Phyllis Chipman

Phyllis Chipman, age 83, of Gering, Nebraska, passed away Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Heritage Estates in Gering. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Calvary Memorial Church in Gering with Pastor Gary Hashley officiating. Burial will follow at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Calvary Memorial Church or the Nebraska Children’s Home Society in Omaha, Nebraska. The service will be live-streamed and recorded on Phyllis’ obituary page, viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Phyllis was born during a blizzard on January 3, 1942, on her small family farm in Minatare, Nebraska, to William and Amelia (Fox) Britthouer. She was the youngest of four children. Phyllis was a weak and sickly child but grew to be a healthy and vibrant woman. She helped her family on their farm and learned to love labor and the fruit of hard work. The family owned farms over the years in Scottsbluff, Morrill, Torrington, Wyoming, and the Banner County area. Phyllis graduated from Banner County High School in 1958 and attended Western Nebraska Beauty School in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

She met Roland “Ron” M. Chipman of Bremerton, Washington, and they married on September 14, 1962. Roland was in the United States Air Force, and Phyllis joined him for an assignment in Goldsboro, North Carolina, shortly after they were married. Upon completing Roland’s military service, the Chipman’s returned to Scottsbluff, where Phyllis and Roland expanded their family through adoption, with Tami Lynn Oliver in 1968 and Todd Roland Chipman in 1971. Phyllis owned a hair salon, The Salon of Style, with her sister Marian. She loved the craft of cosmetology and loved her clientele even more, with a career that spanned over 50 years. Phyllis was a friend and a listening ear to many as she styled their hair.

Phyllis was baptized as a Christian and was a long-time member of the Calvary Memorial Church. She loved her church family and served in the children’s and hospitality ministries of the fellowship. Sunday was her favorite day of the week. Phyllis spent the last three years of her life at Heritage Estates. She enjoyed her friendships with other residents and the staff, encouraging them all each day. Phyllis enjoyed playing board games with friends, vacations in the Rocky Mountain National Park, ice cream, and her daily Scripture reading.

Survivors include her children, Tami Oliver and Todd (Julie) Chipman; grandchildren, J.T. Chipman, Matthew and Anna Vermillion, Garrett and Sarah Schick, Logan and Chesed Wilson, Alex and Grace Goldsmith, Bella and Kezlynne Chipman, and Zachary and Emily Oliver; great-grandson Judah Vermillion; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron Chipman; siblings, William “Bill” and Robert “Bobby” Britthouer, and Marian Hoy; and nephews, Kent and Kurt Torrey.