Phyllis Jean Spurgeon

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Phyllis Jean (Towne) Spurgeon announces her passing on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at MercyOne North Iowa in Mason City. She was 63 years old.

Phyllis was born on May 24, 1961, in Seoul, Korea. She was lovingly adopted by Willis and Rose Towne through Holt Adoption Program and arrived in the United States on June 7th, 1962. She became a big sister when Kathy joined the family through Holt as well.

Phyllis was a lifelong resident of Hampton, Iowa and attended Hampton Community School. She was baptized at a young age in the First Christian Church. Phyllis could be found working throughout the years in various retail establishments in Hampton.

From grocery stores to gas stations, retail shops and, most recently, Koerner-Whipple Pharmacy, you could count on her to provide a warm greeting and friendly service wherever she was working. You may have been “lucky” enough to be on the receiving end of one of her quick-witted quips, which was one of the many ways she would express her affection.

Phyllis was half of the greatest love story of all time, marrying David Spurgeon on December 15, 1979. They had a daughter every election year in the 1980s, starting with Melissa, then Kimmy, then Tiffany.

Mom’s love language was food. She knew exactly what each person liked or disliked and was quick to make special treats for friends, family, and coworkers. She loved trying new recipes, which were always presented with, “Well, I don’t know how good this turned out, but here it is.” Spoiler alert: it always turned out good! You could count on her to make holidays and birthdays extra special and was always the first to celebrate special events.

Nothing made Phyllis happier than having her whole family together. Her grandchildren were the greatest source of her joy. She was the world champion of grandkid spoiling. They will each tell you, “Nina/Grandma/Meemaws” always said, “You’re not spoiled…you’re loved.” She poured her heart and soul into loving her family and friends.

Phyllis’ legacy of love will be carried on by her husband David and, as she called us, “My girls, my boys, my grandbabies, and my Muller family, “ including daughters: Melissa (Jason) Bahr, Kimmy (Jim) Stanbrough, and Tiffany (Chris) Lamping. Grandbabies: Hayley (Ryan Bailey), Max (Madison Lindaman), Dominik, Willow, Sydney, and Killian. Step-grandchildren: Alexis and Alivia, and bonus great-grandson Oliver. Muller family: Sonia, Sandy, Shane, and Sarah and kids. Sister: Kathy (Tim) Klenske, sisters-in-law Gwen Spurgeon and Charlotte Buerge, 4 nieces and 4 nephews who were so special to Phyllis, and a wide network of dear cousins and friends.

Greeting Phyllis in Heaven are: her parents, parents-in-law Ray and Dorothy Spurgeon, brother-in-law R.L. Spurgeon, and many more.

Mom will always be the queen of our world. Never let your fond memories of her fade.

Please join us for a prayer service at 2:30pm, followed by an open house celebration of life from 3:00-7:00pm on Friday, August 9, 2024 at Harriman Park enclosed shelter on Highway 65 North in Hampton, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to David Spurgeon, 9-1st St SE Hampton, IA 50441.

Sietsema-Atkinson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.