Phyllis "Moose" K. (Jaynes) Burns

Phyllis "Moose" K. (Jaynes) Burns, the daughter of Myron "Mike" and Joann (McKnight) Burns, was born on January 20, 1973, in Sioux City, Iowa. She passed away on September 16, 2024, in Sioux City at the age of 51. Moose was a spirited individual whose life was marked by resilience and unwavering love for her family. 

Her early years saw her moving from Sioux City to Carter Lake, Iowa, before returning to her roots in Sioux City. Throughout her life, she faced numerous challenges yet met them with a fierce determination to create a better life for herself and those she loved. Despite the hardships, Moose always wished the best for everyone around her, illustrating her big heart and caring nature.

Moose worked at Interbake in North Sioux City, but for more than 15 years, she found her calling at Pump N Pak in Sergeant Bluff. There, she developed deep connections with her customers, who appreciated her warm spirit, infectious laughter always served with a large cup of "sass." She built lasting friendships through her kindness and devoted service to others. Daily, she would notice someone having an "off day" and she would be sure to tell them to "Have a nice day." She would often compliment people everywhere she went if she noticed something that she liked. Moose was always on a mission to brighten someone's day.

Moose was well-known for her feistiness, fiery demeanor, and humor, which she got in-part from her mother. Now her vocabulary, well that may have come from her dad. Her love for journaling, coloring, and hunting four-leaf clovers reflected her creative spirit. 

Above all, Moose took immense pride in her family. She became a collector of Stitch (Lilo & Stitch) after her daughter Alexa told her that "Ohana" meant family. She is survived by her children: Michael Burns (Melissa Ruden), Debra Burns (Adam Plendl), Sioux City, Iowa, Alexa Burns (Justin Osborn), Tucson, Arizona, and Brandon Stanley (Natasha Penniman), Des Moines, Iowa. Additionally, she cherished her role as a mother figure to her step-daughter, Alex Frey and niece, Barbara Miller. She held a special place in her heart for her grandchildren: Kaelyn, Keaton, JoAnah, Lexlynn, Keithan, Skyler, Jayden, Hunter, and Nelson. Moose's love for her four children and her grandchildren was one of her proudest accomplishments, a legacy that will continue to live on through them. Moose is also survived by her three sisters: Sue Ann Merchant, Sioux City, Teri Twyford, Carter Lake, and Connie Wendte, Sioux City.

She is preceded in death by her parents Mike and Joann, her infant son, Marty, her infant brother, Michael and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. What a glorious welcome home they will have in Heaven. Moosey was very strong in her faith and leaned on it heavily in her final days.

A Celebration of Life for Moose will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel (3220 Stone Park Blvd.) in Sioux City. Following the service, friends and family will gather at Kings & Queens (3128 Business US- Highway 75 next to Navarrete's) to continue celebrating her life.