painting. One of her greatest joys was sharing her love of art with her grandchildren, patiently teaching them to paint, encouraging their creativity, and creating memories they will cherish forever.

She loved traveling and especially enjoyed hosting gatherings in her home, where everyone was made to feel welcome. Phyllis had a gift for making everything fun, turning ordinary moments into celebrations. When it came time to order dessert, you didn’t choose just one, you ordered the entire menu selection. Phyllis was an incredible cook, a thoughtful gift giver, and someone who delighted in doing for others.

Phyllis was a loving, natural caretaker, not only to her family, but also to friends and even friends of friends. She always put others before herself, offering help, comfort, and encouragement wherever it was needed. Above all else, she cherished her family, her universe, and found her greatest joy in spending time with them and supporting them in every way she could. Her words often reflected her joyful outlook on life, with her favorite phrase being “the most fun” and “that was THE BEST EVER!”

Phyllis passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the age of 81.

Besides her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by father-in-law, Raymond Ottmann, and mother-in-law, Virginia Ottmann; and brother-in-law, Gary Bennington. Survivors include husband, Keith Ottmann, Rock Port; children, Stacy (Roger) Bundridge, Maryville, Ryan (Rachel) Ottmann, Rock Port, and Nancy (Tim) Shipley, Maryville; grandchildren, Jansen (Adriana) Bundridge, Skylar (Joseph) Krause, Renner Shipley, Lucy Ottmann, Evve Shipley, and twins, River and Lillian Ottmann; great-grandson, Wells Bundridge; sister, Sue (Ivy) Smith, Galesburg, Illinois; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jayne Ann Bennington, Rock Port, and James (Rita) Ottmann, Tarkio; numerous nieces and nephews; and beloved dog, Millie Ottmann.

A funeral service was held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, Rock Port, conducted by Pastor Devon Sons. Interment was at Hunter Cemetery, Rock Port. Memorials may be directed to Rock Port First Responders or Rock Port Volunteer Fire Department. Arrangements were under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Online condolences may be made at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.