Tuesday, Nov. 03, 2009

Phyllis Lee Farnell

Phyllis Lee Farnell, 96, of Olathe, Kan., joyously went "on to the next" Oct. 25, 2009, surrounded by daughter, Penney L. Grigsby of Olathe and grandson, Peter A. Wright of Valley Falls, Kan.

She was born Feb. 5, 1913, in Eastport, N.Y. In 1933 she was handed her diploma from Cooper Union Art School by J.P. Morgan himself. Phyllis Rackow eagerly took Kenneth T. Farnell's name on Thanksgiving Day, 1934. She supported Ken through seminary as an occupational therapist and continued this career to become department head at Philadelphia State Hospital until she retired in 1971. She then combined her true passions by making art in every medium inspired by God's love in nature.

Her legacy is that all who loved her now engage at least a little in the same way. The day she died the sky cried and boomed at the loss of one of nature's truest advocates. The family is humbled by and deeply grateful for the loving kindness of Noni, Gayleen, Diana, Theresa, Michelle, Yvonne, and Vitas Hospice who helped Phyllis undauntedly on her way.

Memorial service will be at 3:30, Monday, Nov. 2, at Cedar Lake Village, 15329 S. Lone Elm Rd., Olathe (via OMC Prkwy). Donations in her name can be made to Cedar Lake Village to plant trees that will shelter residents from highway noise. Condolences may be offered at www.McGilley-Frye.

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