Phyllis Phipps, 78, of Grinnell, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, at her home. The family will receive friends at the visitation held 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 25, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 26, at Grinnell Friends Church. A luncheon will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. Interment will be in Brooklyn Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be designated to Tori’s Angels Foundation, Grinnell Friends Church, or Christmas Share, and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.
Phyllis Jeanne Pierce was born the daughter of Jesse and Shirley (Linaweaver) Pierce in Clarion on Mar. 1, 1945. She was raised in Fort Dodge, Tama, and Grinnell. She graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1963.
Apr. 11, 1964, Phyllis was united in marriage to Larry McKeag in Grinnell. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters Gina and Jolene. Larry served in the United States Air Force, and they lived in Key West, FL; Hof, Germany; Biloxi, MS; and Rome, NY. Following Larry’s death on July 23, 1970, she moved with her children back to Grinnell.
Phyllis was married to James Phipps in June of 1973 and to this union a son Justin was born. Their marriage later ended in divorce.
Following in her mother’s career and while raising three children, she enrolled in nursing school and graduated as a registered nurse in 1983. She began her nursing career at Brookhaven Care Center in Brooklyn, and after a few years, she transferred to Grinnell Regional Medical Center, where she provided care to many patients over her lengthy career there.
Phyllis was a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Victor and Chester Royal Granges, and Grinnell Friends Church. She spent her free time following her children’s, grand-children’s, and great-grand-children’s activities. She was an active volunteer with several local organizations and at her church. Phyllis enjoyed bowling, gardening, arranging flowers, sewing, scrapbooking, and antiquing.
Phyllis is survived by her daughters Gina (Wade) Hall of Grinnell and Jolene (Mike Groves) McKeag of Grinnell; son Justin (Juliet) Phipps of Grinnell; grandchildren Charity (Brandon) Blom, Dr. Seth (Baylee) Signs, Robert (Lauren Litterer) Groves, Ashley (Wes Gould) Lakose, Stacey Nyawira, Glen Phipps, Shaun Phipps, Ruthanne Packer, and Rick (Phipps); great-grandchildren Jackson, Brooke, Faith, and Liam; siblings Sheryl Spencer, David (Beth) Pierce, Janelle (Dale) Graff, Douglas (Vickie) Pierce, and Carla Pierce; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Larry McKeag; stepson Larry Phipps; and great-grandson, Keagan Hall.
