Arlis V. Phelps

Arlis V. Phelps, 83, of Central City, died on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Bryan Medical Center West in Lincoln. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Central City. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 26 from 5-7 p.m. at the church. Burial will be held at Bureau Cemetery near Pierce Chapel at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Memorials are suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church or the Orphan Grain Train. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com.

Arlis was born on June 30, 1942, in Pierce, to Fred Henzler and Martha (Kieckhafer) Henzler. She spent her early childhood in Pierce before moving with her family to Norfolk while she was in grade school. She graduated from Norfolk High School and later attended college, earning an associate’s degree.

After completing her education, Arlis moved to Omaha, where she worked for the IRS. Before relocating to Omaha, she was set up on a blind date with Larry Phelps. Their relationship blossomed, and they were united in marriage on Jan. 20, 1963, at Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk.

Following their marriage, Arlis and Larry made their home in Clarks, living in a house across the road from the family farm. There they welcomed their three daughters and raised their children. Arlis later worked at the Long-Term Care Center in Fullerton, where she dedicated 17 years of service before retiring.

Arlis enjoyed collecting rocking horses, attending sporting events, and, most of all, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She really enjoyed participating with the “Thirsty Thursday Cruisers” cruising the local countryside in classic cars. She was actively involved in her community, volunteering with the Orphan Grain Train and the Merrick Medical Thrift Store. Arlis was also a devoted member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Central City.

Arlis is survived by her husband, Larry Phelps of Central City; children, Vickie (Wes) Beck of Clarks, Becky (David) Pauls of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Wendy (John) Gosnell of North Platte; grandchildren, Derek (Melissa) Beck, Jessica (Heath) Reimers, Chelsey (Daniel) Schwarz, Stephanie (Jet) Graham, Zac Pauls, Benjamin (Meggan) Gosnell, Jacob (Mary) Gosnell, and Thomas Gosnell; and brother, Gorlyn Henzler of Norfolk.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Henzler and Martha (Kieckhafer) Henzler; sister, Twylah (Carl) Sothan; and granddaughter-Boone in-law, Alexa Pauls.