On Wednesday, July 22, 2020, Phyllis Marie Hovis went home to be with the Lord at the age of 91 after an extended illness.

Phyllis was born on July 29, 1928, in Madison County, MO, to Thomas DeWitt Bollinger and Ollie Orenia (Brown) Bollinger. She grew up in and around Oak Grove. During WWII, Phyllis stayed weekdays with her aunt, Georgia Bollinger (LeRoy), to attend high school in Fredericktown. She graduated in 1945 and began working at the local shoe factory. Her attention to detail was evident in her home and at work in the accounting departments at Black River Electric and DePaul Hospital in the St. Louis area.

Phyllis married Milton Lee Hovis on August 15, 1947. They were married for 63 years and actively involved in church until their health declined. They have one son, Keith Hovis (Debra) of Stillwater, Oklahoma, who they raised in Fredericktown and Dellwood, Missouri. Milton and Phyllis returned to Fredericktown in 1985 to retire. For the last eight years, she called Camelot Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Farmington her home, and her special caretakers became like family.  Phyllis always enjoyed a good conversation and made friends easily. She used that gift to welcome and encourage new physical therapy patients. Even in her later years, she had an amazing memory and took pleasure in sharing stories of the past.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Milton. She is survived by her brother, Joe Bollinger, her son Keith Hovis (Debra), two grandchildren, Karen Eubanks (Tim) of Lincoln, Arkansas and Scott Hovis (Jennifer) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, five great-grandchildren, Isaac and Elijah Eubanks and Charlotte, Natalie, and Paige Hovis. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Per her request and care for others during the pandemic, visitation will be limited to walk-through viewing on Monday, July 27 at Follis and Sons in Fredericktown from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A graveside at Marcus Memorial Park service conducted by Pastor Kevin Ropp will follow at 1:15 PM.