Phyllis L. (Metcalf) Burleson

Phyllis L. Burleson took up her new residence in Heaven on Thursday, March 28, 2024 when she went to be with the LORD while at Holzer Assistant Living. Phyllis was born May 5, 1936 in Vinton, Ohio, to parents Lester and Myrtle Metcalf. Phyllis was a 1955 graduate of Vinton High School where she was active in 4-H and FHA. She was named 4-H queen in 1955, the year before the title was changed to Miss Gallia County.

She married Kail Burleson on June 12, 1955 and they began married life on a dairy farm started by the Burlesons. Phyllis was a full time homemaker until all the 4 children were raised. She spent several years helping sit with terminally ill patients at Holzer Hospital. Phyllis served as a 4-H advisor for over 20 years and in 2011 she was inducted into the Gallia County 4-H Hall of Fame. She taught Sunday school, was a member of the Little Kyger Ladies Aid and Little Kyger Grange. As a member of First Baptist Church, she served on the Missions Committee and for several years she and Kail served as the church custodians.

Phyllis loved being the wife of a Gallia County Commissioner and loved meeting people in Gallia County and around the state. She loved talking to people and always looked to meet someone new. Phyllis and Kail loved traveling and every trip was an adventure. Kail was the true love of her life and until the last 7 months they had never been apart in their 68 years. Phyllis and Kail were a team when it came to the Gallia County community. She and Kail especially loved First Baptist Church, Ohio Valley Christian School, Gallia County Junior Fair, and Scioto Hills Camp.

Phyllis was preceded in death by Kail, her husband of 68 years, her parents Lester and Myrtle Metcalf and her only brother, Tom Metcalf.

She is survived by two sons, Bill and wife Penny Burleson of Gallipolis, David and wife Lisa Burleson of Gallipolis; two daughters, Vicki and husband Steve Stairs of Rio Grande, and Connie and husband Rob Massie of Bidwell. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Fannie Metcalf and Janyce Burleson; grandchildren Chris and Lindsey Stairs, Ben and Shelly Stairs, Tim and Ashley Stairs, Stephanie and Devin Micelli, Liz and Cody Rostorfer, Will and Kendra Burleson, Hannah and Ryan Burnett, Sarah and Mark Brown, Erica and Nate Preston, Heath and Mallory Massie, Travis and Nicole Massie, Adam and Erica Massie, Josh and Jade Burleson, Lawrence and Emily Wedemeyer, and Jessica Stewart; and 49 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the Holzer Assisted Living Staff for their wonderful care, as well as the Hospice Nurses and Aides. 

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, April 6, 2024 at First Baptist Church, 1100 4th Avenue Gallipolis, Ohio. Burial will follow in the Ohio Valley Memory Gardens, Gallipolis. Friends and family may call at the church Noon to 2:00 PM. The McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, in honored to handle the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Ohio Valley Christian School 1100 4th Ave Gallipolis, OH 45631 OR Gallia County Fairground Relocation Project P O Box 931, Gallipolis OH 45631 OR Scioto Hills Christian Camp 1009 Martin Road, Wheelersburg OH 45694.

Online condolences may be sent to the family via www.mccoymoore.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phyllis L. (Metcalf) Burleson, please visit our floral store.