Phyllis Sunins

Phyllis Sunins August 29, 1949 - February 26, 2026

Phyllis grew up on a farm near Creston, Iowa. Early education in Creston public schools and Creston Community College was furthered at Iowa State University where she proudly earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. Following graduation, she worked in Des Moines at the Ruan Center where she met John (Janis) Sunins. They married in 1978 and remained partners in love for 34 years until John's passing in 2012.

Growing up on a farm, she developed an early affection for the animals. This childhood love remained with her throughout her life. Her daily life included a commitment to her cats. Too many to name them all, each held a unique place in her heart. Some of her beloved rescues were Foxi, PurrBody, Bobby Sox, Katrina, and Maui. Some gifts at holiday time to friends were acknowledgement she had donated in your honor to the World Wildlife Fund to protect threatened species and their habitats throughout the world. In other giving, she contributed funds to feed horses, cows and other animals in neglected situations.

Her farm life also brought a love for the land. Adventurous young Phyllis took a summer job at a dude ranch in Colorado which provided an opportunity to develop this love in a new environment. Spending time in the Rocky Mountains continued to fill her spirit for many years. Annual trips for hiking and outside adventures, driving to find herds of elk and buffalo, and visits to Alluvial Falls were spent in the Estes Park area. She shared her condo space often, encouraging others to love the land like she did. Her annual membership in the Rocky Mountain National Conservancy and other donations supported protecting both the mountain environment and its animals.

Phyllis began her professional journey in the telecommunications industry in 1973 at Northwestern Bell. She continued a long and impactful career of over 30 years, remaining with the company as it underwent various name changes and acquisitions. She played a key role in training customer service and sales, collaborating with colleagues, and authoring methods and procedures supporting both internal and external service practices. Important to note - it wasn't just the work, but also the friendships she chose which were meaningful in these career years.

Phyllis remained committed to all things Iowa State University after John passed. The two of them traveled with friends Nancy, Tom, Sheila, and DeeAnn to cheer the Cyclones, and did the same when she was able and knew where/when to watch Cyclone athletics on TV - often sharing the first half viewing with friend Sue.

The giving and support of ISU students annually never stopped. From her own graduation on, she continued to fund scholarships and make donations to support Cyclone students. These included a directed scholarship in memory of the ISU women' s cross-country team whose lives ended in a plane crash in 1985. Not surprisingly she funded scholarships for veterinary students attending ISU's College of Veterinary Medicine. She extended funding outside of the classroom to support students who traveled to Crow Creek Reservation in South Dakota where education and care for animals occurred. She also created funding for students in financial difficulty at time of graduation to assure walking the graduation stage was an available option.

Winters in Phoenix and summers in Estes Park filled her heart. She further developed her love of nature and animals; she poured herself into learning and knowing what she could about the culture and spirituality of Native American Nations. She shared these experiences with the many friends she gathered around her. Her contributions to the Heard Museum supported the annual culture and arts festival where Hopi dance was a must-see, Native American artwork and jewelry were a must-buy.

With a desire to impact the how's and what's of the United States leadership, Phyllis supported political candidates, registered voters and even in illness shared her strong and negative opinion of current administration, "that ......orange faced Trump". Enough said about that.

Honoring, respecting and memorializing all who serve in the military, Phyllis was inspired by John's 38- year journey in the National Guard. This led to volunteer service of her own at the Iowa Gold Star Museum, and she proudly shared his memorial brick included in the Iowa Wall. This connection also led her to annually donate for the Gold Star Mothers during holiday time.

Phyllis' heart and additional funds will continue to support many agencies beyond her death. Some are: Iowa State University, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Mayo Clinic, Animal Rescue League, Native American College, Heard Museum.

Phyllis was preceded in death by: Janis (John) Sunins husband, Albert and Grace Spring parents and Steven Spring brother. She is survived by Michelle Sunins stepdaughter, Mara Swanson sister-in-law and Linda Spring Harem sister. Friends everywhere she went: Kathy and Ron McBride, Nancy and Tom Macklin and Nilene and Jim Hart, no way to list all of you. Brio of Johnston friends and staff- Sue, Emma, Justin and many more. You know who you are.

Acknowledgement to the veterinarians, both Dr. Riordan and staff at Beaverdale Veterinary Clinic for many years of pet care. She trusted you, recommended you and returned repeatedly because she knew your hearts in the care of the cats she loved.

Special thanks to Home Instead care professionals who supported Phyllis in daily life. These women completed tasks yet did so with heart beyond what might be imagined. Especially to be named are those who were the supporters who became friends during the daytime hours of support: Bette, Sharon and Jenny. She loved you.

Special thanks to Wesley Life teams: Brio of Johnston - for her daily living connections with staff for nearly seven years, for the times she received skilled care, and palliative care when it was needed. Significantly important, thank you Wesley Hospice group for the dignity, the caring, the compassion with which you cared for Phyllis in her last days.

Special thanks to the support team who treated lungs, eyes and her worried heart with immense care: Dr. Bradley Wilcox, Jonathan Smith and staff at Iowa Pulmonology- Mercy One; Dr. Heather Mohr, primary care physician and nurse Chandra at Iowa Clinic; Dr. Boese and the team at University of Iowa Ophthalmology Clinic; Dr. Versackas and team at Unity Point Ophthalmology; Beth Terrel acupuncturist and friend at Iowa Acupuncture Clinic.

Dates for private burial at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter and a celebration of life will be determined and announced.

In lieu of flowers donations may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or Mayo Clinic-Rochester.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.