Phyllis E. (Hesseltine) Utter

Phyllis E. Utter, 94, of Columbus Junction, Iowa passed away at Colonial Manors of Columbus Community on Friday, January 8, 2021. When it is safe to gather again, a Celebration of Life service will be announced. Phyllis will be buried next to her beloved husband Richard at Indian Creek Cemetery. Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Columbus Junction United Methodist Church or Columbus Junction Public Library in memory of Phyllis. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.sandhfuneralservice. The Snyder and Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Columbus Junction is caring for Phyllis’s family and arrangements.

Phyllis E. Utter was born April 23, 1926 in Louisa County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Robert and Callie (Boyd) Hesseltine. She was a graduate of Columbus Junction High School where she met her soulmate. Phyllis married Richard A. Utter August 6, 1945 at Glenview Naval Air Station in Chicago, Illinois. Post WWII, Richard and Phyllis returned to the Utter family farm and began raising their family. Phyllis was the ultimate “Domestic Engineer”, wearing many hats: Creator of thousands of delicious healthy meals and a superb desserts and bread baker, Problem Solver, Fashion Designer, Seamstress Extraordinaire, Healer, Inventor, Recycler, Wicked “Quiddler” player, and family Historian and Counselor.

Early in their married life Richard and Phyllis loved family gatherings, square dancing and playing bridge in multiple clubs. As a couple they spent many hours playing cards, golf, riding their bikes, bird watching and camping. Phyllis spent countless hours putting together jig saw puzzles, playing cards and board games with her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. She was an avid reader and shared many a book series with her grandchildren. One of her lifelong passions was following the many activities of her children and grandchildren.

Phyllis was an inquiring and lifelong learner. She kept current on local and world news and supported her personal beliefs.

Phyllis had a deep and abiding love of Jesus. As a long-time member of the Columbus Junction United Methodist Church, she taught Sunday School for 50 years, was in many Bible study groups, and a strong prayer warrior. She was an active member in Gideons with Richard.

Phyllis will be dearly missed by her children Robert (Nance) Utter of Columbus Junction, Janine Utter (Bill Dull) of Columbus Junction, Jim (Marquita) Utter of Des Moines, Julie (Ted) Beuter of Center Point; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many, many nieces, and nephews.

Phyllis was preceded in death by husband Richard; her parents, a son Thomas and daughter-in-law Janet Utter, granddaughters Carrie Finke and Misty Long; great granddaughter Ava Roness; brother Bob Hesseltine.

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