Phyllis M. Hollebrands
August 22, 2014
Phyllis M. Hollebrands, 90, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2014, the one year anniversary of her daughter Amy’s death. A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. with visitation following from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.
Phyllis Reyman was born on March 4, 1924 on a farm near Cushing, Iowa, the youngest of eight children. Graduating high school as valedictorian, she was interested in art and design and attended college in Iowa City. When her scholarship expired, she moved to Des Moines where she met Carroll “Holly” Hollebrands while they worked at the Internal Revenue Service. They married on April 7, 1950, raising four children. Phyl helped Amy become a Special Olympics swimmer and was her determined champion, pushing for educational and independent living opportunities for the disadvantaged throughout her life. Phyl was a woman ahead of her time—a feminist, progressive and humanitarian.
Phyl pursued many interests and a varied career that included working at R.G. Dickinson & Co. and in real estate sales, but she was most proud of her years at Iowa Public Broadcasting Network. Phyl was always learning and very creative. She took classes at the Des Moines Art Center where she became a docent, patron of the arts and an artist herself. Phyl’s family cherishes her many artistic creations. She also loved gardening, antiques, and travel (to France, Greece, Australia, Africa …). Phyl was fiercely independent and tough mentally and physically until the end.
Phyllis is survived by her children: Curt (Carol) Hollebrands, Matt (Karen) Hollebrands of Savage, MN, and Kris Wymer of Arcata, CA; and grandchildren: Nick Hollebrands, and Lindsay Hollebrands of Savage, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband Carroll and daughter Amy Hollebrands.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Iowa Special Olympics. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
LouAnn LeCocq Heene
08/30/2014
Dear Family, We were away, and didn't get your message about Phyllis' passing until this week. Hope it doesn't come too late. Phyl and I had a connection through our love of everything we could experience through our art work. Long ago, Don and I lived in DesMoines close to the airport, when our children were small. We visited Phyl and Holly frequently and always enjoyed them. My cousin, Carroll, was a sweet man, and sorry that they are both gone now. We live so far away, in Denver now, and are in our early 80's. It seems impossible. but true. Love to you all. LouAnn
Diane (Hollebrands) Conley
08/28/2014
Dear Cousins~ Jim and I are so sorry for your loss. We know what a wonderful, happy and fun person your mother was. She had such a lively mind and energy. She knew so many interesting things. I always looked forward to her Christmas letters to hear what she and Uncle Carroll and the family had been up to all year! She kept us in the loop and connected that way. In a way it is comforting that she passed on the anniversary of Amy's passing, thinking of that joyful reunion. Even when a loved one has had a long and good life it is still so sad when they leave us. We know how much she will be missed by all her family. With deepest sympathy and love, Diane & Jim
tim&jeanette anderson
08/26/2014
we are sorry for your loss.she was an amazing person and will be dearly missed; best wishes to the family.
Michael J. Wetmore, Nephew
08/25/2014
I am a nephew of Phyllis, on the Reyman side. My mother, born Ferne L. Reyman in 1916, was a sister of Phyllis. Of the seven great minds that came from that small obscure farm in Cushing, Iowa, Phyllis's light shone the brightest.
Her annual Christmas letter was received each year with great anticipation. It was a novel, in short story form and was always more than interesting.
Phyllis was always painting on unusual objects. When I started the Roofing Co., Phyllis painted a clever scene on a shingle she took from a 100 year old barn. I have handled many shingles in my life, yet I treasure none as much as the one Aunt Phyllis painted. Although the last of the great minds from that little farm have passed away, I am confident the genes from those great minds live on in all those who are called survivors.
To all those who are connected to and survive Phyllis, I offer my sincere Condolences and Love.
Michael J. Wetmore