Phyllis Kay Plummer, age 78, of Colstrip, formerly of Miles City was born on September 23, 1941 in Jordan, Montana the daughter of Ellis Ruel and LaVina Lucille (Garthofner) Childers. They lived in Jordan until Kay was seven years old with her father teaching her first grade at home. They then moved to Custer where she started in the second grade. They lived in Custer until Kay was in the sixth grade, then they moved north of the Missouri River on a ranch where she attended country school through the eighth grade. She then went to Malta where she attended her freshman and sophomore years of schooling before moving to Broadus where she graduated from Powder River County High School. Kay signed a teaching contract in January of her senior year of high school and went to Eastern Montana College (MSU Billings) that summer where she received her teaching certificate. She began teaching school that fall at Hay Creek School at the age of seventeen. Kay married Gene Plummer in 1963 in Glendive, Montana and they had two daughters Carmen and Carla. Kay was a teacher all her life and loved every minute of it. She taught at country schools all over Montana including Powder River, Dawson, Roosevelt, and Rosebud Counties. Kay moved to Miles City in 1989 and went to work teaching at Sacred Heart School and was Principal as well. After retiring in 1997, she continued to substitute teach at Sacred Heart until 2007. She also worked at Miles Community College in the Academic Development Center from 2001-2006.
Kay served on numerous committees and helped put on lots of workshops through the years. She also received several awards including State Superintendent’s Honor Roll in 1983, she was one of the top teachers in Outstanding Teacher in the State of Montana in 1983 and was Outstanding Employee of the Colstrip District in the fall of 1985. Kay loved her students and has stayed in contact with many of her students and families through the years. She always enjoyed a good visit with friends over a cup of coffee. Kay also enjoyed watching all kinds of sports from rodeo to football. She was deeply loved by all and noted to be called the kindest person in the world. Her presence is notably missed by her family and friends.
Kay is preceded in death by her mother La Vina Lucille Childers, father Ellis Childers, stepfather Vince Hohl, and brother Wes Childers. She is survived by her brothers, Pat Childers and Mike (Paula) Childers; daughters, Carmen Trudel, Carla (Jay) Kapptie; grandchildren, Jade (Dane) Torgerson, Shayn (Erin) Kapptie, Curt (Jayme) Kapptie; and her well-loved great grandchildren, Taggart & Emry Torgerson, Evritt & Ellis Kapptie, Jayce & Skylin Kapptie.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 7, 2019 from 4-6 P.M.at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 11 A.M at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart School or the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Monday October 7, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 8, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Monday October 7, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 8, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Shelly Holum says
Prayers for the family….. Kay was a very special lady…
Betty Vail says
I always enjoyed visiting with Kay. What a beautiful smile. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Ellen Ruane says
Kay was my first cousin and although I hadn’t seen her for many years, she treated me with a great deal of kindness when I returned to Montana to spread my father’s ashes in the part of the world he loved best. I am sad she had to leave but I like to think she’s having a wonderful reunion with her mother and other loved ones in heaven. Thanks, Kay, for everything.
Brenda Little says
Kay was a very special lady 2 many many of her friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all💖
Bernadette says
I worked with Kay years ago at the Sacred Heart Catholic School. I enjoyed working with her – very kind spirited person.
Amber and Gary Ramsey says
Hugs and prayers for all of Kay’s family and friends. She was such a special lady!!!
Kathye and Rick Partridge says
I worked with Kay and counted her as a friend for many years. She was a wonderful teacher and a supportive friend. Hugs to her family.
Cindy Miller says
So sorry for your loss. Kay was a special lady. My prayers go out to her family.
Mary Holzwarth says
Mrs Plummer, as she will always be to me, was an outstanding teacher and later in life a dear friend. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family at this time. May she rest in eternal peace.
Ether Nelson says
What a special lady, worked with her in Belle Creek and lost track of her. My sympathy and prayers for her family .
Susan Acton says
Kay was a special person and teacher. When I worked as a substitute teacher many years ago, I had the privilege of subbing in her classes many times. She never told me what students to watch out for or which ones would probably give me trouble. I asked her once why and she said it wouldn’t be fair to the students because each one behaved differently from day to day. She was the fairest teacher i was ever around and I remember her with the upmost respect. Sincere sympathy to her family and friends.
Tom & Robin Shahan says
Our deepest condolences to all of Kay’s family. What a graceful, elegant woman! Always enjoyed visiting with her! God Bless you all!
Willowa Heppner says
Miss Plummer as I always called her my deepest sympathy to her family.
