Phyllis Jean Herren

Phyllis Jean Brooks was born July 2nd, 1936 in Clarinda, IA to Harold Ray and Verna Shields Brooks. She grew up in the Clarinda- New Market area and graduated from New Market High School in 1954 where she met the love of her life, John Herren. Together they attended and graduated from Clarinda Jr. College in 1956.

Phyllis and John were married May 27, 1956 in New Market Methodist Church and were inseparable from that day forward.

To this union were born: Diane Lee, David Kemp and Dana Ray. The “3 D’s” as Phyllis called them.

She taught school in Council Bluffs for 5 years before retiring to be a stay at home mom and a 24/7 bookkeeper for John and his business.

Phyllis was a charter member for the Christens Women’s’ Club which she helped organize in Council Bluffs. She was very active in the organization for several years.

John operated a Standard Oil Station in Council Bluffs for 33 years and Phyllis worked along side him as a bookkeeper until selling out in 1985.

The last 15 years of their work they owned and operated JD’s Lawn & Snow. Phyllis worked 24/7 with John before retiring in 2005.

They were able to enjoy much traveling after retirement as long as their health allowed.

In 2017 John had a stroke that ended any further travel for them.

In 2018 Phyllis was diagnosed with cancer and began a long journey of treatment. In 2019 she chose to discontinue any further treatment so she could have a better quality of life with her family.

Due to their health, they moved to assisted living to have any help they might need.

Phyllis chose to be with hospice which was the best decision she could have made.

Since June 2019 John has been a resident of Bethany Lutheran Home and Phyllis resided at their apartment at Bethany Heights. The first time in their married life that they have not been able to be together.

Phyllis has made the best of the cross given her to bear. She remained faithful to the end praising her Lord daily.

Phyllis is survived by her husband John oh 64 years, daughter and son-in-law Diane & Steve Burroughs, son and daughter-in-law David and Valerie Herren, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren, brother and sister-in-law Ron Brooks & Gloria Young. She was proceeded in death by her parents and youngest son Dana Ray.

Phyllis’ favorite scripture was:

Phillipans 4:13 “I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me”