Montezuma - Phyllis Ann Rhodes Koehn was born to Harold and Mable (Mininger) Rhodes on November 17, 1938, near Tampa, Kansas. She left  us on July 7, 2023.

Mom had a happy childhood with her parents and siblings, attending the Durham congregation and frequently visiting the Rhodes Ranch which was home to her Grandma Lily and bachelor uncles. She began her education at the Red Top Country School and completed grades two through seven in Durham.

In 1948, Mom moved with her family to Wallace County, Kansas, where she attended eighth grade. When she was 16, she had a new birth experience and was baptized into the church of God in Christ Mennonite by Min. Milferd Wenger. Her faith was important to her as evidenced by her careful daily walk with the Lord.

In 1955, the family moved to Iroquois, South Dakota. Mom would often recall happy memories of being charter members of the new congregation there. Mom met our Dad, Lavern Koehn, when she went to Montezuma to visit an aunt. They were married on July 20, 1958, at Iroquois. It was the first wedding for the congregation.

Because Dad was employed in grain elevator construction, they lived in various locations in their early married life. They later settled at Montezuma, where they lived for the rest of her life. Four daughters and one son were born to them.

Mom enjoyed sewing and created many dresses, shirts and quilts. She was a faithful supporter of the church sewing circle and she rarely missed a sewing day. Mom had a frugal nature and could give tired household items new life with a good scrubbing and a few repairs. These talents served her well in the many hours she spent working at the Sewing Center. The time spent as house Mama at several young folk's units and opening their home to young sisters was enjoyable and fulfilling for Mom.

As Mom's health declined and she needed more care, she was so grateful to move into Bethel Home. She made the comment, "It sounds like peace and rest," when we approached her with the idea of making the move.

Those left to cherish her memories are her husband, Lavern, Montezuma; children, Linda and Keith Ensz, Inman, Loretta and Lyndon Toews, Montezuma, Lois and Mike Ensz, Inman, Brad and Laura Koehn, Sublette, and LeAnne and Reuben Koehn, Gruver, Texas; seventeen grandchildren; twenty five great grandchildren; three sisters, Berdene and DeWayne Dirks, Crystal Koehn and Marilyn and Jim Fischer; two brothers, Stuart and Elaine Rhodes and Mark and Glenda Rhodes ;and one sister-in-law, Mona Rhodes. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, one brother-in-law, one nephew and two nieces.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Charles Schmidt, Cyrus Wedel, and Dennis Ensz  presiding.  Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Monday, July 10, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.