Phyllis T. Anderson - age 81, of Laurens, passed away on Monday, July 26, 2021, at her home in Laurens, Iowa. Cancer won the war but she won the first three battles.

Phyllis Theresa Hanish was born on June 4, 1940, at home south of Laurens, Iowa. She was the daughter of Leo and Edna (Grethen) Hanish. She graduated from Laurens High School and went on to the LaJames School of Cosmetology in Fort Dodge. On April 4, 1959, Phyllis was united in marriage to Dennis William Anderson in Laurens. The couple settled in Laurens where they raised their four children. As a young mother, Phyllis worked for Hoppie and then Hank Carey as a beautician in Laurens.  Phyllis worked at the Good Samaritan Center in Laurens for over 40 years. She worked in almost all capacities including as a beautician for over 25 years, a CNA, then in the laundry and kitchen departments.  She lived across the street from work so was always the first one called when they needed help. She also served breakfast to the Laurens Kiwanis members for many years. Phyllis cut hair in her home and made house calls. For someone who abhorred loose hair it's hilarious that she became a beautician! She was married to the love of her life, Dennis Anderson, for 44 years. Several years after he passed away, Phyllis and Ed Benz became good friends, a friendship which blossomed into love. Ed said Mom was a cheap date because when they went out to eat she always ordered chicken fingers and fries! Phyllis was so happy to have been blessed with two true loves in her life.

Phyllis was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Rosary Society. She served as an officer with Parents of Deaf Children at Iowa School for the Deaf, was a member of Compassionate Friends, and served as a Girl Scout leader. She was a sun lover and often sported a beautiful tan. She enjoyed crafts, gardening, crocheting, knitting and embroidering. She also enjoyed bowling and playing cards.  She was a collector and a saver as anyone who has ever been in her home can attest! After Theresa passed she started her special collection of angels. Most of her time went to her family though.  She supported her children  and everything they did. She was quiet and unassuming until it came to her kids.  She and Dennis instigated many positive changes during their children's time at Iowa School for the Deaf. She deeply loved the Lord.

Some of the nice things people have said about Phyllis include her beauty "both inside and out," how sweet she was, her smile, and much more. She was brave and strong and smart and had a huge heart. Her mother Edna was heard to say "the world needs more Phyllises." One of her dearest friends said, "She was so SPECIAL."

Survivors include Phyllis' children, Joanne Boggeln, Sandra Anderson and Heath Anderson; grandchildren, Brian (Dottie), Tom (Jamie), Amy (Keith), Hannah (Patrick), Luke (Caitlin), Matthew (Christina), Theresa, Mark, Noel, Amber, Christopher (Katie), Zachary (Maddie), Jacob and Justin; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Owen, McKenzie, Carson, CJ, Landri, KJ, Jameson, Rosalie, Samuel, Liam, Cora, Logan, Emma, Andee, Andrew, Sophia, JB, and Ruby; son-in-law, John (Becky) Bonnstetter; sisters, Evelyn Snavely, Lois (Larry) White, Margaret (Fred) McKim, Jeanne Cowan and Kathy (Jerry) Ball; brother, Dean (Daneze) Hanish; sister-in-law, Peggy Netsch and brother-in-law, Ken (Doris) Anderson.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dennis; daughter, Theresa; brothers, Wayne Hanish and Roger Hanish; brothers-in-law Bob Snavely, Ron Cowan, Lee Anderson, Duane Netsch, and special friend, Ed Benz.

Thank you to those who drove her to treatments. Thank you to those who visited her when she most needed company. Thank you to her dearest friends and all who knew her. Thank you to this beautiful little community who held her up and loved her.