Loni Hartman says
I am so very sorry for your loss. She was such a kind lady. I thought the world of her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I respected her as a person and a teacher. She would just crack me up with that look she would give ya. God bless her. Loni Hartman
Allison Dickson Chaffin says
So many memories of this dear Lady! My sincerest condolences to her family.
Leona Mayo says
She was definitely my sanity as a first year teacher in Colstrip in 73-74!
Naomi Finnicum says
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Kay’s family. So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady. Lorin and Naomi Finnicum
Mianne Graa says
Miss Plummer was one of my favorite teachers. She had a way of making learning fun. She was a special teacher and person. My thoughts and sympathies to her family.
Doug & Jan Gaskill says
I have so many fond memories of Kay over the years. I loved & respected her and her style as a teacher, she taught work ethic to so many students. We will miss her dearly. She was a wonderful lady!
Alicia Campbell O’Toole says
Ms. Plummer was a very kind and loving teacher and person. Her smile always filled up any room. She always had a way about her that made you feel loved and welcomed. God bless this special lady! My prayers of comfort go out to her family.
Shelly Rawlins (Cook) says
My sincerest condolences to the family. Mrs. Plummer meant the world to me, especially during those tough middle school years. She helped me to see I was worth something as person and I had something to do in this world. She was the reason I went into preschool education in college….I wanted to give back and make a difference in the lives of my students just as she made a difference in mine. I make divinity every Christmas and I always eat a piece for her.
LINDY ANNALORA says
I worked with Kay many years ago. I have fond memories of her being a wonderful person and co-worker. I remember her as being very wise and so kind with everyone. My deepest sympathy to her family. RIP, Kay.
Kara Granlund says
Kay Plummer was a wonderful, special lady who made a positive difference in the lives of so many of her students. I’m proud to say that I am one of them. The lessons I learned from her – in geography and in life – will always be with me.
Sending hugs and prayers to her family.
Carol Schneidt says
My thoughts and prayers are with Kay’s family! She was a great lady!
Michelle says
My condolences to her family. She was one of my favorite teachers. She made me feel worthy as a person. I have thought of her often. She made a difference in many children’s lives!
Queeda Wigert says
Absolutely the best teacher I ever had. She brought out the best in kids. I’ve thought of her so many times throughout the years. Wonderful lady.
Larry Morris says
I am truly sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person and great teacher. God Bless.
Leanne Stewart says
Oh Kay, the last month was hard but you are in a better place now. I will treasure the time I had with you this last month and the talks we had. I will miss calling you and chatting about our families. I love you and will miss you!!
Jessie Dufner says
To Kay’s family, I send you heartfelt prayers of sympathy. I knew Kay from working at Miles Community College and would see her every now and again years after she had left the college. Kay had a wonderful smile and was always so thoughtful and kind. I will always remember her for her patience with students and true love of teaching others. She was truly a remarkable, wonderful woman who will be missed!
Linda Kountz says
Pat, Mike, Carman. Carla and families, Kay was one of the first people I met when I moved to Casper 50 years ago, she taught Kim her first cuss word, taught Guy in school and we had so much fun together. She loved a good joke especially on family members. I wish I had known she was in Miles again I would have visited her often. She was a wonderful friend and great teacher. Love to you all
Mary Ann Whitehead says
Bob and Mary Ann say. Are thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kay was a very special lady.
Debbie Waters Charette says
Opened her home and her heart to me❤️ Forever greatful❤️
April Alaine Miller says
My prayers for the family. What a Treasure Ms. Plummer was as a teacher! You will be missed by many but I’m sure everyone in Heaven is Celebrating your arrival.
Jackie and Joe Schneidt says
We haven’t seen Kay in years,but when we did we always had a good visit. She was always pleasant and with that great smile.
She went to school with my sister Barbara and my sister in law Marge. May she Rest In Peace.
Fay Matheny says
Thinking of you, Carla, Carmen, Pat, and Mike. Kay was a special friend as well as a fellow teacher.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
My thoughts and prayers to Kay’s family. I met Kay when we worked at Miles Community College, whenever I met her she would recognize me and say hello. She was a thoughtful and kind lady.
Judy Hayworth says
It was a real pleasure to teach with Kay. She was an excellent teacher and really cared for her students, always wanting the best for each one. Love to, and prayers for, her family,Judy Hayworth
Catherine Byron says
Kay’s professionalism and caring personality permeated every room she stepped into, and every friendship she made. She touched dozens of all ages during her time on this earth. She will be missed by many. She planted many seeds of kindness and encouragement. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this difficult time.
Tom Vincent says
One of my favorite teachers! Used to take her a box of chocolate covered cherries at Christmas while I was in school. Rest In Peace Mrs Plummer. God Bless.
