Phyllis Ann Rivera
January 24, 2015
Phyllis Ann Rivera, 80, of Des Moines passed away at Mercy Hospice in Johnston on Saturday, January 24, 2015 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave, Des Moines. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at the funeral home. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Hamilton’s Crematory
.
Phyllis was born on April 5, 1934 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Audrey Ann (Foster) and Frank O’Dell. Phyllis married Edward Augustine Rivera, the love of her life, on December 19, 1952. They were blessed with nine beautiful children, and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought great joy to her life. She was devoted to her family and a devout Christian. Phyllis loved reading her bible and attending weekly bible study. She always prayed to be a ‘light’, and she was comforted by Psalms 46: 10; “Be still and know that I am your God.” Phyllis had a special place in her heart for animals and spent many hours tending to her flower garden.
She is survived by eight children, Ricky Rivera of Des Moines, Leisa (Ronald) Curtis of Pleasant Hill, Audrey Garrison of Des Moines, Kimberley (Chad) Cole of Windsor Heights, Andrea Murray of Des Moines, Eddie Rivera of Des Moines, Carla (Philip) Pickering of Altoona and Donna (Tim) Sindlinger of Sunrise Beach, MO; twenty-three grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and sisters, Donna Martin and Carla Weist, both of Knoxville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edward Augustine; infant son, Michael Rivera; an infant grandchild, Zachary; brother, Wayne King and her parents.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Opal Current
01/27/2015
What a sweet, kind lady. Phyllis had a ferocious love for her family - while walking with great humility and a faith in a God who is good. My heart and love is with you, Andrea & Luke ... and all those who loved Phyllis. Peace and Grace.
Jerry C
01/27/2015
I am very sorry for your loss. May your happy memories with her bring comfort to the family and friends .Find peace knowing that God has Phyllis in his memory as it states in John 5:28,29.His love and support will be there during this time of sorrow.
Renee Sciachitano
01/27/2015
My condolences to the Rivera family. I know this is a difficult time for all of you. I am sure she will be missed by not only all of her family, but by everyone who knew her.
Kathy G.
01/26/2015
Your moms work was done here on earth. She led by example....I will remember your mom as beautiful, funny, loving, caring, hardworking and committed....committed to our Lord, her husband, children and extended family and friends! My condolences to her children and grandchildren..her absence will be felt by many!
Mike Martin & Family
01/26/2015
Our family has lost a great woman. I have a lot of great memories of Phyllis and the Rivera family throughout the years. As tough as this is for all of you, remember Phyllis' strong faith and that she is in the care of our Lord now.
John 14:1-3 Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Fathers house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."
Our Deepest Condolences,
Mike & Stacy Martin & Family
Jackie Wilson Jr
01/25/2015
To the family, Again,so very sorry to hear of your Mother's passing..may peace be with you all... Our sincerest condolences....The Wilson family
robbie
01/25/2015
My thoughts and prayers to the family of phyllis..I have know her since I was 10 and she was a wonderful woman and mother. She will be missed greatly and to my pal carla..I love you and I and so sorry for your loss and your families loss hunny..I'm here for you always.
Diana
01/25/2015
Aunt Phyllis brought me such joy. I'm proud to say that Aunt Phyllis & Uncle Edward are my Godparents, but more than that they were Angels that walked the earth. I spent a lot of time with them as a child and along with my cousin's we had so much fun. I can remember Aunt Phyllis treating us with honor and respect. We were all special in her eyes. I love her with all my heart and will have wonderful memories to last my life time. The wonderful meals she prepared, all the hugs and kisses, holding of my hand. I found her to be beautiful on the outside, the touch of her hair, her sweet smiles & the smell of her skin. I can see Aunt Phyllis sparkle in her eyes, a true window to her soul. Her laugh was special, I can hear it in my mind. On the inside she had a big heart, she was wise and you are drawn to her soul. I'm happy to know her and this is only a small peek in to her life. I'm pray that she will be my Angel and watch over me like she will watch over her family. I love you Aunt Phyllis! Love Diana
Rose (Gomez) Grier
01/25/2015
Aunt Phyllis was one of the kindest and most caring people I ever knew. I remember lots of good times with her and her family when we were young. I hope her family is comforted by their memories of her.