Phyllis R. (Steffens) SERPA

SERPA, STEFFENS, BERNS, DUFRESNE, NICHOLSON, JONAS, NELSON, KENT

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/11/2008 at 15:14:31

Long time Fallon resident Phyllis R. Serpa 65, passed away at Renown Medical Center on Monday after a long illness with her family by her side.

Phyllis was born Dec. 17,1942 in Clarion, Iowa, to Rex and Loretta Steffens. She was raised in Rowan, Iowa and upon graduation, she attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education. In her later years she attended Chapman University at Fallon Naval Air Station attaining a Master's Degree in Human Resources. Phyllis moved to Fallon in 1968 from Florida. She taught school in Florida for five years and after moving here, she worked for the State of Nevada Child and Family Services, a job from which she retired as the District Office manager by dedicating 28 years of service. After her retirement, she worked under contract for the state another three years. Phyllis loved playing card games and making Afgans for all her family, but most of all, it was her family that always was first - the holiday dinners, the grandkids' ball games - she was all about family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Connie Berns and nephew Anthony Berns. Phyllis is survived by her husband John Serpa; her children Tami and Chris Dufresne of Carson City; Shari and Doyle Nicholson of Fallon; Ilene and Bruce Jonas of Elko; Jan and Dave Nelson of Sheridan, Wyo.; John and Kandy Kent of Alpharetta, Ga; granchildren Trey, Cole, J.D., Quinn, Bailey, Steven, Kelly, Katy and Kelly Ann, Carson and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and many friends.

The family would like donations to be made to Churchill Arts Council, P.O. Box 2204, Fallon, NV 89407. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at The Gardens Chapel in Fallon. Arrangements are under the direction of The Gardens Funeral Home, 2949 Austin Highway, Fallon.

June 10, 2008
Lahontan Valley News, Fallon, Nevada