Phyllis Finders

Phyllis Maxine Finders, 85 of Osage Beach, MO moved on to her forever eternal home on September 15, 2026 at Stonebridge Senior Living Home in Osage Beach, MO

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 26th, at the Ferguson Bible Church in Ferguson, Iowa. She will be laid to rest in the Timber Creek Cemetery near Ferguson. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. Friday at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com

Throughout her lifetime, Phyllis could be defined by her devotion to these five words: Family, Faith, Friends, Food & Flowers.

Born in Marshalltown, IA on July 13, 1941, to Freeman & Leatha Renner, Phyllis grew up on the family farm with two sisters, Aloma and Piccola. Their farm was only a short drive from town, and she could walk or ride the bus to school. Phyllis regularly attended Ferguson Bible Church in the small town of Ferguson, IA. In her adult years, she loved teaching Sunday school, VBS, and singing in the church choir.

After graduating from Ferguson High School in 1958, Phyllis married the neighbor boy, Harvey Finders, in 1962. They lived in the Ferguson area for 25 years. As a farmer’s wife, she also worked in the kitchen at the school, volunteered as a kindergarten aid, and stayed after school to help the custodians clean classrooms.

Family was everything to Phyllis, and in 1964, her daughter Tamara Lyn arrived. As a family of three, they lived just outside of Ferguson where Phyllis was often seen tending to her very large garden. She loved gardening, canning, and sharing the fruits of her labor. She was known for her large batches of fresh salsa which she enjoyed giving away to family and friends. Phyllis started a modest cake decorating business after attending a decorating class with Tammy and grew this into a profitable business making many cakes for weddings, birthdays and all occasions. She always loved collecting and trying new recipes. Her phone was full of saved recipes she was always ‘going to try’. Phyllis had several other hobbies including crocheting in years past, doing puzzles, and bird watching.

Phyllis & Harvey enjoyed traveling and camping in their 5th wheel over many years. As farmers they needed to stay close to home, they didn't travel to many destinations, but they enjoyed camping out on an abandoned farm nearby with friends. Most weekends were spent there - enjoying a bonfire and fellowship. After moving to Missouri, several new friends accompanied them to Bennett Springs State Park a couple times a year.

In 1985, Harvey and Phyllis chose to move to Ames, IA and bought the Ratliff family Donut Shop. They operated this from 1985-1988. After selling the business, they moved back to Marshalltown.

Phyllis' love of flowers and plants led her to work at Earl Mae gardening center for several years. She loved working with both plants and animals. She has always loved flowers and still had many houseplants she lovingly took care of. It was here at Earl Mae that she learned to love birds and started a several year journey with her pet Cockatiel, Tipper. She adopted 2 other birds, Tweety and Sunny, but Tipper remains the favorite. Her favorite wild bird, the Cardinal, frequently stops by their bird feeders. This was her favorite bird to watch, and she collected the many pieces you see here today.

Phyllis also worked as cashier at Fareway grocery store in Marshalltown, IA. Among her coworkers, she was best known for bringing several favorite baked goodies to share. Always talking to customers, she had acquired a collection of favorite recipes over the years.

Another favorite of Phyllis' was her love of Southern Gospel music. In fact, her last moments on Earth were spent listening to Southern Gospel. Harvey and Phyllis attended several concerts and festivals over the years. One favorite Southern Gospel group is represented here today with members from the Higher Power Quartet. These men have been faithful to return every year for 30+ years to perform for their small home church here in Ferguson. Phyllis loved to hear them, and she also loved to serve them a full meal prepared with a lot of love.

Phyllis has had many amazing friends both in IA and now in MO. She always loved entertaining, serving, and feeding them. One of her favorites was the annual Coca-Cola party. Everything was served on Coca-Cola dishes. All the entrees and sides had the favorite beverage included in the ingredients. This was always an enjoyable evening.

We want to extend heartfelt thanks to the extraordinary caregivers and nurses who supported and helped Phyllis during her final years and months. Their kindness and compassion and care made a positive impact on her and our family.

Phyllis is proceeded in death by her father Freeman and mother Leatha Renner, and sisters Aloma Gummert and Piccola Carnahan. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Harvey, her daughter Tammy (Scott) Sonksen of Linn Creek, Grandson Shane (Abi) Sonksen of St Peters, MO, and Granddaughter Alaina (Brock) Shonkwiler and Great Granddaughter Millie of Ozark, MO. Several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Our family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you for spending your time with us today in celebration of a life well lived.

-Lovingly written by her family

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