PHYLLIS I. ADAMS

1935-2024

Phyllis Ilene Adams, one of five children of Leroy and Lucille (Morgan-Price) Perry, was born June 20, 1935, at Rock Port, Missouri. Phyllis grew up attending school at both Rock Port and Peru, Nebraska, and graduated from Rock Port High School.

On March 13, 1953, Phyllis was united in marriage to Virgil F. Adams at Rock Port, Missouri. They made their home in Peru, where they would remain their entire married life. The couple was blessed with two sons, Steve and Gary.

Phyllis worked for a time at the grocery store in Peru, but then began working for Peru State College. She was first employed in the bookstore at PSC, and then started working in the registrar’s office, a position she held for over 25 years.

Phyllis was a member of the Brownville Christian Church. She loved gardening and canning all of her excess produce from each season. Phyllis was a woman that could spend all day working and still look nice at the end of the day, she cared about her appearance and was very proud of it. Phyllis was also known to enjoy an occasional game of cards, something she was very good at. In 2004, Phyllis was named “Peru Woman of the Year”, in appreciation for her hard work and dedication to the community of Peru.

When she was no longer able to stay at home, Phyllis became a resident of the Pleasant View Nursing Home in Rock Port, Missouri. She passed away there on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, having reached the age of 88 years, 6 months, and 14 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Virgil, brothers Harold and Dale Perry, and sister Beverly Wacker.

Those left to mourn her passing include her sons Steve Adams of Stella, Gary and wife Jody Adams of Auburn; grandchildren Lyndsey (Matt) Harms, Lacy (Riley) Gerdes, Ben Adams; great-grandchildren Hayden, Kinsley, and Langley Gerdes, Harper and Miles Harms; brother Dwight Perry of Watson, MO; special friend Weldon Slater; other relatives and friends. A funeral service for Phyllis was Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Rev. Mike Reed officiated, and special music was played, including a song recorded by Steve Adams. Burial followed in Mt. Vernon Cemetery at Peru.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.