Phyllis M. Kaufman

Phyllis Marie Kauffman passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born March 16, 1934, in Decatur, Nebraska to William and Gertrude Richards.

Phyllis attended Craig High School in 1951. She married James Kauffman on May 9, 1963, in Raton, New Mexico. To this union, two daughters were born. Phyllis worked for the Cuming County Courthouse in West Point, Nebraska. After moving to Colorado, she worked for KKTV 11 News, ENT Air Force Base as a secretary for a colonel and for Mervyn’s Department store. Phyllis also attended Blair Business College during that time where she earned secretarial skills.

Phyllis was a long-term member of the VFW post 4051 Ladies Auxiliary in Colorado Springs and a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church since 1995.

Her gentle spirit, infectious laughter, and unwavering love left a lasting impression on her family, friends, and community. Always ready with a comforting word or a helping hand—and never one to shy away from an adventure—Phyllis embodied grace and generosity. Her home was always filled with the aroma of her homemade treats—especially her famous pumpkin rolls, which she lovingly shared with everyone she knew. Phyllis found joy in the simple things in life and spending time with friends and family

Phyllis is survived by her brother Roland (Mary Ann) Richards; daughters - Jeanette (Blair) Bartling of Calhan, Colorado and Michele (Todd) Hushka of Westminster, Colorado; grandchildren - Jacob (Jennifer) Bartling, Kyle (Courtney) Bartling, Hanna and Logan Hushka; and great-grandchildren - Khloe, Kennedy, Kacie and Karson Bartling, and Matteo Bartling; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband James; her parents William and Gertrude Richards; sisters - Ruby Uman and Loretta Roudon; and brother Gerald Richards.

A devoted mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Phyllis will be missed by all.

A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Calhan, Colorado. A viewing will take place on Monday, June 23, from 5:00–7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Paul Lutheran Church,1450 5th Street, Calhan, CO, in her memory.