Phyllis Jean Hood

Phyllis Jean (Terhune) Hood passed away on March 10, 2026, at the Healthcare Resort of Leawood, following complications from a stroke. She was 89.

Born in New York to Carl “Terry” Terhune and Rosalie Jean (Ruffino) Terhune, Phyllis was the eldest of four sisters, whom she affectionately called her “stair-steps.” Her earliest years were spent traveling with her parents while they performed in a circus troupe—her mother as a tightrope walker and her father as a trumpet player. The family later settled in the Fairmount area of Independence, Missouri, where she attended Northeast High School. She married Don Hood, and together they raised three children: Mike, Kathy, and Mark.

Phyllis found joy in gardening, caring for her cats, and sewing clothes for her children. A lifelong lover of music, she sang in the church choir at every congregation she attended and served as a volunteer worship leader at the Independence Christian Union Church. In her later years, she was an active member of Blue Valley Baptist Church, where she organized activities for the JOY Ladies women’s group. She also cherished reading and traveling, especially the many trips she took with dear friends Lois and Maxine. Among her favorite destinations were Israel and Canada.

Above all, Phyllis treasured her family. She faithfully called relatives on their birthdays to sing to them and sent countless cards for birthdays and holidays, often tucked with a five-dollar bill. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald F. Hood, her sister Patricia (Terhune) Nerman Hankins, and her lifelong friend Lois Heath. She is survived by her sisters Judy (Terhune) Greer and Cherie (Terhune) Bennett; her children Michael Foster Hood, Kathy Jean (Hood) Miller (Tom), and Mark Alan Hood (Julie); nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Those who knew and loved Phyllis will remember a life well-lived, marked by her deep devotion to family and her steadfast Christian faith that continues through the generations. She will be greatly missed.