Phoebe Lynn (Shaner) Popp, known as Lynn, was born on March 14, 1942, in Oak Park, Illinois. She went to be with her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus, on October 21, 2019, at the age of 77.
Her father, Myron Hale Shaner, was a dentist and her mother, Mildred (Babka) Shaner, was a teacher. Myron joined the Air Force and the family lived in Illinois, Florida, Germany, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Alaska and Washington. It was in their church youth group in Washington that she met David Popp (he was in the Army). She completed one year at Bethel College (now University) in St. Paul, Minnesota, before marrying Dave in Tacoma, Washington, on August 12, 1961. Dave brought her home to the farm in rural Sheridan County and she always told stories of how the city girl adjusted to farm life.
They had only been married a short time when Dave was recalled to the army and again stationed in Washington state. He had just planted his wheat and hated to leave Kansas but she was so happy to be able to have her first baby close to her family and friends. Kenneth David Popp was born in June of 1962.
The young family returned to Kansas and farm life, buying the family home thirteen miles southeast of Hoxie in 1963. Corinne was born in March, 1964. In May of 1966 the family suffered a terrible tragedy when Kenny was killed in a farm accident. Lynn and Dave often talked of Kenny. Kristin was born in September 1966, followed by Laura in February 1968, Kevin in September 1969, and Lisa in August 1974.
Lynn and Dave cared for at least 12 other children as well, as foster parents and in taking in children of friends and family. Lynn was an amazing mother and hostess. There were almost always guests at the Sunday dinner table and many friends enjoyed birthday parties, slumber parties, etc.
As the children got older Lynn spent a few years cooking at the Hoxie Grade School and the Hoxie Sale Barn. She and Dave enjoyed traveling, including a trip to Portugal and at least seven trips to Alaska (one on a cruise). Lynn became known for her generosity, sending many birthday and other cards each month. She was uniquely able to connect with people, showing each one how much she cared for them.
Lynn believed in Jesus as her Savior at a young age and wanted everyone she met to also experience this gift of salvation. She wanted everyone to know that there isn’t anything we can do to be right with God, but only Jesus can make us right: Romans 10:9: If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Because of her love for Jesus she served Him wholeheartedly. As well as her outreach to everyone she met, she was very active at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. She taught or helped with Sunday school (until a month ago) and evening discipleship classes, helped with innumerable church dinners, and rarely missed a service. She was an amazing prayer warrior.
Lynn is now reunited in Heaven with Kenny and with her parents and parents-in-law. She is survived by her husband, Dave, of Hoxie Long Term Care; her children, Corinne (Bob) Talbott; Kristin (Rick) Johnson, Laura (Bryan) Anderson, Kevin (Karie) Popp, and Lisa Popp. The Andersons live in White Bear Lake, Minnesota and the others live on farms southeast of Hoxie. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Stephen Anderson, Donna Talbott, Jeni Anderson, Lincoln Talbott, Mitchel Johnson, Graham Talbott, Grant Johnson, Chloe Johnson, Becky Anderson, Clay Johnson, Alyssa Popp, and Riley Popp; by her sister, Karen (Peter) Jordahl of Austin, Texas, and by many nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers- in- law, etc.
A funeral service is planned for Saturday, October 26, 2019, 10:00 A.M. at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church with Pastor Gary Simon and Stan Smith presiding. Interment will be in the Mount Pleasant Community Cemetery. Visitation is being held on Friday, October 25, 2019 at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie from 11;00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. until 6:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Awana Program and they may be sent to Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Words of comfort for the family may be shared at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com
Lynn loved well and was greatly loved by many. She will be sorely missed.