Phyllis Lou Hatmacher Kemper., 68, died Saturday, September 28, 2002, at Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice in Kennewick.

Born to John Richard Hatmacher and Mary M. Kellenberger Hatmacher on August 19, 1934, in Bedford, Ohio, Phyllis moved to Clarksburg, OH in 1944 where she graduated from Clarksburg High School in 1952. That year she attended Bliss College in Columbus, OH.

Prior to moving to Richland, WA, Phyllis was employed by Rockwell International and Battelle Memorial Institute from 1952 to 1964. Phyllis came to Richland in 1964 as executive secretary for Battelle Director, Sherwood Fawcett. She later worked for Sigma Research from 1974 to 1987, when she retired.

In 1966 Phyllis married Robert Kemper. They enjoyed a very special friendship and loving marriage for over 34 years. Bob died February 14, 2001.

An avid tennis fan, Phyllis played for several years at Howard Amon Park with the City of Richland Parks & Recreation tennis program. Gardening was her passion and her yard was a tremendous source of pride for both Phyllis and Bob. While mushroom hunting and gourmet cooking were long time interests, in later years taking her precious dog ''Maggie'' for drives provided special outings for both.

Phyllis is survived by three step children, Kraig A. Kemper, and wife Kathleen, of Seattle, WA, Karen N. Kemper of Wilsonville, OR, and Kyle R. Kemper, Yelm, WA; sister, Laverne Hatmacher Mertens and husband, John of Columbus, OH; 3 nieces and 2 nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; brothers, John Richard Hatmacher and Lee Alan Hatmacher, and by her parents.

Memorial services will he held at 9:30am, Friday, October 4, 2002, at Einan's Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Phyllis's memory to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center, 7350 W. Deschutes, Bldg. A, Kennewick, WA 99336.