Phyllis Ann Arnold

Phyllis Ann Terrill Arnold, 87, formerly of Nevada, MO, died Nov. 23, 2025, in Lee's Summit, MO. Phyllis was known throughout her life for her compassion, her resilience, and her love of her family and friends. She was born on Jan. 1, 1938, in Chetopa, KS, to R.W. Terrill and Loucille Terrill Burch.

Phyllis spent most of her childhood in the small town of Sheldon, MO, and graduated from Sheldon High School in 1955. She was involved in leadership roles and sports and was a strong academic student. She was blessed with a little sister (Linda) when she was 10 years old. Even though there was an age difference, they were very close and shared many memories over the years. Growing up in Sheldon, Phyllis made life-long friendships. She looked forward to reconnecting with friends at the Old Settler's Picnic in Sheldon every summer.

On July 17, 1955, she married Jack Arnold, beginning 60 years of marriage, until Jack passed away in May 2016. In their first year of marriage they lived in Tampa, FL, near Jack's twin brother and his wife, where the men were stationed in the Air Force. After Jack got out of the service, he and Phyllis moved to Springfield, MO, where their daughters, Shari and Dena, were born. The family lived in several locations in Missouri and in Quincy, IL, before they moved to Nevada, MO, in 1973.

When the family moved to Nevada, Phyllis began work as an administrative assistant for the just-opened Nevada Regional Technical Center. She spent her career in various positions in the Nevada R-5school system. Phyllis also became a sales representative for Fashion Two Twenty, a cosmetics company.

Phyllis cherished her family. She adored being Nana to her four grandsons: Chris, Sam, Matt, and Luke. She was proud of the young men they had become. Her first great-grandson, Ford, arrived in 2023, and she was excited about the arrival of a new great-grandchild in April. Any occasion could bring her to tears, whether she was happy, proud, or sad.

Phyllis had a strong faith. She and Jack were active members of the First Christian Church of Nevada. She was involved with ministries such as preparing holiday baskets. Phyllis also regularly visited friends in the hospital or nursing homes throughout her life.

After she retired, Phyllis joined the Nevada Medical Center Auxiliary and worked in the hospital gift shop. She and Jack also volunteered with Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed her bridge club and was a member of the Nevada Dianas GFWC. Phyllis was always up for a shopping trip if it included a stop at Starbucks for a chai tea latte with a pump of caramel.

In retirement, Phyllis and Jack enjoyed traveling to Florida in the winter. The two-week trips to relax and play golf in the warmth and sunshine gradually expanded to six-week winter getaways.

After Jack passed away, Phyllis persevered despite physical challenges. For several years she had students from Cottey College in Nevada live with her as a companion. These relationships turned into very special friendships and Phyllis was honored to be considered a mentor to these young women. They so appreciated her opening her home and her heart to them.

In 2020 Phyllis moved to Belton to be nearer to her daughters. She continued to make new friends with both residents and caregivers. In recent years, she enjoyed being across-the-hall neighbors with her sister-in-law, Joann, in their senior living facility. Phyllis displayed perseverance on a daily basis and her positive attitude was an inspiration to her family and friends.

Phyllis is survived by daughters, Shari Arnold Hamblin and Bill, Overland Park, KS, and Dena Arnold Cooper and Lee, Leawood, KS; four grandsons, Chris Hamblin and Amy (Phoenix, AZ), Sam Cooper and Josie (Washington, D.C.), Matt Hamblin (Washington, D.C.), and Luke Cooper and Camay ( Miami, FL); great -grandson, Ford Cooper (Washington, D.C.); sister, Linda Terrill Eveans; sisters-in-law, Joann Arnold and Sue Logan; and four nieces, Bobette Arnold Messick, Lori Arnold Pearce, Deanna Arnold Yokley, and Sarah Eveans Clendenen. She was preceded in death by her parents, R.W. Terrill and Loucille Terrill Burch.

The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. A private family burial will be held immediately following the visitation in the Sheldon Cemetery, Sheldon, Missouri.

Contributions may be made in Phyllis's memory to Nevada R-5 Foundation or Meals on Wheels in care of Ferry Funeral Home.