Phyllis Schauer

Phyllis Marlene (Sayler) Schauer, 87, Las Cruces, NM, passed away January 27, 2021. Services will be held at Baca’s Funeral Home in Las Cruces. Burial will be in Streeter Cemetery in Streeter, North Dakota.

Phyllis was born on a farmstead near Underwood on November 7, 1933 to Adolf and Emma (Goehring) Sayler. Phyllis lived on the farm and went to school at Underwood until she was in 4th grade. At that time the family moved to Streeter.

Phyllis graduated from high school in Streeter, ND in 1951 as Salutatorian of her class and then went to Valley City State University for the next two years where she received her teaching certificate. She taught grades 5 and 6 for two years in Dawson, ND. Phyllis married Kermit Kenneth Schauer on October 16, 1955 in Streeter. They lived in several different places over the next several years, Fergus Falls, Jamestown, Grand Forks, Fargo, and back to Jamestown.

 Kermit and Phyllis took the whole family on vacation many times, each time traveling further south until the vacations were in New Mexico.  In 1977 Kermit and Phyllis moved to Las Cruces, NM.

 Phyllis treasured family. She loved raising their five children and loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her family was her pride and joy. At times when one of the children would ask her what she wanted for Christmas, Mother’s Day, or her birthday, she would often say she would love an updated family picture.

 Phyllis enjoyed gardening, reading good books, and helping Kermit with his accounting practices. She also loved sewing. She often said she wore out three sewing machines and her back. Phyllis was active in Eastern Star (Past Matron), Social Order of the Beauceant, Daughters of the Nile, Order of Amaranth, Camp Followers, Beta Sigma Phi, and was a member of many different military organizations – American Legion Axillary, Disabled American Veterans Axillary (DAVA), Ladies Axillary of Military Order of Purple Heart. She served as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, a Rainbow Mother for International Order for Rainbow for Girls, a member of Grand Cross of Colors, a Sunday school teacher, and a Bible school teacher for 20 years.

 Phyllis went back to school at the New Mexico State University in the 1980’s and received her Bachelor’s degree in Clothing Textiles and Fashion Merchandizing. During this time, she became a lifetime member of honor fraternities Phi Kappa Phi and Alpha Phi.

 Phyllis and Kermit were married for 65 years. Phyllis is survived by her husband Kermit, Las Cruces; children Daniel (Cheryl) Schauer, San Antonio, TX Galeila Schauer, Bismarck, ND, Vance (Toni) Schauer, Rapid City, SD, Grant (Marline) Schauer, Las Cruces, NM and Marina (Gus) Gandara, Las Cruces, NM; her grandchildren and honorary pall bearers, Raini, Joshua, Jacob, Danika, Karlee, Jarred, Amber, Nancy, and Jessica; and five great grandchildren, her sister Beverly Sauter, Carson, ND.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Emma Sayler, and her sister Betty Brumfield.

 Due to COVID-19, the Memorial Service will be held privately for immediately family only.