Phyllis Gourley, 85

Funeral Celebration of Life Services for Phyllis Gourley, age 85, of Lenox, who passed away Friday, May 28, 2021 at the Lenox Care Center will be held Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Lenox United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 AM until service time with the family greeting friends. Memorials may be given in her name. Memories may be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox where we ‘Celebrate Life’.
Phyllis Ilene (Monk) Gourley was born November 1, 1935, in Clearfield, Iowa the daughter of Claude Edward Monk and Eva (Greer) Monk. She grew up attending school in Clearfield, graduating with the Class of 1954. After graduation Phyllis worked at the grocery store and at the TV shop in Clearfield. On January 20, 1957, she was united in marriage to Jack Gourley at the Clearfield United Methodist Church. The couple were blessed with the birth of four children, Dennis, David, Pamela and Gary.
Phyllis and Jack made their home on the family farm between Lenox and Clearfield. She enjoyed raising her family on the farm and helping on the farm. Over the years Phyllis tended a large garden, canning the produce and raising chickens. She was a wonderful cook, famously known for her homemade noodles. Phyllis was a member of the Lenox United Methodist Church where she was active in the Circle groups and enjoyed helping with funeral lunches. She was also a member of the Lenox American Legion Auxiliary.
Phyllis and Jack enjoyed square dancing and listening to country music. They enjoyed attending dances around the area, she was especially talented in dancing the waltz. The couple was very active in the Clearfield Lions Club, always looking forward to camping at the Iowa State Fair. They enjoyed traveling overseas and taking bus trips around the country. One thing Phyllis and Jack were very proud of was the extended education of each of their children, seven degrees from four children!
Left to cherish Phyllis’ memory is her loving husband of 64 years, Jack Gourley of Lenox; three sons, Dennis Gourley and wife Linda of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Dave Gourley and wife Jolene of Mount Ayr, Iowa; Gary Gourley and wife Rudee of Shawnee, Kansas; ten grandchildren, Justin Gourley, Mitch Gourley and wife Natasha; Beth Larsen and husband Luke; Allison Crall and husband Trevor; Tyler Gourley and BreeAnna; Montana Gourley and Devin; Taylor Hanson and husband David; Chase Gourley and wife Sadie; Logan Gourley and Brooke Gourley; ten great-grandchildren, Tytan, Brogan, Trevyn, Swayzie, Crew, Trey, Emmy, Kellan, Declan, Sloane and one more great-grandchild on the way; a brother Paul Monk of Des Moines, Iowa; two sisters-in law, Verla Monk of Clearfield, Iowa and Beverly Monk of Marshalltown, Iowa; along with many other relatives and friends.
Preceding Phyllis in death are her parents, Claude and Eva Monk; her daughter Pamela Gourley in 1986; three brothers, Cecil, Darrell and Ronald (Bud) Monk; and one sister, Theola Cameron.
We will forever hold Phyllis’ memory in our hearts.
May she be at peace in God’s loving care.