Phyllis Ruth (Martin) Cline

Phyllis Ruth (Martin) Cline passed peacefully at the home of her daughter, Jayne, on June 29, 2025. She was 80 years old. Jayne, always a devoted daughter, stayed by her side and took care of her every need right to the end.

Visitation will be held at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa on July 8, 2025 from 2 to 4pm followed by graveside services at Evergreen Mound cemetery.

Phyllis was born in Waverly, Kansas on July 26, 1944 to Archie and Eletta (Roecker) Martin. She grew up in Ottawa, attending Ottawa schools. She made her home in Ottawa, raising her children and working at various local enterprises. Parmelee, HD Lee, Our Own Hardware, and WalMart DC. In retirement, she volunteered her time at Ransom Memorial Hospital and Meals on Wheels.

On May 10, 1964 Phyllis married John W. Rea and this union was blessed with five children. They later divorced.

On January 12, 2001 Phyllis was united in marriage to George W. (Red) Cline. Their brief time together was very happy. They bought a camper and travelled often to visit family and attend black powder events.

Phyllis was truly one of a kind. She insisted on being barefoot. She loved flowers and showed everyone that came to visit her beautiful gardens. She was kind and genuine to her core. She loved to bake and kept everyone she knew well supplied with delicious treats. She would give away anything she had to help others—no matter how little she had herself. She was fiercely independent, funny, and ornery as all get out. She was a loving mother and grandmother and was so proud of her big family. She was a tiny little person but she has left a huge hole in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Red; twin sisters, Immagean Kelly, and Emmagean Evans; and her adored grandson, Luke Rea.

Survivors include her five children, Joyce Rea; Jason Rea; Jayne Altic (Randy); Jeffrey Rea (Liz); and JoAnna Pierce (Brandon). Nine Grandchildren: Christie, Catie, Oliva, Juan, Kristen, Tyler, Alexis, Rylan, and Hudson. Five Great grandchildren: Paige, Peyton, Graham, Willow, and Aydan.  Brother Raymond Leroy Martin.

The family suggests memorial contributions to her favorite charity, Meals on Wheels c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.

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