Phyllis E. Hansberry

Phyllis (Johnson) Hansberry, age 88, passed away Wednesday, August 19th, 2026, at Storybrook Care and Rehabilitation in Fort Collins, Colorado following a year long struggle with her health after suffering a stroke.

Phyllis was born on August 27, 1937, in Arriba, Colorado to Ralph Herbert and Gladys Ella (Spealman) Johnson. The family lived on the Johnson homestead until moving to Parker (Hilltop Community) in 1946. Her schooling began in Arriba and continued in the one-room school in Hilltop, then in Elizabeth, where her mother taught school. She graduated from Douglas County High School in Castle Rock in 1955 and went on to attend Colorado State College (UNC) in Greeley, graduating in 1959 with a degree in Elementary Education.

Phyllis began her teaching career in Gering, Nebraska, followed by Longmont and Fort Morgan, Colorado. While in Longmont she met Charles Hansberry, the day before he left to serve in the US Army. After a long-distance courtship, she married the love of her life in 1962. Three children were born to this union - Kenneth Charles, Alan Ray, and Lynette Sue.

While raising their children, Phyllis continued to teach and volunteer in their schools, with Boy Scouts, 4-H, and served faithfully in the First Christian Church for many years. She left teaching and began work with the Weld County Library in 1975 and worked for several years at Family Physicians before retiring.

Charles passed away December 10, 1989. Phyllis continued to live and work in Greeley for many years. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought much joy to her life.

Phyllis is survived by her children Kenny (Kay) Hansberry, Alan Hansberry, and Lynette (Rick) Scheid, her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her brother Eugene and sister-in-law Jackie Johnson.

A graveside service will be held at Linn Grove Cemetery in Greeley on Tuesday, September 1st at 10:00 a.m. followed by a reception at Adamson Life Celebration Home in Greeley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Adamson Life Celebration Home in Phyllis’s name to assist with funeral expenses.