Phyllis Roberta [Houck] Reynolds 1919-2010

HOUCK, REYNOLDS, STONEKING, JOHNSON, PENNOCK, POPPEN

Posted By: Curtis (email)
Date: 2/9/2010 at 21:06:47

DEATH NOTICE:

(The Leon Journal-Reporter Leon, Iowa January 20, 2010)

REYNOLDS, Phyllis Roberta Houck, 90, of Decatur, Iowa died January 12, 2010 at Westview Acres Care Center, Leon, Iowa. Funeral services were held January 16 at Slade-O'Donnell funeral Home in Leon with pastor Dale Short officiating. Burial was in the Decatur Cemetery, Decatur, Iowa.

Memorials may be given to the Barnum Center or the Mount Ayr Office of Hospice of central Iowa.

Obituary -

(The Leon Journal-Reporter Leon, Iowa January 20. 2010)

PHYLLIS REYNOLDS ... Phyllis Roberta Houck Reynolds, only daughter of 6 children born to William Claude and Laura Mae [Duncan] Houck, was born in Geneva, Nebraska December 29, 1919. She departed this earth on January 12, 2010 at Westview Acres Care Center, Leon, Iowa.

Phyllis spent most of her childhood and attended school in the Leroy and Garden Grove, Iowa area. On September 1, 1938, she was married to Robert Reynolds in Mercer, Missouri. To this union were born 4 sons: Richard (Dick), Gary, William (Bill), and Eddy (Joe).

Phyllis and Robert spent much of their married life farming in and around Decatur County. They moved to Decatur City in 1968, and Phyllis continued to reside there following Robert's death in 1990.

Phyllis began sewing for Snowden's in Osceola in the late 1950's. She was later hired by O'Bryan Brothers when the plant opened in Leon, and continued there until retiring as an instructor / supervisor in 1986. Following retirement, Phyllis devoted much of her time to her community; she worked diligently to help build, maintain, and promote the Barnum Community Center, Receiving special recognition for her efforts from Govenor Terry Branstadt. She served several terms on the Decatur City Council and was an active member of the Decatur Booster Club until failing health forced her to resign.

In addition to her civic interests, Phyllis was an accomplished and meticulous seamstress; she crocheted hundreds of beautiful lace doilies, tablecloths, and afghans that she gave to friends and family. She loved music and dancing, enjoyed traveling and camping, and bowled on a women's league for several years. She was a fabulous cook and was happiest when her home was filled with hungry guests. Whatever she was doing, Phyllis had a great time and made certain everyone else did as well. One of her greatest talents was her ability to make something out of not much at all.

Phyllis is most lovingly remembered for the unconditional love and support she gave friends and family, her gentle and generous nature, and the quiet dignity and grace in which she lived.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Clifton, Warren, Edward, Wilton (Bill), and Deral (Slim) Houck; husband Robert; daughter-in-law Judy [Tolly] Reynolds; granddaughter and namesake Roberta Joann (Bobbi) Stoneking; and great-grandson Christopher Reynolds.

Left to cherish her memory is her family; sons: Richard of Stanton, Iowa; Gary and wife Karen of Baxter, Iowa; Bill and wife Allyson of Decatur, Iowa; Joe of Prescott, Iowa; sisters-in-law-law Bonnie Houck, of Leon, Iowa; Berniece Houck, Norman, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Sandra [Reynolds] Johnson and husband Kevin, of Elliot, Iowa; Mark Stoneking, Elliot, Iowa; Jim Reynolds and wife Debbi of Elliot, Iowa, Todd Pennock and wife Courtney of Elliot; Justin Reynolds and wife Jennifer of Chandler, Arizona; Darcy Reynolds of Sioux City, Iowa; Terri [Reynolds] Poppen and husband Terry of Bellevue, Nebraska; Eric Reynolds of Johnston, Iowa; Laura Reynolds of Osceola, Iowa; eighteen great-grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless other family and friends.