Phyllis Kempf, the third of five children, was born November 19, 1925 in Aitken, Minnesota to Esther Wesner and Charles A. Niles. She passed away peacefully on the morning of January 26, 2022.
The family lived on a small dairy farm. She attended all the way through first grade at a small rural school before the family moved to a small ranch on the Powder River in 1932. She attended the rest of her elementary and junior school days at Trail Creek Rural School before graduating from Custer County High School in 1942.
The family lived in Tacoma, Washington starting in 1942 til the end of World War II. Phyllis was admitted to the Tacoma General Hospital School of Nursing in September of 1944, graduating in September of 1947. She returned to Montana and worked as an RN at Holy Rosary Hospital.
She married Herbert Kempf in May of 1951. During the early years of marriage, she worked as an RN in Wyoming, Montana, and the Dakotas. She became a homemaker while she raised 3 sons, returning to nursing in 1981, working at the Custer County Nursing Home until her retirement. She has lived in Miles City since 1967.
Phyllis is survived by her sons Vaughn (Pat) Kempf of Billings, MT and Todd Kempf of Yakima, WA; grandsons John Kempf and Derek Kempf; Sherri and Shawna. She is also survived by many nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her husband Herbert; both parents; son Ross Kempf; sisters Elinore Lamach and Louise Donnelly; brothers Charles Niles and James Niles; infant daughter, Beryl; daughter-in-law Bonnie Kempf;
A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow at Custer County Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 2, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday February 3, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Immediately Following the Funeral Service
Thursday February 3, 2022
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 2, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday February 3, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Immediately Following the Funeral Service
Thursday February 3, 2022
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Mike Niles says
Vaughn and Todd so sorry to hear of aunt Phyllis’ s passing. She will be missed.
Missie Niles says
Aunt Phyllis was one of the kindest souls I have ever known. She will always fill a space in my heart.
My deepest sympathies in her passing.
Sean Donnelly says
Aunt Phyllis was such an interesting person and so easy to visit with – I have many great memories of our conversations over the years, from my childhood over 40 years ago up until recent years when physical limitations made such visits no longer possible, and they have been greatly missed. I will always remember her kindness and dry sense of humor – even just yesterday, I thought about a funny thing she did during a visit at my parents house when I was in elementary school, and it put a smile on my face. I was very sad to hear of her passing this morning; her soul is in my prayers, as are you and your families. God bless.
Kevin A Donnelly says
Aunt Phyllis was one of the old breed that would help you if she could. Her and others definitely helped me to become an adult. It seems to be a lost trait in today’s world. Thanks for helping me. Forever my heart.
Jackie Stroh says
Rest in peace Dear Aunt Phyllis it was wonderful knowing you throughout the years I’ll always remember our visits and I was fortunate enough to take care of you while you were in residential living in your golden years.Vaughn, Todd and family condolences to you your mother was a special person!
Catherine Kempf says
Your mother was the best! I remember when we lived in the Rockies she came to visit us. She had her new car. When we looked out there was our little goat dancing on top of her lovely car! Fortunately his hoofs were still soft so he didn’t dent the hood. We stopped over in Miles City while on our treks. She and Greg are probably having a great time catching up!
Mary Esther Lamach Sanchez says
With deepest sadness I want to extend my condolences in the loss aunt Phyllis she was a loving lady who always gave a helping hand when someone needed it I recall just before my mom passed away and I was trying to take care her at home aunt Phyllis came to Billings and stayed here to help me and she was here the morning mom passed away God bless her I will remember her alway
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Vaughn and family. I’m so sorry for the loss of mom. May she rest in peace and very sorry she had to leave us.
Lorna Niles says
Vaughn n Todd…
Just found out, I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom.
Fondest memories was Aunt Phyllis making Dad’s birthday cake each year…n the times I got to tag along n join em! Thank you for the memories Auntie, u will ALWAYS be loved n missed by me💞