Phoebe Louise McClenahan

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Phoebe Louise McClenahan

of Conway, AR

July 23, 1923 - February 4, 2019

Phoebe Louise McClenahan, 95, of Conway, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on Monday February 4, 2019. She was born on July 23, 1923, in Gordon, Kansas, to Linn Proxy Farrow and Ollie Elora Roach Farrow. Phoebe was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 60 years, Eli R. McClenahan, Jr.; her son Mark Aaron McClenahan; her daughter-in-law Chris McClenahan; and her sisters, Martha Jean Atherton, Betty Herrman, and Nellie Reece.

A large, loving family is left to cherish her memory. This includes her children, Keith McClenahan (Toni), David McClenahan (the late Chris), Darrell McClenahan (Karen) and Candace Frost (John); 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; and her brothers, William Farrow (Ann) and Richard Farrow (Sue).

Phoebe lived a long and fulfilling life. She regaled her grandchildren with stories of growing up on the farm in Oklahoma during the Depression, riding in buckboards, hitching up teams, walking two miles across the fields to school at age 5, and playing tag with her brothers and sisters in the rafters of the old barn. She met the love of her life, Eli R. McClenahan, Jr., in Wichita and married him as soon as he came home from the war. They married on her birthday, July 23, 1946, so he would only have to remember one date.

During the war Phoebe worked as a timekeeper at the Boeing Aircraft factory in Wichita. She told stories of the home-front during the war: rationing, long lines, and shoes. Because her feet were so small, she would buy the ''sample'' shoes that salesmen used to display their wares, and give her shoe rations to her sisters. After the war, she had several pairs of shoes, while most people only had one or two.

While living in Wichita, Phoebe and Eli's first three children (Keith, David and Darrell) were born. In 1956, they moved to a farm in Missouri where their last two children (Mark and Candace) were born. In 1964, they moved back to Wichita, and Phoebe started working at Sears and Roebuck, sewing custom drapes and slipcovers. She retired from Sears in 1984. Phoebe and Eli lived in several different homes in Wichita, finally settling in their house on Maple Street. They maintained a large garden on the two and a half acre lot, and it was a favorite place of friends and family for fresh vegetables. In 1991, their son, Mark, was killed in an accident, but he always remained in her memory.

In 1999, after Eli had a massive stroke that left him incapacitated, they moved to Nevada, and lived with their oldest son, Keith. Phoebe selflessly cared for Eli until he died in 2007. In 2011, Phoebe moved to Conway, Arkansas, to live with her daughter, Candace. She was an active member of the family, and spent many hours gardening, working jigsaw puzzles, sewing, cooking, and attending numerous family events. Phoebe and Candace (often with the rest of the family) made numerous visits to friends and family in Missouri and Kansas, and made every annual McClenahan Family Reunion in Cabool, Missouri, from 2011 to 2017. Phoebe died peacefully at home with Candace and John.
Phoebe's family will honor her life with a memorial service in Wichita, Kansas, in the near future, and will let friends and family know when arrangements are made.

An online guestbook is available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.

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7 Condolence(s)
Glenda Short
Fort Gibson, OK
Liked
Saturday, March 2, 2019

She will be missed. I have many fond memories of Aunt Phoebe. She was a wonderful soul.
Very nice tribute.

Glenda Short
Fort Gibson, OH
Liked
Saturday, March 2, 2019

Lorna (McLeod) Earnest
Edmond, OK
Liked
Friday, March 1, 2019

What a very nice obituary. She was such a wonderful lady: hard-working, but also fun-loving. A multi-talented woman who was always willing to teach a skill, share some wisdom, or just lend an ear. She'll surely be missed by many.

Cindy Woodson
Conway, AR
Liked
Friday, March 1, 2019

Your mother was a very talented woman. I always admired her and her zest for life inspired me. I’m blessed to have have met her and have some beautiful memories of her.

Becky Marsolf
Fair Grove, MO
Liked
Friday, March 1, 2019

What a great life and so many memeroies of fun for family members. She is one of the unforgettable people in this huge family, and will be missed.

Gail Coleman
Walnut Ridge, AR
Liked
Thursday, February 28, 2019

Candy, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. Sending hugs and kisses to you, Jack, Michael, Erin, and Maggie and Stephanie. Prayers for you and your family. Rest In Peace Phoebe

Olevia
Dallas, AR
Liked
Thursday, February 7, 2019

Condolences to the entire family. May wonderful fond memories and the loyal love of Almighty God be and comfort all of you as you look forward to the promise resurrection. Acts 24:15