Phyllis Higgins

Phyllis Higgins, age 85, passed away peacefully at the Homestead Memory Care facility in Olathe, Kansas, on Friday morning, April 17th, 2020.  Born Phyllis Elaine Rein to Edward (Eddie) Rein and Mildred M. McKittrick on December 12th, 1934 in Ness County, Kansas.  She was the oldest of six siblings growing up in rural Rush County. She graduated in 1952 from McCracken High School.  While she was a resident of McCracken, she was an active member of the historic St Mary's Catholic Church.

Though growing up and eventually returning to McCracken, she lived several years in Liberal, Kansas raising her family. Upon retuning to McCracken, Kansas in 1978, she and her husband, Lester Higgins, owned and operated the local Hardware Store.  Later in life, she moved to Emporia and, eventually, Olathe, Kansas to be closer to family.

She is preceded in death by her husband James Lester Higgins, parents Mildred and Eddie Rein, brothers Danny and Donnie Rein, all from McCracken, Kansas.  She is survived by her sister Sheryl and Benny McCaskey of Great Bend, KS and their family, sister Madeline ‘Maddy' Petz of Hutchison, KS and family and brother James ‘Jim' Rein, also of Hutchison, KS.

Her entire life Phyllis enjoyed entertaining and visiting her family, especially her 5 children, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.  She is survived by daughter Cindy Cannatella, her husband Paul and grandson Paolo of Houston, TX.  Daughter Katie Wills and husband Marvin of Gatesville, TX.  Granddaughters Sarah Knight and her husband Kynn, 2 great-grandchildren, Charles and Charlotte of Cypress, TX. Granddaughter Rachael Creel and her husband Sam, 2 great-grandchildren Leon and Stella of Newcastle, TX.  Son Kelly Walker, his wife Alannah and 3 grandchildren, Davin, Kael and Cullen, of Magnolia, TX.  Daughter Sabrina Hurt, husband Ron and grandson Samuel of Leawood, KS.  Daughter Sarena Higgins of New Strawn, KS.  Along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Once restrictions are lifted from the current global pandemic, arrangements will be planned for a celebration of her life, including a funeral mass at St Mary's Church and a graveside service at the McCracken Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the McCracken City Library or the St Mary's McCracken Heritage Association.