Phyllis C. Cadwallader, 1945- 2018

CADWALLADER

Posted By: Connie Swearingen -Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/21/2018 at 17:54:40

Sioux City Journal
21 January 2018

Formerly Sioux City

Phyllis C. Cadwallader, 72, formerly of Sioux City, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 after a nearly seven-year battle with ovarian cancer. Through the long battle with cancer and until the moment of her death, she epitomized courage and grace. She died peacefully at home, with her husband and daughter at her side.

Memorial services will be 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018 with visitation starting at 2 p.m. at Dunn's Funeral Home in Des Moines.

From her birth on May 9, 1945 until her death, Phyllis nourished those around her with love, wisdom, acceptance and kindness. Though small in stature, she was a fiercely devoted and loyal wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend.

Phyllis was born in Tulsa, Okla., but spent most of her childhood in Sioux City. She graduated from Leeds High School in Sioux City, received her bachelor’s degree from Morningside College and later her master’s degree from Drake University.

With her first husband, Richard, Phyllis lived in Beaufort, S.C. and Denver before settling in Des Moines with their young daughter, Lisa.

Phyllis taught middle school English for West Des Moines Public Schools for 30 years before retiring in 2000. Over the course of her career, she enthusiastically taught nearly 5000 lucky young people about writing, poetry, literature and Greek mythology.

For many years, Phyllis studied Russian under her dear friend, Tanya Bodine, and she spoke it fluently. A lifelong dream was fulfilled in 1990 when she traveled to Russia, chaperoning a group of students for a month-long trip. Phyllis made friends there that she remained in contact with for the rest of her life.

In the mid 1990s, Phyllis discovered her passion and talent for swing and line dancing. She caught the eye of another dancer, Verlin Cadwallader, and he never looked away again. They were married in 1996 and spent more than two decades dancing and teaching others to dance.

Phyllis and Verlin also traveled extensively throughout the U.S., often taking long road trips with no particular plan, ending up in unexpected and wonderful places. Phyllis’ favorite travel destination was the North Shore in Minnesota, alongside Lake Superior.

At the age of 64, after years of relentless urging from her grandson, Phyllis began taking taekwondo. She was deeply devoted to the art for the rest of her life. In May, 2016, she was awarded her first Dan black belt.

Phyllis led an active and fulfilling life that also included gardening, yoga, cooking, crossword puzzles, playing the piano and spending time with her adoring family.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Verlin; daughter, Lisa Raabe Werth (Jeff); sister, Sherry Fredericks (Stan); Rene and Randy (Cathy, Andrew) Fredericks; Dawn Baker (Darrin); Ryan Cadwallader (Maria); Amy Stuart (Troy); Paul Cadwallader (Traci); grandchildren, Tyler Spoon (Jennifer), Katie Spoon, Bianca Woods (Albert), Darrell, Keith, Monica, and Avery Edelhoff-Baker, Jaydon, Dylan, Erica, and Zaya Stuart, Jacob, Brooke, Cole, Dominic, and Benjamin Cadwallader; great grandson, Madden Lee Carbajal and former husband, Rich Raabe (Cindy).

Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, Philip and Helen Parks and her brother, Alan Parks.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Children’s International in Phyllis’ name.