Phyllis spent many years working at the Elgin Watch Factory as a Jewel Pin Operator and later with Copper Plate. She also enjoyed waitressing tables and volunteer work for many different organizations; to include: United Church of Christ, Hallam, NE; Daughters of the American Revolution State Chaplain; Nebraska State President Colonial Dames 17th Century; and the VFW Auxiliary 3606.
She married Roy Williams on July 4, 1964. Together they enjoyed country music, dancing, and traveling. They visited all 48 continental states together and even drove to Alaska with two of their dachshunds. After Roy’s death, Phyllis met Harry Wagner and the two were married on December 7, 2004. They enjoyed their senior years together by attending church in Hallam, and sharing lunch at either Subway or Stauffer’s Cafe. In 2006, Phyllis visited Hawaii, completing her desire to visit all 50 states.
She has always enjoyed flowers, gardening, music, traveling, daschunds, and eating ice cream! Additional hobbies she loved included embroidering, sewing Christmas stockings, and coloring beautiful drawings in coloring books.
Phyllis is survived by her sister, Wilma Phillips, Douglas, NE; daughter-in-law, Delores Neeman, Waverly, NE. Granddaughters Denise (Corey) Hummel of Manassas, VA and Amy Neeman of Waverly, NE. Great-Grandchildren: Jacy (Matt) Wilke, Hickman, NE; Jacob (Paige) Crawford, Hickman, NE; Colin (Hannah) Hummel, Ft. Meade, MD; Amanda Hummel, Arlington, VA; Laura Hummel, Washington, D.C.; Emily Hummel, Harrisonburg, VA and Caleb Hummel, Manassas, VA. Great-Great Grandchildren: Crew & Hayes Crawford, Hickman, NE; Bennett, Owen, & Bailey Hummel, Ft. Meade, MD; and Clara May Wilke, Hickman, NE. Phyllis is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, sister Helen Straube, husbands: Roy Williams and Harry Wagner; and her beloved son, Kenneth Neeman.
A very special thank-you note to the residents, staff, and Pastor Renee Massie of Gateway Vista who lovingly became Phyllis’ family for the past 2 years and 8 months. Your selfless dedication, care, and love shown to her will never be forgotten and will always be fondly remembered.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at Gateway Vista from 2pm-4pm on Thursday, August 7, 2025, for friends, residents, and staff.
Funeral Services, with Pastor Renee, will be held at Ropers and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 O St. in Lincoln on Thursday, October 2nd at 2:00pm. Private family interment at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery on October 3rd.
Memorials may be sent to Phyllis’ Family ℅ Ropers & Sons, 4300 O St., Lincoln, NE 68510.