Phyllis Lou Todd, 76 passed away in her home on February 24, 2024, surrounded by her family.

She was born September 1, 1947, in Springfield, Mo to John and Winona Drake. She grew up in Southwest Missouri and graduated from Ash Grove High School in 1965. She attended Oklahoma Christian University and received her degree in Elementary Education in 1968. She later went to Southwest Missouri State University and completed her Master's in Education 1975.  She married Charles N. Todd of Hartville, Mo on December 28, 1968.

Phyllis was a well-known educator who had a passion for teaching kindergarten-3rd grade. She started her teaching career in Oklahoma City. She then taught the remaining years for Springfield Public Schools and retired in 2004. She was an active member of Missouri State Teachers Association and Alpha Delta Kappa sorority for women educators. She earned the honor of Southwest Missouri Educator of the Year in 1990. Her love of education led her to become the first woman to be elected to the Ash Grove School Board and she served 2 terms.

She was a 4-H leader for the Bois D' Braves and she enjoyed teaching her children and others to sew and cook. She loved watching her children and grandchildren show livestock at local, regional, and state fairs. Spending time with her grandchildren brought her so much joy. She loved attending their basketball games, watching them ride horses on the family farm, and playing cards and board games with them.

Phyllis was an active member of the Brookline Church of Christ. Sunday was her favorite day of the week. She loved teaching the 4-5 year olds Sunday school class and ladies Bible classes.

She is preceded in death by her parents and sister-n-law Sue Drake; Burkittsville, Md.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Charles Todd, Willard; a daughter, Wanita Duncan and her husband Eric, Fair Grove, Mo; a son, Robert Todd and his wife Heather, Willard, Mo; four grandchildren; Jared Duncan, Springfield, Mo; Johnna Duncan, Ozark Mo; Skyler Todd and Joey Todd, Willard, Mo; one brother, Gene "Tyke" Drake, Burkittsville, Md; and several nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was true inspiration to her family and all who knew her.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a potluck at 5:30 pm with a celebration of life at 6:30 pm on March 15, 2024 at Brookline Church of Christ Family Life Center.  Joe Bright and Tony Gentry will be officiating.

Memorials are suggested to be sent to La Palma Christian School, El Salvador in care of Brookline Church of Christ; Fair Haven Children's Home, Strafford, Mo.