Phyllis Nelson Hahon

Service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery with reception and dinner following.

Phyllis was born March 18, 1925 in Leavenworth, Kansas to Guy and Mabel Harrison. Her family moved to Missouri shortly after she was born and Phyllis lived most of her life in Columbia.

Phyllis attended Stephens College and graduated with an Art Associates degree. In 1947, she married William L. Nelson, who preceded her in death in 1998. She later married Nicholas Hahon, who passed away November 6, 2016.

Phyllis had an extremely compassionate heart and was always willing to help others. In 1983, she became a member of the auxiliary and volunteered to help start a gift shop at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. After investing her own money for start-up, inventory, and negotiating with hospital administration, the dream became a reality when the gift shop opened on Valentine’s Day 1984. Phyllis’ desire to help patients resulted in her volunteering in the gift shop each week for over 25 years. Revenue from this endeavor has helped thousands of patients.

Phyllis loved to dance, was an avid bridge player, and made beautiful needlepoint tapestries. In her later years, she loved to work crossword puzzles. She had a zest for life and a wonderful sense of humor. Her spirit and vivaciousness will be greatly missed.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her daughter Nancy Haire in 1998. She is survived by her daughter Linda Stuart and husband Tom; grandchildren Michael Stuart and wife Asia, Ryan Stuart and wife Amy, Eric Stuart, Lindsay Stuart, Kelsey Haire and step-daughter Nicolette Granack, of North Carolina, and six great-grandchildren.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212.