Phyllis Yuyeh Ma

Phyllis Ma, 93, of Ames, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, February
1, 2026, surrounded by loving friends.
A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate her life on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 1:00
PM at the Chinese Evangelical Free Church, 4911 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Chinese Evangelical Free
Church in Phyllis's honor.
Born on October 6, 1932, in Taipei, Taiwan, Phyllis spent her youth in Taipei. At the age
of 38, she married her beloved husband, Benjamen Ma. Shortly after, in 1971, the
couple immigrated to Iowa. During their 16 years of marriage, Benjamen's career in
Nuclear Engineering took them on journeys around the globe. Phyllis treasured these
once-in-a-lifetime trips, including memorable travels to Turkey and Argentina, which
added a rich chapter of adventure to their life together as they settled fully into their
community in Ames.
Phyllis was a devoted homemaker, a loving wife, and a cherished mother, grandmother,
sister, aunt, and grandaunt. A sweet and gentle soul, she was known for a generosity
that knew no bounds. Her kindness touched everyone she met, and her quiet, steady
presence brought a sense of peace to those around her.
Her life was a testament to her creativity and care. Gifted with beautiful musical talent,
Phyllis was an accomplished pianist and organist. She used these gifts to glorify God,
serving faithfully in church and Gospel ministry. Her passion for Jesus was the
cornerstone of her life, and she often expressed this devotion through her favorite
hymn, "Jesus Paid It All." She found great joy in mentoring Iowa State University
students, guiding many to a saving faith in Christ. Her legacy lives on not only in her
family but in the countless young lives she impacted through her ministry and music.
Her hands were rarely still; Phyllis was also skilled at knitting and sewing. She poured
her love into these crafts, handmaking gifts that provided warmth and comfort to her
family and friends--tangible reminders of her care that they will cherish forever.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Benjamen Ma (1987); her son,
Stephen Ma (2022); and her sisters, Ruth Suzuki (2021) and Peggy Liao (2008).
She is survived by her son, Theodore Ma, his wife Gloria, and their two children, Austin
and Alyssa; her daughter-in-law, Christina, and her two children, Joshua and Emily; her
brother, Thomas Huang; her sisters, Dorothy Yung, Alma Huang, Marie Lee, and
Charlotte Lee; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-
nephews, and extended family members who will miss her dearly.