Phyllis Vescovi

Phyllis C. Vescovi, 80, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born June 11, 1944, in Orange City, California, the daughter of Jack and Lucille (Vaught) Cook. She departed this life Sunday, June 8, 2025, at The Princeton Senior Living Retirement Community in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Phyllis was a 1961 Elkins High School (Arkansas) graduate and valedictorian of her class. Phyllis was a talented writer and artist, and she later attended the University of Arkansas as an English Major. Phyllis was nominated to participate in several county beauty pageants and university beauty pageants. She was named the Queen of the University of Arkansas her Freshman and Junior year of college and was named the Poultry Princess for the county.

On August 6, 1969, she was united in marriage to Guido Vescovi in Bronx County of New York, and to this union one son, Ryan Jackson Vescovi was born. They later divorced. Phyllis took great pride in her son and all of his accomplishments. She was happiest when spending time with Ryan, his wife, Lisa, their three boys, his daughter, and their grandchildren. Phyllis also enjoyed spending time with her sister, nieces, and extended family.

In her early days, Phyllis was first employed as an Administrative Assistant for several New York Publishers. She also modeled for TWA. Later, after moving to Harrisonville, she and her husband, Guido, owned and operated Guido’s Pizza. In 1971 they built the restaurant in Pleasant Hill, and Phyllis retired in 2018. Phyllis influenced the lives of many youth by guiding them and raising them up in the pizza place to have a great work ethic. She enjoyed traveling (especially to the beach), working in her yard, planting flowers, and was a gifted writer. Phyllis penned poetry and painted several artistic pieces.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Ryan Vescovi; and her sister, Barbara Cobb.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Lisa Vescovi of Pleasant Hill; four grandchildren, Savana Lea (and Justin) Lewis, Jackson Daniel Vescovi, Jasper Joseph Vescovi, and Jagger Ryan Vescovi, all of Pleasant Hill; two great grandchildren, Sophia Lewis and Layne Lewis; two nieces, Toni Cobb and Shannon (and Martin) McCoy of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; one great niece, Bayleigh McCoy; other relatives and friends.

All services for Phyllis will be held Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the Big Iron Town event center, 29608 E 179th St., Pleasant Hill, MO 64080

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

A celebration of her life will be held at 6:30 p.m. Pastor Janice Hill will officiate. A dinner will be provided immediately following the celebration of life.

Cremation has been accorded. Inurnment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Vescovi Family Scholarship Fund. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550