Phyllis M. Hollebrands

Phyllis M. Hollebrands, 90, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2014, the one year anniversary of her daughter Amy’s death. A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. with visitation following from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.

Phyllis Reyman was born on March 4, 1924 on a farm near Cushing, Iowa, the youngest of eight children. Graduating high school as valedictorian, she was interested in art and design and attended college in Iowa City. When her scholarship expired, she moved to Des Moines where she met Carroll “Holly” Hollebrands while they worked at the Internal Revenue Service. They married on April 7, 1950, raising four children. Phyl helped Amy become a Special Olympics swimmer and was her determined champion, pushing for educational and independent living opportunities for the disadvantaged throughout her life. Phyl was a woman ahead of her time—a feminist, progressive and humanitarian.

Phyl pursued many interests and a varied career that included working at R.G. Dickinson & Co. and in real estate sales, but she was most proud of her years at Iowa Public Broadcasting Network. Phyl was always learning and very creative. She took classes at the Des Moines Art Center where she became a docent, patron of the arts and an artist herself. Phyl’s family cherishes her many artistic creations. She also loved gardening, antiques, and travel (to France, Greece, Australia, Africa …). Phyl was fiercely independent and tough mentally and physically until the end.

Phyllis is survived by her children: Curt (Carol) Hollebrands, Matt (Karen) Hollebrands of Savage, MN, and Kris Wymer of Arcata, CA; and grandchildren: Nick Hollebrands, and Lindsay Hollebrands of Savage, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband Carroll and daughter Amy Hollebrands.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Iowa Special Olympics. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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