Obituaries

Phyllis Reka (Lessman) VanZandt

Photo of Phyllis Reka (Lessman) VanZandt
Phyllis Reka (Lessman) VanZandt, 71, of Fayetteville, went peacefully to meet her Savior on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013, after a long fight with cancer. Born to the late Henry and Gladys Lessman on Aug. 22, 1942, in Caney, Kan. She married Bill VanZandt, her best friend for 51 years, on April 27, 1962, and they resided in Fayetteville for last 40 years. Preceded in death by her parents; her brother and his wife; her in-laws, Samuel "Bill" and Mildred VanZandt; two brothers-in-law; and one sister-in-law. Survived by her husband, Bill (bus driver with Fayetteville schools); sisters, Kathleen (Fred) and Carolyn (Tom) and their families; three daughters, Brenda, Barbara and Cyndie; grandsons, Benjamin, Mason and Trail; granddaughters, Heather, Thelishia, and Jhurnei, also Jennifer, whom we have a special appreciation for helping Phyllis in her final weeks of life; great-grandchildren, Keely, John, Jackson, Kaden and Kyle; many nieces and nephews, their spouses and children; a host of friends and loved ones. Phyllis loved being a member of Cross Church, Fayetteville, and being a member of Caleb Connection senior class there. She was an employee at Walmart 359 for more than 25 years. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Phyllis VanZandt's name at any Arvest Bank location to help toward funeral expenses. Celebration of her life will be at the Cross Church, 3484 W. Wedington Drive in Fayetteville, on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 10:30 a.m. Celebration of her life will also be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at the Caney Lutheran Church. Online tributes to the family may be made at www.bentoncountymemorialpark.com. Arrangements are with Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory of Rogers, Ark.

Published September 5, 2013

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