Phyllis Kay Ames

Phyllis Kay Ames, the daughter of Melvin and Alice (Puhrmann) Schmidt, was born on April 9, 1942, in Le Mars, IA. On May 3, 1942, she was baptized at her grandparent’s home.  She was confirmed on May 27, 1956 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cherokee. Her childhood years were spent in rural Meriden.  She graduated from Meriden High School in 1960.  She was the last graduating class from Meriden.

 Since the age of 13, Phyllis became known as one of the best cake decorators around. It was a love that she shared with many, teaching them to bake and decorate cakes. This passion lasted over 65 years.  The last cake she made was for her granddaughter's wedding.  Phyllis was 78 at the time.

On June 4, 1961, Phyllis was united in marriage to Gaylen Doyle Ames at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cherokee, IA.  Following their marriage, Phyllis helped Doyle drive school bus and occasionally truck. During this marriage two boys were born, Jeff and Todd.  During a feed delivery to Missouri with Doyle, Phyllis and the boys, a tragic truck accident took the life of Doyle, leaving Phyllis with a broken back, Jeff and Todd with serious injuries.  Phyllis and Jeff learned to walk again together 6 weeks after the accident.

Years later Phyllis was married and had her daughter Danae.

After her recovery Phyllis drove school bus full time where she made lifelong friendships with the children she transported. She became known as “The Lady Grinder” and “Ma Flis”.

Phyllis also sold healthcare products for Golden Pride Rawleigh.  She traveled to many farm shows and county fairs to sell her health products.  She made many friends during this time. 

Phyllis enjoyed gardening where she was known for her beautiful ditch of phlox every spring.  Neighbors would drive by every spring to see the beautiful sight.  She also grew many vegetables.  She loved sharing them with family and friends.  She also did a lot of canning with all of her vegetables with her daughter Danae.  She really enjoyed teaching Danae all about cooking using Grandma Alice's recipes.

Phyllis was a card club member playing cards with some ladies in the area.  And she also loved getting together with family and having a fun card game.

Most of all she loved attending her grandchildren’s activities.  She was very proud of her grand kids.  Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her kids, family and friends. 

On Saturday, August 13, 2022, Phyllis passed away at the Heartland Care Center in Marcus, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Alice Schmidt; her husband, Doyle Ames; and brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Donnia Schmidt.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Jeff (Kim) Ames of Marcus, IA, Todd (Kristi) Ames of Marcus, IA; and Danae (Bruce) Dreckman of Marcus, IA; grandchildren, Kylee (Jake) Preuss, Shana Ames (special friend Brennan Rolfes), Emily Dreckman (special friend Cooper DeJean), Brandon Dreckman, and Ryan Dreckman; great-grandchildren, Pyper and Derby Preuss; two nieces, Deb (Dave) Merten and Darcy (Brad) Wurth; and numerous cousins and friends.

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