Phyllis Jean Plumb was born on January 12, 1951 to Francis Benton and Ruth Gretchen (Parker) Plumb in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Phyllis was born a twin alongside her brother, Philip John Plumb.
Phyllis was born into a growing family and would help raise and nurture more siblings in the years to come. Phyllis followed in her parents love for gardening and preparing food in large quantities. She would cook and bake for many church parties, camping trips and bible bowls which she loved to plan and take part in at the Church of Christ in Redline and Harlan. Phyllis lived for her family, faith and church.
Phyllis graduated with the Irwin-Kirkman High School of 1969. She then went to York College and also attended Oklahoma Christian College for a short time and then returned to Redline. She worked at Variety Distributors and Jacobs Corp in Harlan, IA. She made her home in Harlan, IA in 1989.
Phyllis loved to have her nieces, nephews and church kids come for sleepovers where they would make blanket tents, play Mario Cart, stay up late and eat freshly made cookies. These are memories the cousins will have with their Aunt Phyllis for a lifetime.
Phyllis was always working on a baby blanket or quilt. As soon as she heard of a new baby to be arriving, she would start on a blanket. She provided homemade blankets for every niece, nephew, and friends alike. And you would be surprised at how many of her nieces and nephews will tell you they stepped on a needle at her house!
Phyllis spent a part of her life training to nurture and care for foster children. She opened up her heart and home to help all in need.
Anyone who knew Phyllis will tell you she had an infectious smile. She carried that beautiful smile with her right until the very end. Her smile let you know of both her beauty and orneriness!
Phyllis moved into Elm Crest Retirement in May 2017 and The Hansen House in February 2019. The staff was soon family to her. She was loved by all that knew her. Phyllis entered into her eternal life at the Hansen House on August 18, 2022.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Patty Sue Plumb, Jan Anne Buthman, sisters in law Phyllis Ann Plumb, Janet Plumb, and brother in law Ken Sheck. She is survived by her brothers, Richard Plumb of Kirkman, Benton (Betsy) Plumb of Harlan, Phil Plumb, Shawnee, OK, Al Plumb (Diane) Irwin, Steve (Kathy) Plumb of Harlan, Paul (Michelle) Plumb of Irwin, sisters Judy Sheck, Wichita, KS, Susan (Don) Hawkins, Audubon and Lori (Jim) Baughman, Kirkman, brother-in-law, Jack Buthman of Lakewood, Colorado. Twenty-one nieces & nephews and fifty-six great nieces & nephews.
Memorial Services will be Wednesday, August 24th at 11:00AM at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan. Visitation will be prior to the service one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Harlan Cemetery. The Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
