Phyllis Lorraine (Spargur) Crawford
Phyllis Lorraine (Spargur) Crawford, 89, of Belleville, Kansas, went to her heavenly home on Saturday morning, October 8, 2022, at the Belleville Health Care Center.
Phyllis was born on February 7, 1933 in Wellington, KS, but grew up in Belle Plaine, KS.
Her parents were Hazel (Sturgis) Spargur and Jack (Charles Howard) Spargur. She was the oldest of five children. Phyllis was active in sports, a cheerleader, a straight A student, working through High School at the local drug store, and an avid reader. As a child, she would crawl up in a tree with an apple and a book and read for hours. She graduated from Belle Plaine High School in May 1951. When she was an 8th grader she met her future husband, Curtis Crawford, she just didn't know it yet, but he did! She and Curtis didn't have their first date until she was out of school and she was working for Boeing.
Theirs was a true love story! They married on May 24, 1952 in Champagne-Urbanna, IL, while Curtis was serving in the Air Force. She worked while he served, everything from an elevator operator to a secretary for an air force officer. To their union they had four children. Their oldest, Pam, was born in Spokane, WA, while they were stationed there. In 1955 they moved back to Wichita, KS, and they added three more children, Jana, Julie, and John. She was a fulltime homemaker, Girl Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, and PTA officer. Her love of reading never died, but she no longer climbed a tree to do it! Sunday dinners were a tradition enjoyed by the whole family. Phyllis was a phenomenal cook, her meatloaf and roast beef dinners were favorites along with her pies. She was a seamstress and like her mom before her, could whip up an outfit or alter a dress two hours before her daughter's Sweetheart dance!
The family moved to Belleville in the summer of 1970 after a year in Manhattan, Kansas. Shortly after that she began working at Republic County Hospital in the medical records department. She took correspondence courses to earn her certificate in medical records and procedures, becoming the director of that department. She worked for the hospital for 29 years. She was able to travel to many places with Curtis, even taking an African safari. After Curtis passed away in 2018 much of her enthusiasm went with him. But the grandchildren and great grands and great great grands brought the sparkle back. She even sponsored many children over the years through Child Fund. Phyllis was the quiet strength behind her family. Always loving, encouraging, and supporting them.
Phyllis was a 51 year member of the Central Christian Church of Belleville.
Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, her husband Curtis Jr., her son John Curtis, a grandson Jacob Weatherhead, two brothers, Jack and Eldon Spargur, and a sister Carol Cushman.
She is survived by her three daughters, Pam (Brad) Chatfield, Jana (Ronnie) Blad, and Julie (Curt) Weatherhead. Ten grandchildren, Matthew (Lisa) Blad, Sarah (John) Racine, Sam (Christy) Blad, John Ketchum, Katie Ketchum, Alexis (Kevin) Wheat, Sophia (Brian) Hardwick, Samantha (Tyler) Jensen, J.C. ( Naomi) Crawford, and Cesilee (Logan) Copple. Twenty-six great grandchildren, and seven great great grandchildren. Phyllis is also survived by one sister Lillian (Bob) Ray, sister-in-law Pat Spargur, and brother -in-law Ronnie Cushman, and many nieces and nephews
Memorial Services will be Saturday, October 15th, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., at the Central Christian Church in Belleville, with Pastor Jacob Rice officiating. Burial will follow at the Belleville City Cemetery.
Friend's may sign Phyllis's book on Friday, October 14th, from 9am - 5pm, at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville.
Memorials are requested to the Belleville Health Care Center or the Central Christian Church, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.
Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting the Crawford family with these arrangements, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com
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