Phillis Marie Bottger
Phillis Marie Bottger, the daughter of Charles Beeson, Jr. and Betty (Mulch) Beeson, was born October 5, 1941 in Republic, Kansas and passed away on December 29, 2023 at Republic County Hospital-ISB, at the age of 82 years.
Phillis was raised in Narka, Kansas where she attended the local public schools. She was active in sports, played the accordion and nannied for other families during the summer. She attended Emporia State College, studying P.E. She met Robert E. Cottenmyre and was united in marriage to him in 1960. The couple moved to Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA to Quonset Point, RI. To this union came 5 children, Teresa, Michael, Robert W, Karen, and Yvonne. The couple was later divorced and Phillis moved back to Narka, Kansas with the kids. Her mom and Aunt Oakie helped while Phillis worked multiple jobs. She worked at MC’s, The Elks Club, and the Belle-Villa. After several years went by, she started cooking at Republic County Hospital. She was active in a local bowling league and had many trophies from that hobby.
On May 7, 1977, she was united in marriage to Robert G. “Bob” Bottger. Son, Barry joined the family and they had daughter, Jennifer. Bob, Phillis and Jennifer moved to Phillipsburg in 1989 for Bob’s job at Kyle Railroad. Phillis was the manager at Silver Saddle Hotel for several years and then worked as a cook at Phillips County Retirement Center the rest of her time in Phillipsburg. She attended Colby Community College to get her Dietary Management certificate. In 1997 Phillis moved back to the family home in Belleville to remodel it and start a Bed and Breakfast. After Bob’s retirement from the railroad in 2000, he also returned to Belleville. Phillis went back to work cooking at the hospital until her retirement in 2006. Her retirement activities included helping with her grandkids, great grandkids, crocheting blankets, sewing handmade quilts and making rag rugs.
Phillis was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Bottger; parents, Charles and Betty Beeson; son, Robert Cottenmyre; granddaughter, Raelene Henderson; grandson, Christopher Cottenmyre; sister, Pat Ann McNeese, and brothers, Larry & Richard Beeson.
She is survived by her children: Teresa Manus of Jewell, Kansas, Mike (Stacie) Cottenmyre of Belleville, KS, Barry Bottger of Belleville, KS, Karen (Shawn) Woolsey of Belleville, KS, Yvonne Cottenmyre of Belleville, KS, and Jennifer Rolle of Lutz, Florida; 13 Grandchildren, 21 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great Great Grandchild; 3 brothers, Fred (Pat) Beeson of Waverly NE, Ben (Melinda) Beeson of Belleville, KS, and R.J. Beeson of Belleville, KS; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the Bachelor-Surber Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Deb Hadachek, officiating.
Inurnment will follow at the Belleville Cemetery.
riends may call from 1 PM until 8 PM on Friday, January 5th at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS where the family will greet friends from 6 PM until 8 PM on Friday.
Memorials are suggested to Denton Hall, Narka, Kansas and be left at the funeral home or mailed to P.O. Box 326, Belleville, KS 66935.
Online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com
Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS is assisting the family with the arrangements.