Phyllis Marie Runner

To view her service remotely online, please visit www.facebook.com/Mitchell-Family-Funeral-Home-99280714047/ Phyllis Marie Runner passed away on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at The Willows of Marshalltown in Marshalltown, Iowa after a short illness. She was 90 years old. Phyllis was the daughter of Ralph Waldo and Wadena DeWitt Cook, born January 3, 1931 in Waterloo, Iowa. She graduated from East Waterloo High School in 1948. She was united in marriage with Alfred Dale Runner in 1949 at the Evangelical Church in Marshalltown by the Reverend Clayton Becker. She spent her adult life as a homemaker and a “farmer’s wife,” assisting in all aspects of farming with her family. Phyllis belonged to the Laurel United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women’s organization and served as a church trustee. She was active in several Laurel organizations and served as a Brownie co-leader. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, OUR Club and in recent years a breakfast group. In addition to her husband, Alfred, Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Shirley Kaszyk and two brothers: Larry and Waldo Cook. Phyllis is survived by four children: Stephen (Rhonda) Runner of Gilman, Iowa, Cynthia (Theodor) Heidt of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, Sara (Scott) Miskimins of Dallas, Texas and Mary (Peter) Glennon of Lebanon, Illinois; by 11 grandchildren: Cameron, Alyson, Kristi, Travis, Susanna, Rosanna, Seth, Katelyn, Patrick, Phillip and John; 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Beatrice Runner of Gilman, Iowa and an aunt, Beverly DeWitt of Tennessee, formerly of Laurel, Iowa. Phyllis was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was admired by her family and friends and touched many lives. Services for Phyllis will take place on Sunday, October 10 at 1:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, Iowa followed by burial at Graceland Cemetery in Laurel, Iowa. Friends and family are also invited to a visitation one hour prior to the service beginning at 12:00 P.M. Memorials in Phyllis’s honor may be directed to Iowa River Hospice, Laurel United Methodist Church, or The Salvation Army. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. The family wishes to thank all of the staff at Iowa River Hospice and The Willows for their exceptional care of their mother.