Phyllis Phipps, 78, of Grinnell, died on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at her home.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, January 26, 2024, at the Friends Church in Grinnell. A luncheon will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. Interment will be at Brooklyn Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the visitation held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 25th at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.

Memorials may be designated to Tori's Angels Foundation, to the Grinnell Friends Church, or to Christmas Share, and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Phyllis' family online at www.smithfh.com.

Phyllis Jeanne Pierce was born the daughter of Jesse and Shirley (Linaweaver) Pierce in Clarion, Iowa on March 1, 1945. She was raised in Fort Dodge, Tama and Grinnell. She graduated from Grinnell High School with the class of 1963.

On April 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, Florida, Hof Germany, Biloxi, Mississippi, and Rome, New York. 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 the Friends Church in Grinnell. She spent her free time following her children's, grandchildren's, and great grandchildren'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 as well.

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, Stacy 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; step-son, Larry Phipps; and great grandson, Keagan Hall.