Phyllis Nadine Neard, 82, of Sheridan passed away on Friday, December 30, 2011 at the Westview Health Care Center.

A greatly loved lady has joined Jesus and the singing Angels.

Phyllis Nadine Burley was born September 14, 1929 to Goldie Mae and Forie (Buck) Burley in Fairview, OK. During her childhood she tells the story of the family trying to outrun a cyclone while taking a ride in the country. When Phyllis finished seventh grade, her father moved the family to Windfield, KS. She tells another story of a flood in this town. Two years later they moved again to Sheridan.

Phyllis attended four years at Sheridan High School. During her junior year in 1947 she met Alvin Neard through a friend at a Christmas party. After graduation she married Alvin at a double ceremony with his sister Bernice and Kenneth Plum at the First Christian Church on June 12, 1948. The couples went to Billings, MT for their honeymoons.

In 1967 Phyllis took a job as a correspondent for the Casper Tribune newspaper reporting events in Sheridan, for a short time. She also worked part time as a cooks helper for several schools, a dishwasher at the Townhouse Restaurant on Main Street, Sheridan, and an Avon Representative.

In 1971 she started work as Secretary at First Christian Church for thirteen years.

Phyllis was active in community service drives, experienced being a Boy Scout den mother, enjoyed being a member of the PTA Mother Singers who sang for civic organizations, she held leadership role in church including a teacher, woman's groups, and choir. She was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Sorority and learned the greek alphabet, as well as being president and education director. She completed a study with the New York Newspaper Institute of America; also a member of the National Society of Published Poets. In 1977 she wrote words to a song. The musical score was written by a man named Johnny Mack. The song title is "Come on and Smile". The sheet music and original 45 rpm record is still among family possessions. Phyllis also enjoyed an oil painting class, crossword puzzles, watching deer in the yard, and gazing across the valley from the family front yard deck on Crescent Drive in Sheridan.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband Alvin, her parents, brother Jack, and grandson Frank Coey.

She is survived by sisters; Joyce Shreve of Sheridan and Marjorie Thomas of Oregon. Daughters; Caroline Neard of Sheridan, Janis Coey of Casper and son David Neard of Sheridan. Along with grandchildren; Holly, Lita, Faith, Jolene, Alex and six great grandchildren.

Services for Phyllis will be held this Spring.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

SheridanMedia.com - January 10, 2012.