Phyllis Franklin

Phyllis Corinne Franklin, age 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 10, 2025, surrounded by her family and welcomed into the arms of Jesus.

She was born on February 1, 1935, in the family home outside of Stover in Haw Creek Township, the only child of Forrest and Ruth (Balke) Parker. As a young girl, Phyllis attended the country school in Haw Creek and later graduated from Stover High School in 1953. After graduation, she worked as a secretary at the same school.

Phyllis went on to work at Smithson, Inc., where she was employed as an office manager for over forty years. On April 10, 1955, she was united in marriage to William C. Franklin at St. Paul Lutheran Church. They shared 58 years of devoted marriage before William preceded her in death on November 9, 2013. Phyllis remained dedicated to him throughout his final years, visiting him daily at the nursing home.

Her faith was very important to her and this led to her being a faithful member of Christ Lutheran Church in Stover.

A vibrant and active member of the community, Phyllis was involved with the GALC Nursing Home Guild and was a proud member of the Red Hats of Stover. Her friends were a cherished part of her life. She enjoyed playing cards on Mondays, breakfast on Tuesdays, and Rummikub on Fridays with her two dear friends, Jean Hagedorn and Evelyn Alpers. In the summertime, the trio could often be found enjoying music and fellowship at Dale Hollow Winery.

Phyllis loved the outdoors and cherished time spent camping at Truman Lake and Bennett Springs. Later, she and William bought a cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks, where many joyful days were spent fishing, boating, and swimming with family and grandchildren.

A devoted grandmother, she rarely missed a chance to attend her grandkids' sporting events. She was known for making every holiday special, especially Christmas, when she spoiled her family with gifts and her famous stockings. Whether baking cookies and pies or frying her legendary chicken, Phyllis made sure everyone felt loved and well-fed.

She was also an avid sports fan who cheered passionately for the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and her beloved Mizzou Tigers basketball team during the winter months.

Phyllis is survived by her three children: Kathy Marriott and husband Bill of Versailles, Alan Franklin and wife Lisa of Lee's Summit, and Annette Dumas and husband Ralph of Columbia; seven grandchildren and their spouses: Adam and Ashley Geary, Andrew and Delynne Geary, Aaron Geary, Sean and Breck Dumas, Justin and Ashley Dumas, Morgan and Andrew Mutert, and Alex and Marisa Franklin; nine great-grandchildren: Tyler Dumas, Kinsley Dumas, Brinley Dumas, Drake Dumas, Maren Mutert, Caden Geary, Riley Geary, Hudson Geary, and Emma Geary; five step-grandchildren and sixteen step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many friends, including her two especially dear friends, Evelyn Alpers and Jean Hagedorn.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Christ Lutheran Church, with Brad Bauer officiating. Burial will follow in Stover Cemetery.

The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m., prior to the service.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.