Phyllis M. Spears

October 8, 1926 - January 10, 2018

Phyllis Mae Spears, aged 91, of rural Rose Hill, passed away at the Serenity House surrounded by her family on Wednesday, January 10, 2018. She was born on October 8, 1926 in Delta to Leslie and Faymie (Wilson) Goldman. Phyllis graduated from Delta High School in 1944, and then went on to earn her teaching certificate from William Penn College and later a master’s degree from the University of Iowa. On December 22, 1945, Phyllis was married to Donald D. Spears. Together, they had three children and farmed outside of Rose Hill. Donald and Phyllis enjoyed travelling the country on Harley Davidsons, dancing and spending time with family and friends. Phyllis was a firm believer in education and dedicated 38 years to teaching elementary students. In her teaching career, Phyllis made many life-long friends and had a positive, lasting impact on the youth in her classroom. Phyllis was also a member of the Rose Hill Community Church, where she was a parishioner for over 50 years, serving several terms on the church board, teaching Sunday school and vacation bible school classes. Phyllis was a true partner to her husband, Donald, as a farm wife; cooking large meals, raising and tending the garden in addition to managing the household. Some of Phyllis’ favorite activities included shopping, a good laugh with family and friends, and travelling the world. Phyllis is survived by her daughter Devona (Ken) DeMoney and son, Roxy (Julie) Spears; daughter-in-law, Linda (Spears) Lee, sister, Gail Joye; brother, Bob (Phyllis) Goldman; 2 sisters-in-law, Sharon Goldman and Virginia "Lambie" Goldman, 8 grandchildren: Troy, Scott, Dustin, Holly, Josh, Cully, Shaina and Lane, 4 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; a son, Donald Joe; a grandson, Jeremy; her 3 brothers Clifford, Duane and Joe; sister-in-law Maxine Goldman; brother-in-law Bob Joye and nephews Doak Joye, Daniel Goldman and Jerry Goldman. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend Vince Homan officiating. Burial will be in the Garrett Cemetery near Delta, Iowa. The Bates Funeral Chapel in charge of the arrangements. Visitation with the family present will be held Saturday afternoon from 1:00 pm until service time at 3:00 pm at the Bates Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be made to the MHP Hospice Serenity House.