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
I remember all the good times together, all of the wonderful memories of sharing weekends, watching our children grow up together and the love of family . Holidays, celebrations, dance shows, weddings. I Remember back when Johnny and Phyllis got married, looking like Elvis and Pricilla. Kim , Lisa, you and your family’s are in my thoughts and prayers, so many losses for you girls and your families , but you are never alone, your mom’s sisters, myself, and your cousins are all here for you. Ryan and Lisa I will be there Saturday, I wish I had been there today for you . Love you
My deepest sympathies to the family. You are in my prayers.
Thanks for being there when we needed you most. You left a lot in me and I will carry it with me forever. I’m sad it had to end this way. I will remember you forever and ever. Good bye for now. – love Evan
I didn’t know you very long, but you have made a big impact on my life by touching so many people I know, you’re a beautiful lady and I am so glad I could be a small part of your life, you are an angel in heaven now and God needs you there! We will miss your great sense of humor and your beautiful smile…until we meet again…love you sweet Phyllis
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