Phyllis Joan Ross Kraich
April 11, 1932 - July 1, 2022
Phyllis Joan Ross Kraich passed away Friday, July 1, 2022 at Sterling Regional Med. Center at the age of 90. She was born April 11, 1932 in Hillrose, CO, the second child of Ralph A. and Tressa Fern ( Bailey) Ross.
She spent her childhood growing up on the family homestead ranch fourteen miles north of Akron, where she attended Union Center School through the eighth grade. She then joined her sister Margaret in Akron attending high school.
Following high school, Phyllis attended Colorado State College of Education ( UNC) in Greeley working toward her teaching degree. She obtained her emergency teaching certificate in 1952 and began teaching at her former school Union Center. She also taught at Roadside and Sunnyslope Schools until making the move to the Akron School District where she taught until her retirement in 1987. She then continued to substitute teach for many years.
Phyllis met her future husband, Robert ( Bob) Kraich in 1951, and they were married when he returned from Korea in August of 1952. The couple was blessed with five children - four sons and one daughter.
Her many hobbies and interests included crocheting, knitting, gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, and all things historical.
This fascination led her to write several papers on various family lineages, and ultimately led to her publication of a family genealogical book Down Through the Ages.
Phyllis was a proud member and supporter of the Washington County Museum Association and spent many hours researching and cataloging donated items and working in the Museum almost every summer Sunday afternoon for years until Bob passed away.
She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution ( DAR), a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority for many years, and a 4- H leader. Phyllis was an active member of the Akron Presbyterian Church until her health star ted declining. She served as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, ser ved on the Session, and enjoyed Bible study with the Presbyterian ladies group.
Phyllis was a life- long educator, always sharing her knowledge with family, friends, and anyone who had a question about Akron and the surrounding area or her family heritage. Phyllis remained in her home, living independently until the end.
Left to mourn her passing are her sons, Steve ( Leslie) of Guymon, OK; Dave ( Ruth) of Akron; Randy ( Marilyn) of Akron; Tim of Dalhart, TX; daughter Susan ( Tracy) Samber of Akron; and Kimberly ( Reitz) Kraich of Akron; grandchildren - Thurston ( Lori) Kraich, Texhoma, OK; Savannah ( Todd) Dickinson, Gentry, AR; Hallie ( Taylor) Martin, Fort Wor th, TX; Cameo Gonzalez, Brush, CO; Kara ( Jef f) Smith, Akron; Kayla Christen ( Akron, CO); Robert Abbott, Akron, CO; Sierra ( Shea) Mireles, Akron, CO; Riley Samber, Middlesboro, KY; Bailey Kraich, Red River, NM; Kordell Kraich, Arkansas City, KS; Dustin Kraich, Akron; and Kenzie Kraich, Akron, CO; Nathan Murphy, Akron, CO; Andrea ( Chad) Tebeest, Denver, CO; one sister, Margaret Russel; brothers- in- law, Ron Kraich Sr., Delbert ( Ellen) Kraich, Gordon ( Cheryl) Kraich; sisters- in- law Darlene Kraich, Jan Kraich, Lois Florian, and Carolyn ( Delbert) Wagner. She also leaves behind 26 great- grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, in- laws, and friends.
Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Washington County Museum or Akron Presbyterian Church.