Phyllis E. Doe, age 79 of Clinton, passed away Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Alverno. In following Phyllis’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will take place from 10:00 AM until 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the Pape Funeral Home. A private family service may be held at a later date.
Phyllis was born in Dayton, Ohio on November 4, 1944, the daughter of Jack and Elizabeth (Green) Crews. After also living in Maquoketa, they moved to Clinton when she was in 1st grade. She graduated from Clinton High School and received her Nursing Degree from the University of Iowa. Phyllis married George Doe on June 17, 1967 in Clinton. George, the love of her life, passed away on December 11, 2011. Phyllis worked and volunteered in various capacities as a nurse and holistic health provider throughout her career, including a RN at Jane Lamb Hospital, volunteering for the AFS program, teaching for the nursing program at Clinton Comm. College, holistic healing and counseling, and then finally retiring as the Alverno’s DON.
Phyllis was a 60 year member of PEO, always treasuring that sisterhood.
Phyllis always had a fearless, adventurous spirit. She was a foreign exchange student at the age of 16, living in the Netherlands for a summer which she said was a life-changing experience. She was always learning, growing, and working towards goals. She LOVED to travel and shared this gift of adventure and wanting to learn more about the world with family and friends. Family meant the world to Phyllis, and her family always went beyond blood relatives. She adored watching her 2 grandsons grow-up and took each on their own adventure trip when they turned 12. Family vacations were always a must. Her children remember this fondly and as a result of, also love to travel and have since started their own traditions. Vacations and celebrations also included Phyllis’ extended family, who will always and forever know her as Mama Doe. Many family and friends are grateful to Phyllis for opening up their world to new adventures, ideas, and always Love. She was not afraid to use her voice and to help others find theirs. Phyllis lived a full, love-filled life with purpose and intention. Her spirituality, deep faith, and desire to grow were always a focus in her life. To quote Phyllis, “… I know that all things truly are possible in God, with God, and by God!”
Phyllis is survived by a son G. Robert (Heather) Doe II of West Des Moines; 2 grandsons, Jack and Sam of West Des Moines; a daughter, Abigail Doe of Clinton; a brother, William Crews of Dubuque; and many nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.