Phyllis Reed

Phyllis A. Josjor Reed, 82, of Ogallala, passed away on January 19, 2025, at Perkins County Health in Grant, surrounded by a wealth of loving family. Cremation has been chosen in accordance with her wishes and a Memorial Service will be held at New Hope Church on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Matt Waitley officiating. There will be no burial, however a reception will be held at the church directly following services. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.

In 1957, she married Ted Josjor in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The young couple made their home in Omaha, San Diego, and points in between, before settling in Ogallala in 1964. They both worked at the original Ramada Inn, Ted as a cook and Phyllis as a waitress, where her outgoing personality and willing smile made every customer feel welcomed. The two had five children in all, though it was fairly often that the kitchen table also seated many neighborhood kids that Phyllis could miraculously feed with limited funds and a giant pot of goulash.

Phyllis eventually took the position as manager at the Tomahawk convenience store. It was there that, after the tragic passing of Ted, she would often see Keith Reed as a customer. The two would eventually marry in 1984. She retired from her position and she and Keith spent their time traveling, fishing, and camping. Keith introduced her to golf, a pastime and passion that would occupy much of the rest of her life. One of her most prized possessions was a Hole In One trophy from hole #3 at the Ogallala Country Club.

Keith passed away in 1993. Phyllis later met Mick Nichols, and he would be her constant companion until her death. The two enjoyed golfing and traveling together and attending Husker football games. Phyllis always enjoyed card games, but her daily cribbage game with Mick was a special time for her and one she looked forward to until the end. They wagered heavily and sometimes the daily take would be as much as seventy-five cents. Phyllis' children will always be thankful for Mick's faithful companionship and help during her final, difficult years.

Phyllis never missed any opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, all of whom have a collection of $2 bills, her favorite birthday gift to them.

In addition to her family, Phyllis loved live music. She was a very early supporter of the Ogallala Regional Arts Council and rarely missed a performance. She never missed a Bluewater Blues Festival and did her best to make it to every Sounds On The Square concert, especially if Rascal was the entertainer.

Phyllis was a longtime member of the Ogallala Moose Lodge, volunteering wherever needed and enjoying the fellowship of friends there.

Phyllis attended the original Berean Church on 8th Street and later at the new building on East O. In later years she attended the Global Methodist Church. She volunteered for many functions including the Baby Bottle Boomerang. She and Mick started each and every morning with their Jesus Calling daily devotional and prayers of thanks.

She was preceded in death by her son Michael "Mike" Josjor; daughter Stephanie Marie Josjor, and 2 grandchildren, Korey and Casey Josjor.

Phyllis is survived by her daughters Deb (Gary Larson) Ritter and Michele (Ron) Kugler, of Ogallala; son Bob (Shannon) Josjor, also of Ogallala; daughter-in-law Sharee Josjor of Kearney, as well as longtime companion, Mick Nichols.