Phyllis Ann Kamas

Phyllis Ann (Shadid) Kamas was born October 13, 1935 in Alva, OK to parents William A. and Josephine (Iuop) Shadid. Phyllis' life was devoted to family, friends and her unwavering faith. She died peacefully with her well-read Bible, Orthodox prayer book, and many Christian books at her side on August 5, 2026.

Phyllis lived in Freedom, OK until the age of 10 when she moved to her true and beloved hometown, Wichita, KS. She made lifelong friends at North High School where she graduated in 1953. She attended Kansas University where she enjoyed parties, dating and playing bridge significantly more than attending classes. Following KU, she worked for Henry's and Derby Oil Company.

Phyllis married George Samuel Kamas on January 2, 1963 and moved to Knowles, OK a small town in the Oklahoma panhandle. Although Phyllis was known for her style and refined looks, she managed to make farm life seem like something she did all her life. Phyllis managed George's farming and ranching bookkeeping. She made many, many meals for the "harvesting" crew in the summer and those that farmed with her husband. She was Mayor of Knowles, OK between 1980 to 1984 and referred to as "Mayor Kamas" throughout the last 40 years.

Phyllis was the original "momma bear" always protecting her children and grandchildren. She never missed her children's activities including 4-H trips, science fairs and assisting with their many moves.

Phyllis served as house mother for Beta Theta Pi fraternity from 1984 to 1988 on the Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater, OK. She then moved back to Wichita, KS and spent 35 years living life with friends and family. Phyllis was a faithful servant of God and a member of the congregation at St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral in Wichita, KS. She participated in the Big Dinner at St. George's and many activities of the church.

Phyllis honored those she loved with cards and calls for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions until the last days of her life.

Phyllis graciously moved to Dallas, TX to be cared for by her children in 2023 after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She left this world in the same way she graced it - with unaparelled ease, selflessness, and faith.

George proceeded Phyllis in death along with her parents, two sisters, Colleen (Shadid) David and Billie Shadid. She is survived by two children Stacy (David) Cantu of Dallas, TX and J. (Ali) Kamas of Quechee, VT and two grandsons Frank George III and Sam Kamas. She adored her extended family especially her cousins, nieces and nephews who will miss her special cards and calls dearly.

Services to celebrate Phyllis' life will begin at St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral, with the Trisagion and Funeral Service on Thursday, August 13 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place the same day at 3:00 p.m. at the Alva Municipal Cemetery, 1698 Flynn Street, Alva, Oklahoma 73717.

Memorials Have Been Established With:

St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
7515 E. 13th St. N.
Wichita, KS 67206

The Treehouse
151 N. Volutsia
Wichita, KS 67214