Phyllis J. Prichard

MAPLETON, Iowa -- Phyllis J. Prichard, 83, of Mapleton passed away Friday, Jan. 25, 2008, the day after her birthday. She shed the bonds of earthly life and has reaped God's promise to her.

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 30,2008, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Mapleton, with the Rev. Dr. Scott Fiege officiating. Interment of the cremains will be at a later date. Lunch will be served at the Legion Club immediately after the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel of Sioux City.

Phyllis was born Jan. 24, 1925, in Battle Creek, Iowa, the daughter of Clara and Henry Marsh. She grew up surrounded by a loving family. Her siblings were Farrell "Bud," Bob, Thala, Faye, Hazel and Minette. She is survived by just two siblings, Bud and his wife, Mary, of Le Mars, Iowa, and Bob and his wife, Norma, of Stanton, Iowa.

At age 15, Phyl married Roy Price. Three children were born of this union: a daughter, Gayle, and two sons, Larry and Gary. Many happy times were spent with the Price family, and she maintained friendships with many of them during the years. Two of her children survive her, Larry and his wife, Kathy, of Sioux City and Gayle Gibson of Mapleton.

In 1961, Phyllis was married to Paul Prichard. They built their home in Mapleton, and were together for nearly 47 years. They successfully ran two businesses in Mapleton; both were called Phyl's Folly. Paul's children, Ray and his wife, Marilyn, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Kenneth (deceased) and Beverly and her husband, Dennis Metcalf, of Texas, were not only family, but increasingly valued friends during the years.

Phyllis was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a longtime member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

She enjoyed bowling, golf, fishing, badminton, horseshoes, cards and horseback riding. Later in her life, her brother, Bob and his wife, Norma, shared their wild and wonderful Rivertown, a campground on the Elkhorn River in Nebraska. Phyl wrote humorous and colorful articles for the Mapleton Press about their escapades, and had many fans waiting for the next installment.

Phyl believed in her loving Savior with her whole heart, and now is safe and restful in his arms. She took care of others and worked hard her entire life, giving all she had to those she loved. She had many personal mountains to climb during her 83 years, and always took time to befriend others with her wit, wisdom and friendly spirit.

She felt so fortunate to have her many friends to share her life. She was very rich in friends and family, felt so blessed and loved each one in her special way. We should all be so lucky.