JoAnn Nelson says
Carmen, Carla and families, Your mom made such a great difference in so many lives, mine included. She was such a great teacher but she touched my life in so many ways. Teaching me about life, caring for me like a daughter/friend as I was growing up. Giving me motherly advice when I needed it most. Every time I make a “to-do” list I think back to the times I would be at your house and see her list, that she checked off as she completed each thing😍. Bless you all and comfort you at this time. Live JoAnn Bredwick Nelson
Georgia Moore says
So sorry to hear of your loss, Pat, Carmen,Carla and Mike. Memories of her are forever. Great woman. Marion and Georgia Moore
Sheri Allred Record says
I consider myself lucky to have had Kay as a teacher & friend. She made a big beautiful mark on the world by influencing so many people throughout her life! She will be missed.
Kevin Olmstead says
She was a wonderful and caring teacher. Ms. Plummer thank you for caring for each of your students. You will be missed.
Kymbre Calhoun says
I didn’t get the pleasure of knowing Kay before she was sick. I was one of her cna’s at the end. I was lucky though, to know her at all. These past few weeks I became very close with Kay and was so lucky to know her at all. She was so strong to the very end. She made me laugh every day and I looked forward going to take care of her every day. She was beautiful, hilarious, and classy. She touched my heart deeply and I will never forget her. My condolences to the family, though she is where she wants to be now. She’s finally at peace.
Duane & Jane says
Mrs. Plummer was definitely the best and most strict:) teacher I’ve ever had!! It was an honor to be one of her many students in Colstrip, she will be in all of our hearts and minds forever!! Sending lots of prayers to the family, God Bless!!
Duane & Jane
Brady Stone says
She was, bar none, the funniest person I ever met. Her since of humor is what I will miss the most. Intelligent humor is hard to beat. She was one of a kind. RIP.
Donna McCulloch says
Kay left a legacy at Colstrip schools as attested by the many condolences. She was a strict but fair teacher, and just a downright good person. May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
John and Kristie Franklin says
We are going to miss you Aunt Kay, we will always treasure our time spent with you. Love John, Kristie and Whitney
John and Barb Groom says
So Sorry for the Loss of Kay, Prayers for all of the Family..
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Barbara (Beltz) Erling says
Kay and I were in high school together. She was always a very kind and loving person. She was very slow to anger–only saw her get angry once and it was well deserved who she got angry at. May you all remember she was always well loved and may you all be a peace with her.
David W Shreeve says
I was blessed to work with Kay for numerous years. She was such a terrific teacher and friend. You always knew where you stood with Kay and she always had a way of having all the other teachers cracking up at the things she would say and do. After she left Colstrip I would see her in MC and have a good visit. Too bad the world doesn’t have more Kays.
Luanda Taylor says
Sending prayers to you all. Mrs. Plummer was one in a million and the best teacher I ever had. Seeing her from time to time, she’d always bring up some snippet of information that I should remember she’d taught me. We always got a good giggle if I couldn’t give a good answer, then go on about our coffee drinking. Mrs. Plummers character and teaching style changed me and I’ll never forget that.
Gary and Patti Baisch says
Prayers for.your family. Gary and Patti Baisch
Doug Oxford says
Kay was a wonderful person and great educator! Condolences to the family. She will be missed.
Carmen says
Thank you all for your very kind words. My mom was very remarkable women. What a blessing to our family our rock. She truly loved each and everyone. I am such a privileged daughter to have had .such a great mentor in my life. To my sister you are the Best. Thank you.
Bo & Gary Lyon says
Our prayers go out to all of the family…Childers, Plummer, Kappite for peace and comfort during this time of loss. Kay Plummer was a truly remarkable teacher and classy lady. I am thankful I had the chance to see her again a couple years ago as it had been awhile. Thankful she touched our lives here in Colstrip. RIP: Mrs. Plummer…as I too called her.
Paula Peplow says
Our thoughts go out to the family during your time of sorrow. Kay was a special woman I will always remember!
Shaughnessy Family, Tom, Carrie, Ashley, Kaitlyn and Tyler. says
What an amazing woman. She was so kind to our family when we moved to Miles City in 1992. Our daughters loved going to Sacred Heart School. She always, always acknowledged everyone who walked in that school and remembered names. She was a “gift”.
David Economou says
She was temporary principal at Isabel Bills elementary school in Colstrip, as well as being a teacher there as I was.
She was always very fair, but also tough-you didn’t mess with Kay. She enjoyed an occasional Jack Daniels. Very down-to- earth lady. She seemed to genuinely love the kids.