Phyllis Elaine (Clark) Gehrke September 12, 1932 – February 10, 2023 Kansas City, Missouri – Phyllis Elaine (Clark) Gehrke of Kansas City, North returned home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 10, 2023. Phyllis, daughter of Rev. Lewis M. and J. Roberta (Goodvin) Clark, was born September 12, 1932 on a farm northwest of Jamesport, MO. She was married to Herbert W. Gehrke on February 23, 1958. Phyllis is a graduate of Jamesport High School, Southwest Baptist College, Bolivar, MO, her Bachelor of Arts from William Jewell College, Liberty, MO, and the his Master of Science from Central Missouri University, Warrensburg, MO. Phyllis began her teaching career at a rural school where she taught various grades. After the country schools were consolidated, she became a fifth grade teacher at the Tri-County School in Jamesport. In 1959 she and her husband moved to Kansas City. She continued her 36 years of teaching at Davidson, Englewood and Oakwood Manor Schools in the North Kansas City school system. She also became principal of Oakwood Manor School. She was a member of First Baptist Church of North Kansas City, where she taught Sunday School for 30 years. She was also a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association and the State Retirement System. She was a member of the Clay County Patriot chapter of the Daughter of the American Revolution. She was preceded in her death by her husband Herb, her parents, two sisters Helen Rainey and Hazel Marie Clark, and nephew Allen Smith. Hers Leaves to mourn hers hers daughter Shelley (Mark) VanBergh, two sisters Mary E. Bentley, Kansas City and Retta L. Dixson of St. Joseph, MO, two granddaughters Joycelyn Ingles and Edna (Tom) M. Everly. At Phyllis’ request, there will only be memorial services at Pilot Grove Cemetery No. 2 near Jamesport. If memorial donations are made, send to Pam Howard Care Cemetery Association, Gallatin, MO.
Published by the Kansas City Star on February 15, 2023.
