Phyllis Perez

Phyllis Ann Perez, age 77, of Humboldt, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, in Olathe, Kansas.

She was born on March 2, 1949, in Chanute, to Jesse Mendoza and Rebecca Mendoza (Ysusi). In 1956, her family made their home in Humboldt, where Phyllis would spend the remainder of her life building a legacy centered around faith, family, and community.

Phyllis graduated from Humboldt High School with the Class of 1967 before attending Clark Business School from 1967 to 1968. While living in Topeka, she worked for Super Chief Credit Union before eventually returning home to Humboldt.

On August 9, 1969, she married the love of her life, Lupe Perez, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Together, they built a life rooted in love, devotion, and family. Phyllis dedicated many years as a stay-at-home mother while also helping her parents with the bookkeeping for their family owned business Las Palomas Restaurant in Humboldt, where she worked as a waitress in her teen years.

In 1989, after her youngest child had started school, Phyllis returned to the workforce as the secretary at Humboldt Elementary School. Over the next 25 years, she became a beloved presence to countless students, staff, and families before retiring in 2014.

Phyllis also had a creative spirit. She enjoyed crafting, especially crocheting and calligraphy, and many of her grandchildren were gifted handmade blankets that will continue to serve as cherished reminders of her love and care. She was a devoted member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, where she previously served as a CCD teacher and Eucharistic Minister.

One hobby her family fondly laughed about was her love of shopping trips to Walmart. Whether she was searching for purses, shoes, or simply browsing every aisle, everyone knew better than to rush her or interrupt her while she enjoyed one of her favorite pastimes.

Above all else, Phyllis treasured her family, especially her grandchildren, who were truly the center of her world. She loved being involved in the lives of those she loved and could almost always be found attending sporting events, 4-H activities, school functions, and any event that involved her children or grandchildren. Her family remembers her unwavering support, steady encouragement, and the joy she found simply in being present for the people she loved most.

Her love and faith will continue to guide the family she raised.

She is preceded in death by her parents Jesse and Rebecca Mendoza.

She is survived by her husband Lupe of 56 years; Children Melissa and husband Steve Sellman, Linda and husband Chris Murphy, Tony and wife Amy Perez, Sara and husband Tim Ellis; Grandchildren, Robbie and wife Megan Sellman, Ryan Sellman, Cameron and Caden Murphy, Gracie Perez, Alexa and Nora Ellis; Great-Grandchildren Rori Sellman, and one on the way; Siblings Esther and husband Vernon Roush, Larry and wife Karen Mendoza, Lydia and husband John Baker, Bridget and husband Jerry Headley.

Memorials in Phyllis's honor may be made to Wings of Warriors or Neosho Memorial Care Car, and left in the care of the funeral home.

A visitation will be held Monday, May 18, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, with the Rosary following from 7:00 to 7:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the church, with burial to follow at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.

Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com