Satanta - Phyllis A. Merz, 70, died January 17, 2014 at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City. She was born on May 21, 1943 in Kinsley, the daughter of Harvey Layfayette and Clara Bell (Ellis) Faurot.

Phyllis graduated from Springfield High School in 1961. On May 31, 1963, she married Richard Arnold in Clayton New Mexico. He survives. Phyllis worked for Haskell County District Court from November 21, 1978 until her retirement on December 12, 2008. She served as Clerk of the District Court for 14 years. Phyllis enjoyed many activities including reading, crossword puzzles, and working on the family history. Her great joy was watching her children and grandchildren as they participated in various sports and other school activities.

She was a member of the Satanta United Methodist Church, Kansas Association of District Courts Clerks and Administrators, and the YO Club of Satanta.

In addition to her husband Richard, Phyllis is survived by two sons Brent Merz and wife Lisa of Holcomb and Brian Merz of Garden City; one daughter, Shelley Kuehler and husband Joey of Satanta; nine grandchildren; Manyi Merz, Brady Merz, Christian Merz, Kyle Merz and wife Farrah, Drew Merz, Austin Merz, Brice Merz, Michael Kuehler and wife Keyla, and Megan Kuehler; four great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ida Jo Faurot; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Robert A. Faurot; and one sister, Nina Belle Faurot and an infant brother and sister.

Funeral service will be held at Satanta United Methodist Church on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Kelvin Heitmann presiding. Burial will follow at Dudley Township Cemetery in Satanta. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Sublette on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 from Noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Satanta United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.