Phyllis Miller Wilson Key

Phyllis Jean Miller was born on July 9, 1940, in Dawson, Min. to Albert and Matilda Miller, the youngest of 10 children. She graduated from Dawson High School in 1959 and went on to work in bookkeeping and accounting for Justice Brothers Distributing, which supplied products for high performance racing vehicles. She married Army and Air Force veteran Leo Wilson in 1962 and gave birth to her only child, son Brian Wilson, in 1965.

Following a year in Tucson, Phyllis moved to Midland, where she went to work for the Midland Reporter-Telegram in 1980, first as an accountant and then as their valued newsroom librarian. This was her first stint in a newsroom and “she became the glue that held us all together,” according to former Editor, Meta Minton. Another co-worker described her as a treasure, warm and genuine to everyone she met with a wonderful sense of humor. Phyllis finally retired in 2004 after over two decades of service to the MRT.

In 2001, Phyllis met the love of her life, Navy and Vietnam/Korean war veteran Olen Kenneth Key at the American Legion Post 19 in Midland and they married in 2002. Kenneth was Commander of VFW Post 7208, and they had a lot of fun together before he sadly passed away in 2004.

Phyllis was a true patriot and loved her country, our veterans and military. Both husbands and most of her brothers served our country in the armed forces. She joined the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 in Midland, Texas, in 1993, and became a friend and mentor to all the members of her Unit. During her 30 years of service to our veterans, she was elected to many offices in the organization including Unit 19 President, 16th District President and 4th Division President, as well as serving on many Department of Texas Program Committees. Unit 19 awarded her an Honorary Unit Life Membership for her dedication and service. Phyllis also served as Vice President and Membership Chair of Unit 19 for 6 years until she retired in 2022 due to ill health, receiving a “Volunteer of the Decade Award” at the 16th District Convention for “Growing Our Membership by Cultivating Kindness”. Phyllis was also a member of the VFW Post 7208 and became a Life Member of the VFW in 2006. In her travels as a volunteer, she made friends all over Texas. Phyllis truly embodied the American Legion Auxiliary Mission Statement which begins “In the Spirit of Service, Not Self”.

Phyllis loved kicking up her heels as a Golden Girl in the Summer Mummers Olio with her friends and singing “These Boots Are Made for Walking” on Karaoke Nights. She rocked pink hair and had a blast raising money every year at the Annual Chili Cook-off for Breast Cancer Awareness, and she loved getting a lift from all the cute firemen on First Responder’s Appreciation Day, both held at American Legion Post 19. Phyllis never met a stranger and was the Pied Piper with a mischievous grin when it came to enticing everyone to join in the fun.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Matilda Miller of Dawson, MN; siblings John Miller; Ardella Sumner (Glen) of Boyd, MN; Vernon Miller (Bea) of Dawson, MN; Emily Cox of Fairmont, MN; Mildred Admere; Lloyd Miller (Kit) of Strathmore, MN: George Miller; Eldon Miller (Cecelia) of Andover, MN; and Betty Koenen of Wellman, MN; and husband, Kenneth Key, of San Angelo, TX.

Phyllis is survived by son Brian Wilson of Midland.

A visitation for Phyllis will be held Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 4616 N Big Spring St, Midland, TX 79705. Fittingly on Patriot Day, a funeral service will be held on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, at 1:00 PM, also at Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home, 4616 N Big Spring St, Midland, TX 79705. The American Legion Post 19 Family will host “food and fellowship” at 501 Veteran’s Airpark Lane, Midland, TX 79705 immediately following the ceremony. Everyone is invited to celebrate the life of our dear friend Phyllis Key. A graveside service and burial will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday September 12, 2023 at Resthaven North Memorial Park.