Phyllis Ann Thompson

Phyllis was a devoted spouse, cherished mother, and tireless caretaker to those she loved, passing away peacefully on April 23, 2026 at the age of 87. Up until her very last day, she lived with the same grace and determination that defined her for nearly nine decades of life.

Born on February 7, 1939 in Dallas County, Phyllis learned at an early age the value of hard work—a trait she carried as a badge of honor throughout her life. Whether she was working at Northwestern Bell, US West Direct, sewing clothes for her family, tending to her strawberry patch, reading her next favorite book, seeking her next big win at a video poker machine, or most recently riding her etrike; she did it all with a level of dedication that inspired everyone around her. Traveling was a true highlight of Phyllis’ life. From the early days of the pop-up Scamper to the later days of the Lark, she spearheaded the family’s vacations from Springbrook Park in Iowa all the way to California and places in between. She made numerous trips to Las Vegas and Honolulu. One of her favorite trips was to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons. The trip that was beyond her imagination was visiting Lake Como, Italy before boarding the Viking Longship to cruise the Rhine River.

To her husband, Bernie, she was a wonderful and steadfast partner. Together, they built a life rooted in mutual respect and an unbreakable bond. To her children, she was quite simply the best. She was the most loving and dedicated Mom somehow making the impossible look easy, always ensuring that her family’s needs were met before she ever considered her own. Her selflessness was her signature.

Living to 87 is a milestone, but for Phyllis, it wasn't just about the years; it was about the life she squeezed into every moment. Just three days before she passed, she was pedaling to her heart’s content, enjoying nature and the sound of the birds on the Raccoon River Valley Trail. She remained the cornerstone of her family to the absolute very end, proving that a mother’s love and a hard-working spirit never truly retire. She was the North Star of her family.

She is survived by her spouse, Bernie, her children, Michael and Ann who is married to Gregory Reicks, and a community of friends who were better for knowing her. She was preceded in death by her mother, Matie, and her father, John.

A visitation gathering will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ernst Funeral Home, Waukee.  Phyllis will be laid to rest at the Waukee Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Phyllis' memory to: Greater DSM YMCA (Waukee Branch).