Phyllis grew up in Carter, Oklahoma graduating from Carter High School. After graduation she moved to Woodward, Oklahoma where she worked at Country Loves and started her family with her marriage. She was transferred to Elk City Loves and the family grew with the addition of her daughter, Wendy and later with the birth of her daughter, Brandi in 1981. She later moved to Paradise, Texas and then Dublin, Texas where she found employment managing a grocery store. In 1991, she moved back to Sayre, Oklahoma to be near her family and raise her daughters. She found employment with Chlorine Midget in her tax preparation business and later with Dr. Bilardo building the his optometry practice. She continued with Dr. Bilardo through the transition to Britton Vision Associates. It was during this time Phyllis met Randy Ward and their relationship grew. As time passed and after her children graduated they were married on November 8th, 2013 and they made their home in Jal, New Mexico. She spent the majority of her time revitalizing parks and yards making them as pretty as possible and giving her a good excuse to be outside. She also enjoyed sewing, playing Bunko, and spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and as much as she could with her great grandchildren.

She is preceded in by her parents; sisters, Shirley Barker, Mary Jo Cavanaugh; brothers, Larry, Roger Wayne “PeeWee” Rippetoe; one nephew, Shawn Rippetoe.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Randy Ward, Jal, NM; 2 daughters, Wendy Love, Woodward, OK, and Brandi Walker and husband, Wade, Canute, OK; 5 grandchildren, Austen Love and wife, Hannah, Lanie Edwards and husband, Tyler, Mason Barnett, Tylie Love, and Rook Walker; 2 great grandchildren, Haston Edwards and Roman Eastabrook; 3 brothers, 5 sisters, and a host of other relatives and friends.