Phyllis Ann Kuykendall

Phyllis Ann Kuykendall passed away on Tuesday, June 15th 2021 in Muskogee, Oklahoma in her home, surrounded by her loving family. Phyllis was 97 years young. As the matriarch of her family, Phyllis will be remembered for her unconditional love of her family, her exceptionally feisty nature, and her contagious laugh. Born on December 7th, 1923 in Pontiac, Michigan, Phyllis was the only child of Hixon and Linda Cites. Phyllis grew up playing outside with friends, engaging in any sports she could be a part of, and playing with her Scottish Terrier, Smoky. She attended Michigan State University and was a lifelong Spartan fan. After college, while working at General Motors, one day a strapping young Navy man from Oklahoma wandered into the front office. This Okie, Charles Edward, says he was just interested in a good place to grab a steak dinner but after spotting Phyllis Ann… as they say, the rest is history! They shared 59 beautiful years together. Edward and Phyllis had two daughters, Linda Ann and Karla Jo. Phyllis and Edward devoted their life to their family and experiencing life to its fullest. Phyllis was a homemaker while raising Linda and Karla and never missed the chance to show them the little joys of life. After the girls went off to college, Phyllis decided to return to work being a travel agent. This allowed Edward and Phyllis numerous opportunities to travel the world, from Australia to California and Europe to New York. Another chapter of Phyllis and Edward’s life was the years they spent fostering newborns waiting on their forever homes and sharing their love in efforts to give those little ones a loving start. Phyllis was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Muskogee for over 60 years. She was also a member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), which is one of the oldest women’s organizations in North America that is rooted in sisterhood, celebrating and supporting women through scholarships, grants, and various awards. Phyllis also never turned down the opportunity to play cards, whether this was her weekly bridge game with girlfriends or card and table games with her family. Phyllis and Edward had 4 grandchildren, James Christopher, Patrick Lee, Megan Kara, and Matthew Edward Kyle. Phyllis fiercely loved her children and grandchildren and showered them with love and joy. Phyllis was always an avid animal lover, but since she was a small child, Phyllis had a great passion for elephants in particular! She loved their playful and fun-loving spirit, their ability to remember and be grateful for the little things, and of course their fierce protection of their own herd. Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Linda Ann and her husband Tim, and Karla Jo and her husband Kerry; grandchildren, James Christopher, Patrick Lee, Megan Kara, and Mathew Edward Kyle; and 9 great-grandchildren. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edward. Service will be 2PM, Friday, June 25th at the mausoleum at Memorial Park Cemetery in Muskogee. In lieu of flowers, and because of Phyllis’ love for all animals, the family is requesting contributions be made to the local PAWS (Promoting Animal Welfare Society) in Muskogee, in Phyllis’ name.

Phyllis Ann Kuykendall

December 7, 1923 - June 15, 2021