Phyllis Johnson

PHYLLIS JOHNSON

Marshalltown

Phyllis Johnson, 87, of Marshalltown and formerly of Whittier and Marion, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, at Iowa River Hospice, Marshalltown.

Funeral services: 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, Mitchell Family Funeral Home, Marshalltown, with visitation one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Additional services are at 2 p.m. at the Embers Retirement Community, Marshalltown.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Wayne Johnson of Springville, Lynn (Faye) Johnson of Whittier and Janine (Jeff) Miller of Marshalltown; sister, Lottie Sand; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Phyllis Cooper was born on April 18, 1931, on the family farm in rural Delaware County to William "Bill" L.R. Cooper and Maria Gazina Helmrich Cooper. She attended schools in Delaware County, graduating from Manchester High School in 1948.

On June 13, 1949, Phyllis was united in marriage to Richard H. "Ole" Johnson at the United Methodist Church in Manchester. They made their home in Marion, Iowa, and later moved to Whittier, where they owned and operated Johnson's Heating and Cooling for many years. Phyllis was his right-hand woman, beside him in every way. They were blessed with four children, Rick, Wayne, Lynn and Janine. Phyllis loved to spend time with family and friends. She enjoyed sewing and always had a huge garden. After retirement, she picked up the love of quilting and made more than 50 beautiful quilts. After moving to Marshalltown, Phyllis became a member of Center Street Baptist Church. She regularly attended the services at the Embers' chapel.

They chose Garfield, Ark., as their retirement location, building their beautiful home on Beaver Lake. Visitors always were welcome for fishing and fellowship. After the passing of Ole in 2006, Phyllis continued living there. In 2014, she moved to Marshalltown to be closer to family and made the Embers her new home.

Memorials may be made to the family.