In loving memory of

Phyllis Marie Behrens
May 10, 1937 - December 29, 2017

Phyllis Marie Behrens, 80, of Tipton, left this earthly life and began her eternal life, surrounded by her children on Friday, December 29, 2017, at Mercy Hospital, Iowa City. Family will receive friends at Fry Funeral Home, Tipton, on Tuesday, January 2, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. (the family requests casual attire) Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 3 at First United Methodist Church, Tipton, at 10:30 a.m. with one hour of visitation prior. Interment will be held at Tipton Masonic Cemetery. A general memorial fund in Phyllis's honor has been established. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.
Phyllis was born on May 10, 1937, in Muscatine County, to James and Anna (VanZandt) Garvin, the youngest of 10 children. She graduated from Muscatine High School in 1955. On August 5, 1955 Phyllis was united in marriage to Gilbert Behrens in Muscatine, Iowa. They were blessed with four children: Wayne, Barbara, Nikki and Sandy.
Phyllis was a dedicated farm wife and worked alongside Gilbert. She was also a homemaker, and enjoyed baking and cooking for her family and friends. Often times, she would have a meal, a sweet treat and coffee for all who would come by for a visit. She also enjoyed playing cards and watching Hawkeye sports; listening to country music and watching RFDTV; playing the accordion in the Dale Thomas Band and attending all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren's sporting events. Her great-grandchildren had a special place in her heart and always brought a smile to her face. She was a member of the Tipton United Methodist Church.
Surviving Phyllis are her daughters, Barbara (Dave) Snodgrass of Mt. Pleasant and Sandy Ohrt of Tipton; son, Wayne (Nanette) Behrens of Atalissa; sister, Shirley (Don) Campbell of Solon; seven grandchildren- Brad, Jennifer, Brent, Kelli, Nathan, Heidi and Nicholas; seven great-grandchildren- Jacob, Jack, Carson, Justin, Brooke, William and Addison. She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter (Nikki), granddaughter (Jodi), son-in-law (Gary Ohrt), parents, brothers Edwin, Merle, Raymond, Glen and Ivan, sisters Lillian, Anna and Patty.

Tributes

Colette wrote on Jan 4, 2018:

"Your dead will live. My corpses will rise up. Awake and shout joyfully, You residents in the dust! For your dew is as the dew of the morning. And the earth will let those powerless in death come to life." (Isaiah 26:19) This prophecy tells us that one day we will see our dead loved ones again in a new world! Please seek Jehovah god to see his promises fulfilled...."

Patti Berry Williams wrote on Jan 3, 2018:

"Sandy, I am so sorry for the loss of you Mom. She was a very kind lady and was lucky to have you as a daughter. You took good care of her and I'm sure you will miss her greatly. Take care, Patti Berry Williams "

Bonnnie Nolan wrote on Jan 3, 2018:

"My sister and I stopped to see Phyliss last Spring. It was great to visit with her .Had been many years since we were all growing up and spending time together It seems cousins were closer in those times She will be greatly missed. Bonnie Nolan "

Timothy Nelson wrote on Jan 2, 2018:

"Sorry for your loss I'm sure she will greatly missed."

Timothy Nelson wrote on Jan 2, 2018:

"Sorry for your I'm sure she will greatly missed"

Connie & Russ Timm & Family wrote on Jan 2, 2018:

"So sorry to hear of Phyllis' passing. She will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to all the family. "

Joe Frack wrote on Jan 2, 2018:

"You have left us too soon. Now I only have memories of our teen age years. It was the best. You will be missed. Joe Frack"

Rich Bev Ohrt wrote on Jan 1, 2018:

"So sorry to hear of Phyllis's passing. She was a very gracious lady with a wonderful family. Rest in peace as you had many heartaches of your own over the years. God bless all the family."

Gary & Kathy Hoskins wrote on Jan 1, 2018:

"Sandy, Barb & families, we were so sorry to read of your mother's passing. She was a wonderful woman and will be missed by so many."

Kathy Ness wrote on Dec 31, 2017:

"Phyllis was always such a great hostess. I was a roommate of Barb's in Cedar Rapids and we took many road trips to Tipton to visit her parents and siblings. Phyllis and Gilbert always welcomed all of Barb's friends and made us feel at home. Phyllis will be missed by many. God Bless all of you, Kathy Ness"

Marjorie Meeker wrote on Dec 31, 2017:

"I have many memories of many years ago as young girls. She and I shared some very nice visits together as her sister and my brother had just gotten married. We spent some overnites laughing together and just being young. I lost touch with her over the years even though our family is still tied together by our families. She was a very special lady and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She could play the accordion very well and did so in a band. I use to love to listen to her play. She will play now for the angels. "

Judy Archer wrote on Dec 31, 2017:

"It seems that I have know Phyllis all my life. There was never a moment when we would see each other, to just stop and visit. She always had a smile and the twinkle in her eyes. She was a breath of fresh air whenever you were around. That was Phyllis and that is what attracted people to her. Phyllis and Gilbert were wonderful people that made this community proud. She will be greatly missed. "

Connie Colony wrote on Dec 31, 2017:

" Mothers are one of Gods greatest blessings, your Mom was no exception, what a wonderful lady she was, so kind, caring, and such a joy to be around, I always loved visiting with her in the office when she came in Sandy, and so admired her strength, love and dedication to all of her family, how she loved all of you! It was an honor to know her, with great respect, Connie "

June Seligman wrote on Dec 31, 2017:

"So very sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers. June Seligman "

Gwen Senio wrote on Dec 30, 2017:

"What a wonderful woman who we were privileged to call a friend. Love and deepest condolences to the whole family."

Patti Gray See wrote on Dec 30, 2017:

"My condolences and prayers to the Behrens family. "

Kylie Fink wrote on Dec 30, 2017:

"Barb and family, we are so sorry for your loss and are thinking of you. "

Jerry, Barb and Doug Wood wrote on Dec 30, 2017:

"To all of Phyllis's family, Our thoughts are with all of you. You have our deepest sympathy. From the Wood's -Jerry, Barb and Doug"

Judy Henley wrote on Dec 30, 2017:

"Wayne & Nanette, I'm so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed talking with Phyllis, she was a caring person. May your memories keep her always in your heart."

Phillis westfall wrote on Dec 30, 2017:

"I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers! "