Phyllis Gourley

Funeral Celebration of Life services for Phyllis Gourley, 85, of Lenox, who passed away Friday, May 28, 2021, at the Lenox Care Center, will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at Lenox United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. 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.

Phyllis Ilene (Monk) Gourley was born Nov. 1, 1935, in Clearfield, 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 Jan. 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 produce and raising chickens. She was a wonderful cook, famously known for her homemade noodles. Phyllis was a member of 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’s memory is her loving husband of 64 years, Jack Gourley of Lenox; three sons, Dennis Gourley (Linda) of Oskaloosa, Dave Gourley (Jolene) of Mount Ayr, Gary Gourley (Rudee) of Shawnee, Kansas; 10 grandchildren: Justin Gourley, Mitch Gourley (Natasha); Beth Larsen (Luke); Allison Crall (Trevor); Tyler Gourley and BreeAnna; Montana Gourley and Devin; Taylor Hanson (David); Chase Gourley (Sadie); Logan Gourley and Brooke Gourley; 10 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; two sisters-in law, Verla Monk of Clearfield and Beverly Monk of Marshalltown; 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.