Phyliss Ann Galbraith, née Smith
1958—2024

Phyliss Ann Galbraith, née Smith, of Homosassa Springs, Florida (and Wichita, Kansas), passed away in her sleep Feb. 5, 2024.

She was born Dec. 8, 1958.

She was preceded in death by her mother Lois Pfau, née Webb, and stepfather Jack Pfau, both of Homosassa Springs; father John B Smith of Inez, Kentucky; and brother Johnny Smith and stepbrother John Pfau, both of Grayson, Kentucky.

Phyliss is survived by her loving husband and soulmate of 47 years (since both were 18), John Galbraith, of Homosassa Springs (and Wichita, Kansas); dear daughter Hathir (Heather) Galbraith Pfau; and spunky grandchildren Caelius Rowan and Rose DeConto, all of Haw River, North Carolina; half-sister Cecilia Kazee of Inez, Kentucky; stepsisters Donna Hvisdas of Palmyra, New Jersey, and Judy Andrews of Wake Forrest, North Carolina; and many cousins, aunts and uncles still living in Kentucky (the home of her birth).

Following a short tour of duty in U.S. Army Intelligence (where she met her husband), Phyliss graduated from Morehead State University with a degree in Nursing and had a long career in healthcare and medicine in Kentucky, California, Ohio and Kansas.

Phyliss was a voracious reader throughout her life. She would read one to two books every week and on most days she would fall asleep lying on her side while reading a book. Her husband estimates she read over 2,000 books in her lifetime.

After retiring, Phyliss became a snowbird in Homosassa Springs (traveling between Wichita and Homosassa Springs). Phyliss was living her best life tending to her garden, feeding ducks and trying to dognap her grand-dog Stormy.

In addition to her love of books, Phyliss also enjoyed Mexican restaurants, margaritas, vacationing in Seattle, reading the New York Times and comment-posting famously as “Phyliss Dalmatian,” and watching her solar wind chimes light up at sunset.

She made friends easily everywhere she went. As her mother, Lois, always said, “Phyliss has a heart of gold.”

Phyliss’s favorite place in the world was Seattle, and her favorite place in Seattle was Pike Place Market. In keeping with her wishes, a memorial will be planned at a later date, and her ashes will be scattered near Pike Place Market.

Condolences may be sent in care of Merritt Funeral Home, 4095 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34609.