Phyllis Rich
Phyllis J. Rich, 80 of Oto, died Monday, November 7, 2016 at a hospital in Onawa, IA.
Funeral Service was held at 2:00pm Friday, November 11, 2016 at Smithland United Methodist church with Rev. Karen Handke officiating. Burial was at Oto Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sergeant Bluff, 400 4th Street.
Phyllis Jeanne Rich was born December 18, 1935 in Livermore, Iowa the daughter of John (Jack) and Violet Sykes. Three days later she was nicknamed Peaches, by a beloved neighbor. Throughout her childhood days she was called Peaches by her classmates, friends, and relatives. Phyllis attended Livermore High School for the twelve years of schooling and graduated in 1953.
Phyllis marred Fred Struthers in 1953, and from this union five children were born; Fred, Phillip, Felicia, Starr and Sheila. This marriage was dissolved in 1962. In 1968 to 1970 she attended Emmetsburg Jr. College. She completed her degree for Elementary Education at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake during the years of 1970- 1972.
Phyllis was joined in Holy Matrimony May 27, 1972 to John (ED) Rich. In this union she acquired five daughters Cathy, Lucy, Marilyn, Barb, Julie and one son Chuck. Before her retirement due to illness Phyllis taught in the Dunlap Community School system for 24 years. Her favorite subject was that of teaching Science. She taught 4th, 5th, and 6th, grade Science.
Among Phyllis many interests were refinishing old furniture, remodeling and decoration her home, camping with her kids, sing-along with the player piano, bible study, and traveling. In her travels she collected many souvenirs. Among her prized collection are soil samples, and sea shells which she used in her Science Classes.
Phyllis received the Soil Conservation Award as District Winner in 1990. She received a plaque in 1992 from Harrison County Soil and Water Conservation. Other awards consisted of Who’s Who in American Education and International Who’s who of Professional Women.
Phyllis enjoyed 9 years with Jack Androy, they lived on an acreage in Oto, Iowa.
She is survived by her significant other Jack Androy, her four children Phillip Struthers, Felicia D. Reilly, Starr Schwarte, Sheila Keim, five step children; Kathy Hugen, Marillyn Rich, Barbara Carson, Charles Rich, Julie Serdlin; 17 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.
Phyllis is proceeded by her parents, one son Fred Struthers, II, three brothers Bus, Sonny, Jackie, three sisters; Bunny, Violet, Darlene, a step daughter Lucy Rich, and her husband’s Fred Struthers and John (Ed) Rich.
