Phyllis Boden

Phyllis Darlene Boden, 95, of Mankato, Kansas passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026. She was born on November 15, 1930, in Bucklin, Missouri to Fred and Etta (Fields) Nees.

The family moved to Jewell, Kansas where she attended all of her school years. She graduated from Jewell High School in 1948.

She married Virgil Small in June of 1948. They farmed and raised Quarter Horses until he passed away in 1988. She stayed on the farm and continued farming. She married Nick Boden on March 13, 1994. They farmed together until August of 2008 when they moved to Mankato. Nick passed away in 2016.

She enjoyed embroidery and going for coffee. She loved going dancing, and especially going to see Ramblin Andy play. She sold eggs and cream at the grocery store in Lebanon.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husbands Virgil Small and Nick Boden, siblings Carl Nees, James Nees, Beatrice Clouse, Fern Larson, and Patsy Sims, and parents Fred and Etta Nees.

She is survived by her sister Shelby Johnson of Mankato, KS, niece Deb Moser (Leroy) of Formoso, KS, nephew Larry Johnson of Mankato, KS, sister-in-law Linda Nees of Grand Island, NE, brother-in-law Ed Sims of Superior, NE, and a host of nieces, nephews, and special friends, including the Boxum family of Lebanon, KS.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas. Burial will follow at Wallace Cemetery, Jewell, KS. In lieu of flowers, Phyllis asked for memorials to be made to the American Cancer Society. They can be sent in care of Melby Mortuary, P. O. Box 384, Mankato, KS 66956.