Phyllis 'Faye' (Barnes) Mcgowan

Phyllis Faye McGowan was the third of four children born to Roy and Frona (Long) Barnes on February 12, 1924. She went home to be with the Lord on April 5, 2011. She was 87 years, 1 month and 24 days of age.
Faye grew up in the Fairview Community northwest of Mtn. Grove. She attended rural schools and graduated from Mtn. Grove High School in 1941. Through the years she especially enjoyed various activities with her classmates.
Faye was married to Willard McGowan on June 6, 1942 by Rev. Homer Smith. Their home was blessed with four children. While Willard was in the service, she worked in the school superintendent’s office. For thirty-eight years she was the tax collector for Wood Township, a job she thoroughly enjoyed.
Willard and Faye lived on a farm in the Fairview Community for forty-one years, later moving to a small acreage near Mtn. Grove. She loved the farm and the beauty of God’s creation and often quoted the Psalmist David, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.”
Faye accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and was a longtime faithful member of the Mtn. Valley Free Will Baptist Church. She enjoyed the fellowship of her church and was involved in various areas of church work throughout the years. Her alto voice sang many hymns of praise to her Lord.
Faye was proud of her heritage and enjoyed researching her family tree. She made many new friends during her research and was always willing to help others and share information. She was a member of several genealogical societies. She also enjoyed collecting Depression glass and making quilts.
One of her greatest joys was visits from her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother: R.Verne Barnes; and by a sister: Geraldine Smith.
Survivors include her husband of sixty-eight years, Willard; three daughters: Janet (Ben) Vandivort of Mtn. Grove, Marilyn (Danny) Gryder of Rogersville, and Jean Ann Gwin of Springfield; one son: Rev. David (Sandra) McGowan of Clarkston, Michigan; five grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren; and one sister: Lois Lefler of Lebanon.

Funeral Service:
Saturday, April 9th, 10:00 AM in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel.

Visitation:
Friday, April 8th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions:
Mtn. Grove Christian Academy – The Gideons – or the Springfield Victory Mission, c/o the funeral home.