PHYLLIS LOU TODD

Phyllis Lou Todd, 76, of Willard passed away on Feb. 24, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born Sept. 1,1947, in Springfield, 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 on Dec. 28, 1968.
She 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. She was an active member of Missouri State Teachers Association and Retired Teachers Association. 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 two terms. She was also a 4-H leader for the Bois D’Arc Braves.
She was an active member of the Brookline Church of Christ where she taught the 4-5 year olds Sunday school class and ladies Bible classes.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Charles Todd; a daughter, Wanita  (Eric) Duncan of Fair Grove; a son, Robert (Heather) Todd of Willard; four grandchildren; one brother, Gene “Tyke” Drake of Burkittsville, Md.; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister-n-law, Sue Drake.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a potluck at 5:30 p.m. with a celebration of life at 6:30 p.m. on March 15, at Brookline Church of Christ Family Life Center with Joe Bright and Tony Gentry will be officiating.
Memorials are suggested to La Palma Christian School in El Salvador in care of Brookline Church of Christ or Fair Haven Children’s Home in Strafford.