Phyllis L. Drewel

Phyllis Drewel passed away peacefully at Boone Hospital in Columbia, MO Monday, on December 30, 2024 at the age of 82.

Phyllis was born August 8, 1942 to Earvie and Bernice (Roberts) Weller in Summerfield, MO where she later attended a one-room schoolhouse until the eighth grade.

Phyllis left home at the age of 13 to become a live-in nanny to Junior and Patsy Wallace’s family of seven, which she did until she graduated from Belle High School in 1959. While living there, she met her future husband, Norman Drewel, when he stopped to borrow a pair of baseball pants from one of the Wallace boys. It must have been love at first sight, because they were united in marriage at Belle First Baptist on October 29, 1960, only a few short months after meeting. They were married 53 years until Norman passed on December 20, 2013.

Phyllis’ career involved working as a secretary at two Belle factories, the Counter Company for many years then continuing that profession at Heartland Box Company, finally retiring at the age of 66. A few years later, she also worked part-time at the ABC Clothing Store. Phyllis was a talented seamstress, cook, and gardener, but what she was passionate about was her and Norman’s hobby of farming; she loved the land and spent many hours with him on the farm. They also loved to travel and visited all but two states and many countries. Later in life, she learned to play the piano, something she had always wanted to do.

Phyllis knew Jesus as her Savior and was a member of Belle First Baptist where she served as historian, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and faithfully served through the years. She spent her life caring for others. Phyllis worked hard, but she also knew how to enjoy life and was full of spunk, even to the end. To know her was to love her.

Phyllis is survived by two daughters: Stacey and her husband Robert Gelven of Ava, Michigan and April and her husband Dennis Noblett of Belle; one brother Lyn Weller (and late wife Glenda) of Summerfield; one sister Glenda and her husband Freddie Merrill of Belle; four grandchildren: Amber Gehlert (Adam), Jamie Eldredge (Jake), Derek Gelven (Kara), and Dylan Gelven; nine great-grandchildren: Natalie, Garrett, Riley, and Reagan Gehlert, Taylor and Logan Eldredge, and Taylor, Jackson, and Hannah Gelven.

Visitation is 8:30-11:30 Friday, January 3 at Belle First Baptist with a service following at 11:30 with Interim Pastor David Krueger officiating. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be given to Belle First Baptist.