Clarris Freis

(From Parker Mortuary)

Clarris Imogene Freis, age 84, Joplin, passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Joplin Health and Rehabilitation.

Clarris was born January 25, 1932 in Sewell, Iowa, daughter of the late John Owen McKee and Aletha Surdez McKee. She moved to Joplin in 1966 and began working for Southwestern Bell as an operator. She worked for the phone company for 25 years before retiring, at which time she went to work for Smith Security, and worked at Modine for another 15 years.

She loved bowling, and was a member of many leagues in the Joplin area, was a former board member of the Joplin Women's Bowling Association, was on Fourth Street Bowl's Traveling Team, and was in the local USBC Hall of Fame. She volunteered much time with Crosslines, and was an active member of Park Plaza Christian Church.

In addition to her parents, Clarris was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Freis, who died on February 1, 2004, one son, Michael, and one brother, Arthur.

Survivors include her children, David Freis and wife Sara of Joplin, Jim Freis and wife Brenda also of Joplin, daughter, Nancy Craig and husband Dave of Madison, Wisconsin; sisters, Carol McKee and Jim, Betty Zimmerman; brothers, Francis McKee and Betty, Robert McKee and Marion, Revis McKee and Myrna, Phillip McKee and Darlene, and Benny McKee; grandchildren, Eric Craig, James R. Freis, Jr., Lynn Freis, Stacia Freis, Michael Freis, Jennifer Freis; great-granddaughter, Shilah; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Park Plaza Christian Church with Pastor B.A. Austin officiating. Interment will follow in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Park Plaza Christian Church, or to Crosslines of Joplin.