Phyllis May Jean

Phyllis Jean, 80, passed away from complications of frontotemporal dementia on August 2, 2015, at Carlisle Care Center in Carlisle, Iowa. She was born January 1, 1935 on a farm near Brayton, Iowa, to Ivan and Katie Heath.

Phyllis attended school in Adair, IA. She began her career at Farmland Insurance Services and later retired from Bankers Trust Company in 1998. After retirement, she worked part-time at Younkers for many years.

Phyllis enjoyed reading, gardening, shopping, bowling, and traveling. She also enjoyed crocheting and sewing and often made Barbie clothes for her granddaughters’ dolls. Phyllis had a special love for all animals, especially her dogs. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Insurance Women’s Group.

Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Susan (Steve) Frisk and Cynthia LaVia; son, Mark Jean; sister, Kathryn Cron; grandchildren, Missey, Shawn (Kristin), Andy (Jenny), T.J. (Alicia), Luke, Ryan, Angela, and Jacob (Hannah); great-grandchildren, Sierra, Shelby, Chloe, Ashton, Ava, Clara Ann, Hayden, Alyse, Alex, Jase, and Colton; nephews, Darrel (Stephanie), Brian (Donna) and Steven (Jeanne); as well as a host of extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan and Katie; brother-in-law, Don Cron; and son-in-law, Christian LaVia.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2015, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, with visitation following until 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League or to the family for further research on frontotemporal dementia.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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