Phyllis Gross

Phyllis J. Gross, 88, of Walnut, Iowa, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2015, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa.

Phyllis Jean was born May 31, 1926, in Swanton, Nebraska, to Roy and Mary (Uldrich) Brinson. In her youth she was an accomplished dancer. She even appeared in "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" for her flexibility. She was able to sit on her own head. While in the seventh grade, she moved to Peru, NE, where she graduated from Peru Prep in January 1943. She immediately attended Peru State Teachers College. In 1945, she began teaching in Walnut, IA, where she met Charles Gross. They were married on June 22, 1946.

They moved to the farm where Charlie was in partnership with his father, George, in a cattle feeding and farming operation. She helped with the business by cooking for the hired hands and going for repairs. They enjoyed fishing for salmon on Lake Michigan, going to Las Vegas, dancing and following their children's and grandchildren's ball games.

To this union four children; George, Sue Ellen, Robert and Charles were born. She devoted her time to her children and their families. She enjoyed traveling, playing cards with friends and reading.

Preceding Phyllis in death were her husband, Charlie in 1988; her parents; and her sister and brother-in-law, Doris and George Moore.

Phyllis is survived by three sons, George (Cindy) Gross, Bob (Judy) Gross and Chuck (Julie) Gross all of Walnut, IA; a daughter, Sue Ellen Rodenburg of Council Bluffs, IA; grandchildren; Justin, Tyler, Chad, Judd, Matt and Tom Gross; Bret, Tim and Greg Rodenburg; Jenny Kirchhoff and Britney Archibald; fourteen great-grandchildren; and five step-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 8, 2015, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Walnut, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, April 9, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Walnut, IA, with burial in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery.