Phyllis Frances Pendegraft

Phyllis Pendegraft, 88, of Carson, IA, passed away on February 13, 2015 at the Oakland Manor in Oakland, IA. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at the Carson United Methodist Church with Pastor Brody Tubaugh officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at the church. Burial will be in the Carson Cemetery.

Memorials: Directed by the family

Phyllis Frances Pendegraft, one of seven children of Ray Gaies and Silvia Maude (Carr) Batten, was born in Silver City, Iowa on March 6, 1926. Her family moved to Macedonia, Iowa where Phyllis attended school at School Number 9 Macedonia until the 8th grade and then she was needed at home to help care for her brothers and sisters.

Phyllis was united in marriage to James Reginald (Reggie) Pendegraft on February 20, 1943. They were blessed with three children, Joyce, Jim and Judy. Reggie and Phyllis farmed near Elliott, Iowa for a few years before moving to Carson, Iowa where Reggie started Pendegraft Trenching Company. In 1950, William "Bill" Lewis, at age 14, became part of their family. In 1960, they built and operated the Carson Motel, selling the business in 1969.

Phyllis was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Carson for over 58 years. She was the activity manager for the Senior Citizens for several years, sold Avon and worked as a waitress for a time. Her favorite pastimes were her church and "whatever else" was happening in Carson. Phyllis enjoyed helping family and friends and fixing her famous macaroni and cheese dish for anyone who needed it. Among her many loves were country music, cheating her grandkids at cards, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bulls, silk flowers, a meal of only fresh tomatoes, doing laundry for herself and for others, anything with a Cardinal bird on it, softball and baseball games at Macedonia, talking to friends on the phone even if she dialed the wrong number, cruising around town, and attending any activity where young people were involved. Phyllis did not know a stranger, for all became her friends.

Phyllis passed away on February 13, 2015 at the Oakland Manor in Oakland, Iowa at the grand age of 88 years, 11 months, and 7 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Reggie (1997); daughter Judy (2006); sister Lois Corbin; and brothers, Marlin, Glen, Galen and Wayne Batten.

Phyllis is survived by her daughter Joyce McClain and husband Keith of Carson; son Jim Pendegraft and wife Sue of Surprise, Arizona; sister Wilma Lewis; and sister-in-law Marge Batten, both of Carson, five grandchildren, Jodi (Keven), Ed (Beki), Regina (Vinny), Russell (Amanthi), Ryan (Brittany); 13 great grandchildren, Amber (Tom), Ashley (Jeremy), Alisha (Kyle), Gage, Dylan, Brett, Addison, Jackson, Jordan, Joelle, Evelyn, Sam, Jacob; four great-great grandchildren, Aubrey, Mac, Vaeda, Jaxon; nieces, nephews and a host of friends.