Phyllis Lanell McCollum, 92, of New Boston, MO died Thursday morning, March 28, 2024, in her home.
The daughter of Clifford and Bernice (Crist) Brantner, she was born September 15, 1931. On June 3, 1950, she married Richard Dean McCollum, who preceded her in death on April 23, 2018. Also preceding her were her parents. She is survived by 2 sons, Mark McCollum and companion Jill Jenkins, Don McCollum and wife Janice, and 1 daughter, Dena Overpeck and husband Dan; 7 grandchildren: Shandra Roberts, Krista Allen, Alex MacDonnell, Kylie Parks, Hunter McCollum, Josh Overpeck and Adam Overpeck; and 11 great-grandchildren: Layne, Kyler, Brayden, Connor, Cameron, Theo, Claire, Lynlee, Arlee, Jace and Liam; 1 sister Melba Belzer, and 1 brother Ronald Brantner and wife Evelyn.
Phyllis graduated from Green City High School, then received her teaching certificate and taught in a one-room school. She helped manage the family farm and home and later worked in Physical Therapy at Pershing Hospital for 20 years. She was a very active member of Winigan Baptist Church and was not shy about sharing her faith in Jesus. She was loved by her family, and many friends, neighbors, and church family. She was well known for “praying mightily” for people. She was an avid quilter and enjoyed singing and playing piano at church, including playing piano for “His Kids”, and directing musical cantatas. She was also known for making her famous skillet corn and cinnamon rolls to share. Her favorite vacation was to visit Dan and Dena in Indiana. Later in life when Dean was ill, she was comforted by memorizing Bible scriptures, and continued until the day she passed. Her faith in Jesus gave her the courage to persevere through many difficult times in her life, and she desired to see everyone put their faith and hope in Jesus Christ.
A funeral service for Phyllis will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Winigan, Missouri. Burial will follow at the Price Cemetery, South of Winigan. A visitation will be held one hour before the service beginning at 10:00 AM at the church. Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Green City, Missouri is handling arrangements.
