Phyllis Carol (Nugen) Hopkins was born at home in Marshall, Missouri on December 12, 1948 and departed this life on March 8, 2019 at her home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, surrounded by the love of her family, at the age of 70 years, 2 months and 24 days.
She was the daughter of Rodger Edwin and Dixie (Gordon) Nugen.
Phyllis spent her younger years on the family farm. Farm life was hard, there was no running water or inside toilet and everyone bathed in a galvanized tub by the potbellied stove. There may have been few modern conveniences at first, but Phyllis was born into a loving and caring family, she and her sisters provided their own fun and entertainment, which may have included throwing rotten tomatoes at the neighbor’s garage.
Phyllis was a 1966 graduate of Marshall, Missouri High School. After graduation, Phyllis moved to Kansas City and embarked on a career at Fitz’s where she worked on some of the earliest computers.
On September 4, 1971, Phyllis was united in marriage with John William Hopkins, Jr. in Kansas City, Missouri. Phyllis and John lived in Kansas City until 1980 when they moved to Peculiar, Missouri to make their home. After her husband’s death Phyllis continued to live in Peculiar until 4 years ago when she moved to Pleasant Hill to be closer to her family.
Phyllis was a passionate and remarkable artist who loved to paint. She also had a life-long love of music, especially Elvis Presley, and passed this love of Elvis music on to her grandson. Phyllis was a dedicated Royals baseball fan. Her love for family and life was larger than her demeanor.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John William Hopkins, Jr., and her parents, Rodger and Dixie Nugen.
Phyllis is lovingly survived by two daughters, Kimberly Franklin and husband Richard of Flowery Branch, Georgia, and Lisa Messinger and husband Ryan of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; two sisters Sharon Hagedorn and husband Danny of Camdenton, Missouri and Norma Kolwes and husband Bill of Missouri City, Texas; two grandchildren, Evan and Felicity; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She is also survived by her loving feline companion, Laverne.
The family of Phyllis Carol (Nugen) Hopkins will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 16, 2019, starting at 1:00 p.m. at her daughter’s home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. In Loving Memory of Phyllis Hopkins the family suggests contributions to the American Lung Association and may be mailed to 8400 W. 110TH Street, Suite 130, Overland Park, KS. 66210 or made online at www.lung.org
Cremation arrangements entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home.
12 Messages
Dear family, I express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear loved one and I know it’s so difficult to bear. But know that your heavenly Father understands your pain and He cares. He extends a hope to each and everyone and that hope is that you will see your loved one again. John 5:28, 29; Isaiah 25:8a
So sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss we new each other through high school love to the family!
We were next door neighbors for 35-36 years. Best neighbors ever! Phyllis was my first babysitter for Jimmy Joe and he was always “her Jimmy Joe”. Our kids literally grew up together….playing in the woods, swinging from vines in “vine city”, trick or treating together and going to each other’s birthday parties. Even though we might not talk daily or even weekly at times, we always knew that each other was there and available to talk to and help if needed. When Phyllis moved to Pleasant Hill 4 years ago to be closer to Lisa and the kids, I knew it was the best idea but I’ve missed her deeply. I am thankful her cancer journey was short so her suffering was lessened. I will miss her so much but thankful she is no longer suffering and is in a new body with no illness! I love you my friend! I’ll be here for Kim and Lisa for whatever they need in the future.
Thanks for being their when we needed you most. You left a lot behind in me and I will carry it with me forever. Sorry it had to end this way. I will remember you for ever and ever. Good by for now. – love Evan
It’s so hard to say goodbye, but this is truly until we meet again. We were next door neighbors with Phyllis (and family) for 35-36 years….best neighbors ever. Our kids grew up together, attending school together, we went to all kids weddings. The kids treat or treating together, attending each other’s birthday parties, played in “vine city” together, and overall just plain grew up as brothers and sisters. Phyllis was Jimmy’s first babysitter in Peculiar, so they always had such a great relationship. Even though we might not see or talk to each other for a day or even week, we knew all we had to do is call and we’d be there to talk or be a shoulder to cry on. Phyllis, I will miss you, my friend, but am so thankful your cancer journey is over and you are at peace with no pain or suffering. I love you and will see you again one day.
Phyllis was one of the best people I knew. We lost touch for a while and reconnected just like no time had passed. I got to meet her daughters, and she raised 2 beautiful caring people. She will be sadly missed by anyone who ever got to meet her and be her friend.
Kim and Lisa,
It was always very apparent that your mom loved you both so much!
I am happy to have been a part of your lives when you were growing up. One year when I was low on funds your Dad and Mom were so kind to help me with the holidays for my kids and I will always remember them for that.
Hugs for you both and thankful to have had your mom in my life.
God Bless and hold you close during this sad time, I always think of my mom and after all these years I still feel her presence…I know you will girls will too💖
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