Phyllis J. Stevenson

Phyllis Jane (Johnson) Stevenson, daughter of Carol Jean (Elwood) Johnson and Loren William Johnson, was born at the Cresco Hospital in Cresco, IA on April 23, 1931, and passed away on June 25, 2025, at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.
The Johnson family resided at their home on Miller Street in Lime Springs, IA. At the age of six, Phyl began her education as a first grader in the Lime Springs Public School system. Upon her graduation in 1949, she attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA for two years. At the conclusion of that time, she was offered a position at the Exchange State Bank in Lime Springs, where she worked for the next 40 years. Happily, this event coincided with the plan of Harlan and Phyl to wed on November 3, 1951, at the United Methodist Church in Lime Springs. The two had been sweethearts for a good number of years. From 1955 until 1957 the couple spent two years in Lawton, OK where Harley served in the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged in July of 1957. Returning to Lime Springs, they began construction on their home at 121 East Jackson Street. On July 11, 1958, they welcomed a precious baby girl, Harlane Sue Stevenson into their family.
Phyl was a faithful and regular attendant of the United Methodist Church. She especially loved singing in the choir. She was a long-time treasure of UMW. Phyl and Jan Bolton chaired a fun, lively "night circle" (Trinity Circle) for several years. Harley and Phyl co-chaired the Worship Commission for a number of years. She taught Sunday School and served on many committees throughout her lifetime.
Phyl was a member of the Howard County Cancer Association Board (HoCA), also serving on the grant committee, the Lidtke Mill Board of Directors, the Oneota Club, Past President, the General Federation of Women's Club, Past County President, Eastern Star, Past Worthy Matron. Phyl and Harley were leaders of the United Methodist Youth for a number of years and kept in close contact with "the teenagers" they loved so much. Phyl also coached the L.S. Girls Softball team.
Family centered is the term which best describes Phyllis' active lifestyle. She never missed a basketball, volleyball, softball game, band performance, vocal concert, or LS Children Theatre Troupe presentation in which her daughter or grandchildren participated in.
Phyl and Harley were both avid snowmobilers and loved canoe trips down the Upper Iowa River with their "gang".
When daughter Laney was a toddler, Betty Koliha "gifted" the family with a kitten. From that time up to the present, Phyl has enjoyed the companionship of many felines. She also loved many "grand dogs" which have filtered through her life.
She is survived by her daughter Laney and husband Bob Frazer of Lime Springs and Claudia Merhi of Ankeny, IA. Grandchildren include: Kari and Sarah Seidl of Tiffin, IA, Lindsey and Joe Elder of Rochester, MN, Kristen "Chip" Frazer and Cody Fett of Elma, IA, Laura and Johnathan Minteer of Worthington, PA, Jimmy Frazer of East Brady, PA, Mark Frazer of Chicora, PA, Breanna Frazer and AJ Bockhold of Oronoco, MN, Jessica and Andrew Bartels of Ionia, IA, Colby Frazer and Hope Levine of Cedar Falls, IA, Deah Merhi and Jimmy Mekelburg of Madrid, IA, Diane Merhi of Des Moines, IA. Great Grandchildren: Tyler, Alison and Michael Seidl, Aria and Ava Elder, Nova and Waylon Bartels, Delaney, Gillian and Ewan Minteer, Rylie and Tyson Frazer, Julianna Merhi and Gaberiel Fogarty, Samantha Tindall, William Tindall, Savannah Mekelburg. Brother in-law Gene Stevenson and sisters in-law Ann, Shirley and Mary Stevenson.
Phyl was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers in-law: Norm, Hollis and Lyle Stevenson and sister in-law Mildred Stevenson.
We offer praise and thanks to God for Phyllis' 94 years on this Earth!
Memorial services will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Lime Springs United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00pm on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Schmelzer Funeral Home in Cresco, and again one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday morning. A private family burial will take place at a later date.