Phyllis Joy VanAusdall Ewing

1929 – 2023

 

     Phyllis Joy VanAusdall Ewing, 94, of Keokuk, died Friday, May 12, 2023 at River Hills Village in Keokuk.

     She was born on January 21, 1929, in Keokuk, the daughter of Albert and Mary Barbara Walter VanAusdall.  She graduated from Keokuk High School with the Class of 1947.

     On May 28, 1949, Phyllis was united in marriage to William E. Ewing Sr. in Keokuk, IA.  He preceded her in death on May 17, 1995.

     Phyllis had many professions during her lifetime.  She had been employed at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, Sylvania in Burlington, IA, Little Wheels, Ltd., WhizMow in Warsaw, was the general manager of Multi-Parts Company, was the owner of The Shop of Joy in Hamilton, worked for L and B Trucking and at the Hamilton Public Library.

     Phyllis was a talented artist and especially enjoyed painting scenery, still lifes and flowers.  She and her husband Bill loved to travel and their favorite trips were to Alaska, Hawaii and Arizona.  Phyllis was an avid reader, enjoyed playing cards, putting together jigsaw puzzles and bowling in her younger years.

     She is survived by her son, Alexander A. “Alex” Ewing of Woodstock, IL, three grandchildren, Kali Ewing of Keokuk, Andrea Ewing and Ayla Ewing of Crystal Lake, IL, three step-grandchildren, Michelle (Brian) McEntee of Dallas City, Kelly (Bill) Rowlett of Hamilton, IL and Leslie (Jazz) Asbury of Keokuk, several great- grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by four nieces, Sandy Stark, Dev Kiedaisch and Laura Ewing Morgan Mesner all of Keokuk and Kris (Alex) Dadant of Columbia, MO and one nephew, Pete Peterson of Des Moines, IA.

     Besides her husband, she was also preceded in death by her son, William E. (Bill) Ewing, her parents, two sisters, Lucille VanAusdall Peterson and Doris VanAusdall Stark, two brothers in infancy, Roger and Leonard, one niece, Connie Stark Ruark, and one nephew, Jim Ewing.

     A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, May 25, 2023 at the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, IA.  

     Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice or Amyloidosis Foundation, 7151 N. Main St., Set. 2, Clarkston, MI 48346 or amyloidosis.org

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com