Marguerite Phelps

Marguerite Phelps, 93, Monett, Mo., formerly of Nevada, Mo., passed away March 16, 2014, in Monett, following a brief illness. Marguerite was born March 23, 1920, in Montezuma, Kan., to Landon Milligan and Myrtle Daisy (Brown) Milligan. She was united in marriage to William Earl Phelps on June 19, 1940, in Nevada, and he preceded her in death on Feb. 17, 2003.

Marguerite came to the Metz area at the age of 14 and attended high school there where she participated on the basketball team. She grew up attending church at the Metz Methodist Church. She later graduated high school from Southaven, Kan., in 1939. During her life, Marguerite worked as an aid at Tate's Nursing Home and as a cook for many years for the Walker schools, Cottey College, and Head Start in Nevada. Marguerite was an accomplished seamstress, enjoyed crocheting, quilting, gardening and canning.

Survivors include three children, Letha Geer and her husband, Larry, Granby, Mo., Larry Phelps and his wife, Ruth, Bath, Ill., and Tena Lydon and her husband, Tim, El Dorado Springs, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Tammy Garrett, Brighton, Mo., Julie Brewer, Monett, Mo., Jana Stiegman, Joplin, Mo., Wesley Phelps, Bath, Ill., Andy Phelps, Bath, Ill., Kadeena Nitchals, Butler, Mo., and Ben Jacks, El Dorado Springs, Mo.; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one son, Lanny Phelps; one daughter, Myra Garrett; a grandson, Willie Phelps; and her sister, Ella Mae Spencer.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 20, at Ferry Funeral Home, with the Revs. Tim Brewer, and Ric Stiegman officiating. Interment followed in Olive Branch Cemetery, Milo, Mo.

Contributions may be made in her memory to the Olive Branch Cemetery in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.