Founder of Payson's first drug store dies

Phyllis M. Manthe
1921-2010

Phyllis Mann Manthe, Payson business and community pioneer, died Feb. 5, 2010 at her home in Payson. She was born July 8, 1921 in Pewaukee, Wisconsin.

She graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1945 with a degree in Home Economics and Chemistry. After marrying Frank Don Manthe in 1944 and graduating from the university, they moved to Payson in 1949 and built the first drug store, Payson Drug, at 214 W. Main St. Together they administered most of the emergency medical care in the Payson area for many years because the nearest hospital was in Cottonwood.

Phyllis was an integral part of the planning and building of Payson Clinic, the first medical facility in town. While serving on the board of directors, both Phyllis and Don helped recruit the first doctor to practice in the clinic. In 1958 when the Beeline Highway was in progress, the Manthes built another store near the corner of Main and Beeline. They owned and operated Payson Drug until 1971. Phyllis was also very active in many organizations in the growing town.

After selling their business, Phyllis also taught at the Payson school system for several years in addition to obtaining her Masters in Education at Northern Arizona University. Don and Phyllis spent many years pursuing their hobbies of gardening, growing grapes, making wine, and traveling. Between travels Phyllis was active in Rim Area Gardeners, worked with Habitat for Humanity, and made afterschool treats for Mount Cross Lutheran W.O.W.

She is survived by daughters, Carol Powell (Jerry) of Nutrioso, (AZ) and Linda Sparks of Apache Junction, (AZ); son Don (Kellie) Manthe of Scottsdale, (AZ); three granddaughters, Cari Ann P. Foley, Lee Ann P. Aylesworth, and Kiko B. Ulmer; one grandson, Mason Bernal; and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Frank Don Manthe; and one grand daughter, Ruiz Bernal.

Memorial services will be held at Mount Cross Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20. Memorial contributions may be made to Payson Hospice Compassus, 511 S. Mud Springs, Payson AZ 85541; Humane Society of Central Arizona (formerly Payson Humane Society), PO Box 242, Payson AZ 85547-0242; or Payson Area Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 1131, Payson AZ 85547-1131.