Phyllis Thompson

Phyllis June Thompson, 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 7, 2005 at the Sunset Knoll Retirement Home in Aurelia, Iowa. She was born on June 30, 1923 on her family’s farm in Irwin, Iowa to Ora Elida Thompson Barratt and Thomas William Barratt. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Marjorie Barratt Greene, her brother Gale Barratt, and her husband Leonard Thompson. She is survived by her brother, Garland Barratt, her sons, William and Robert Thompson, and grandchildren: Dan, Sarah and Aaron Thompson; Megan and Kyle Thompson; and Kyle and Nathan Burris.

Following a childhood spent on her parents’ farm, in 1940, Phyllis graduated from high school, where she was the president of her senior class. In 1942, she earned a teaching certificate from the Teachers’ College in Cedar Falls Iowa. In 1967 she completed her B.A. in elementary education from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake.

Phyllis Barratt married Leonard Thompson, her beloved husband and life’s partner of 51 years on September 12, 1948. Phyllis and Leonard made several moves around Iowa, as Leonard accepted school superintendent positions in Union, Dunlap, and Rockwell City. They ultimately settled in Sac City.

After Leonard retired, he and Phyllis were fortunate enough to enjoy several years of mutual good health, and traveled when they could. They especially enjoyed looking at crafts and then figuring out how to duplicate them. Leonard did the woodwork; Phyllis took on any painting or other artistic touches.

Phyllis did some substitute teaching in Sac City. She was also an active member of the women’s circle at Sac City’s United Methodist Church, a member of the local PEO chapter, and a regular volunteer at the Sac City Public Library. Her primary focus in life, however, was to create the warmest and most supportive family environment possible for her husband and two sons, and later, for her grandchildren as well. An accomplished cook and baker, Phyllis presided with gentle grace over many a family gathering.

As her grandchildren grew and became involved in a variety of activities, from figure skating to school sports and theater productions, Phyllis and Leonard loyally attended as many of these events as possible, just as they had done for their sons’ activities.

Phyllis never forgot the birthdays or special occasions of friends or family members. And both Phyllis and Leonard made a special effort to be of whatever assistance they could if an elderly friend needed help. When Leonard’s cancer, in remission for over 20 years, once again made him ill, Phyllis was his primary care giver and his rock.

Farber and Otteman Funeral Home, 813 West Main Street in Sac City, is assisting the family with arrangements. Friends may call there from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, March 10. A service honoring Phyllis will also be held there on Friday March 11 at 10:30am. Gary Witte, a minister, former next-door neighbor, and friend will conduct the service.

Phyllis’s family has designated the Sunset Knoll Retirement Home in Aurelia, Iowa, as the place where any memorials can be sent. Address: P.O. Box 67/Aurelia, Iowa/ 51005. Phyllis resided at Sunset Knoll from March 2003 to the present. The staff there looked after her with great kindness. Sunset Knoll plans to put any funds received toward the purchase of a van, so that they can offer residents convenient transportation to any appointments.

Phyllis will be greatly missed by the many people who loved her.