Phyllis Kay Sether

Phyllis “Kay” Sether

It is with sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, whose unwavering love touched the lives of all who knew her. Surrounded by family, on July 17, 2025 at 89, she departed this world peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and entered eternity with her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Naturally endowed with a compassionate heart, she dedicated her life to nurturing those around her—her family, friends, and countless others who came to know her warmth. Her home was always open, a haven of welcome to all who entered.

Born June 2, 1936 to Bob and Wanda Bushnell, the last of four children, she was raised in Grants Pass, attended Jerome Prairie School and graduated from Grants Pass High School in 1954. She often spoke fondly of her job in her early years working at the Rivoli and Rogue Theaters. She married Carl Sether on April 10, 1959 and they raised three children. She loved being a stay-at-home mom, but returned to the workforce in the early 1980’s, employed by Lab Corp for many years, where she genuinely adored the staff, and her talent for engaging with the public was on full display.

Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the pride of her life. She was always eager to attend music concerts, baseball, basketball, football and hockey games to cheer them on. Her joy was made complete when the family gathered for holidays, birthdays and gatherings “just because.”

She and her sister also found great delight in all children and enjoyed their time serving in the nursery at church. Their offer for gum in exchange for hugs to the kids earned them the affectionate nickname “The Gum Grandmas.”

Fiercely proud of her family heritage, it was a great honor to her that she was the only person who had perfect attendance at the annual Bushnell Family Reunion since the first reunion in 1966. In addition to that prestigious honor, she was “Oldest Female in Attendance” for several years, and many years held the distinction of being the Cribbage Tournament Champion. In additional to cribbage, she was also an avid Pinochle player.

Travel was her second great passion. She chaperoned two groups of junior high Spanish class groups to Mexico. After being widowed at 52, she took advantage of every opportunity to see the world. She went on a Caribbean cruise, and visited Hawaii, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, England, France, Italy and Greece.

She is preceded in death by her husband Carl Leroy Sether, parents Bob and Wanda Bushnell, brother Gerald “Bud” Bushnell and sister Betty McDonald.

She will forever be cherished and remembered by her family: brother Bob Bushnell, children Terry (Marilyn) Sether, Marcy (Dean) Evans, Kathy (Dan) Syfert, grandchildren Loni (Austin) Marlia, Kayla (Andrew) Richardson, Jared (Ricci) Evans, Kyle (Lindsey) Syfert and Kyndra (Scott) Turner and 11 great-grandchildren: Parker, Anson, Ansley, Addilyn, Jett, Wells, Attilio, Banks, Eli, Ethan and Zoe.

Though we mourn her absence, we also celebrate the life she lived—a life marked by selfless love, enduring faith, and an unbreakable spirit. As we say farewell, we hold her memory close, finding comfort in the values she instilled and the love she gave so freely.

She will be deeply missed, but we have faith that we will be reunited in Heaven.

Celebration of Life Service: Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Jerome Prairie Bible Church, Grants Pass, Oregon. We ask that any floral arrangements be delivered to the church on Friday, October 17th.