Photo courtesy of Cox-Smith Funeral & Cremation Service
Dec 17, 1937 - Mar 4, 2026
Phyllis was a great neighbor when we were growing up. So sorry for your loss.
Rick Fleener
March 16, 2026 | Goodyear, AZ | Friend
Sympathies to Sue and Ed. Thinking of you and yours.
Benjamin Rupe
March 14, 2026 | Grinnell, IA | Friend
Sue and Eric so sorry for your loss, your mom was a neat lady always enjoyed talking with her.
Scott Meredith
March 12, 2026 | Hawkeye, IA | Friend
Julie Gipson
March 10, 2026 | Grinnell, IA | Friend
Susan and Eric,
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your mom. Phylis was such a big part of our growing-up years and so many of my favorite memories. She rescued me more than once with my home-ec projects that I never could have finished on my own, made beautiful dresses for dances, and was always up for a trip to Des Moines—especially if it included Long Island Iced Teas at Friday’s.
She was also kind enough to let me tag along with “the girls” (Kay and Phylis) on a...
Shelly Yates
March 10, 2026 | Ankeny, IA | Friend
Susan and Eric, so very sorry for the loss of your Mother. Sending prayers of comfort.
Carol Dean
March 08, 2026 | Grinnell, IA | Coworker
Phylis 's family, prayers & thoughts go out to you today & days ahead. A good person always enjoyed visiting with her at work, GTE telephone co. & where ever I saw her.
Barbara Wolf
March 07, 2026 | Grinnell, IA | Friend
Sorry to hear about Phyllis ray
Pat sisson
March 06, 2026 | Friend
Will miss you! You and Buzz were such great neighbors and family friends, My favorite memories are going through the couch looking for loose coin, sitting at the kitchen table, mom and I entertaining you. Can't forget you & Buzz watching me sit on the roof. Our neighborhood will never be the same. Thoughts and prayers to the family. Say Hi to Buzz. Rest in peace.
Nikki Sisson
March 06, 2026 | Neighbor
Phylis M. Dean, 88, of Grinnell, died Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at St. Francis Manor.
She was born on December 17, 1937, in Grinnell, the daughter of Alfred and Cecil (Mitchell) Locker. She graduated from Grinnell Senior High School. On January 26, 1961, she married Carroll “Buzz” Dean in Iowa City.
Phylis was employed at DeLong Sportswear, Stadiums Unlimited, and later retired from GTE in Grinnell. Following retirement, she worked part-time at Premier Printing.
She was a talented seamstress, enjoyed crafts, flowers, and trips to the casino.
Phylis is survived by her daughter, Susan Dean of Des Moines; her son, Eric Dean of Grinnell; her brothers, Robert (Sandy) Locker and Ray (Karen) Vaughn; her sister, Jackie Butcher; her sister-in-law, Connie Locker; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carroll “Buzz” Dean; her brother, Ed Locker; her sisters, Joan Jones and Lois Innis; and her daughter-in-law, Trisha Dean.
A private graveside service will be held in Hazelwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family or Care Initiatives Hospice and sent in care of Cox-Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, PO Box 163, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.
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