Phyllis Jean (Winkle) Chance

A memorial service for Phyllis Jean (Winkle) Chance, who passed away on Dec. 16, 2016, will be held Saturday, September 23, 2017, at 1 pm at Pleasant View Cemetery near Pickrell with family and friends gathering afterward at the Black Crow Restaurant.  

Born in Beatrice, Nebraska, in 1928, to Milo and Wilma Winkle, Phyllis was raised in Gage County, Nebraska, and graduated from DeWitt High School in 1944.  She attended Peru State College and what is now the University of Northern Colorado at Greely. 

Phyllis was married to Russell Chance in July of 1956, and they remained happily married for 42 years until his death in 1998.  In the early years of their marriage Phyllis and Russell lived in New Mexico, Arizona, Mississippi, and Alabama, while Russell completed his Masters and Doctorate degrees. 

After adopting their daughter, Margo Jean, in 1964, they settled in Athens, Alabama, in 1968.  Phyllis served as a substitute teacher in the Athens and Limestone County School Systems, and taught third grade at Ardmore Elementary School for 22 years.  After she retired, Phyllis was active with Learn to Read, United Methodist Women (UMW), and First United Methodist Church. 

Phyllis is predeceased by her parents, husband, and her sister, Ruth Nash. 

She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Dale Schmidt, of Crete, Nebraska; her daughter, Margo Geer, of St. Augustine, Florida; and six nieces and nephews.

Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice in charge of local arrangements.

 Service Information