Phyllis Kellar
November 25, 1941 — January 12, 2026
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Service Details
Phyllis Ann Burdick Kellar, passed away January 12, 2026 in Johnston, Iowa.
She was born November 25, 1941 in Allegan, Michigan. Phyllis graduated from Allegan High School and attended Alma College where she majored in Religion and Philosophy. Phyllis was a member of Kapp Iota class of 1964. She married Dennis Kellar on August 7, 1965 in Allegan Michigan. Dennis was in the Navy Reserves and the family was relocated several times. They lived in Michigan, Georgia, South Carolina, New York, Ohio, and Iowa.
Phyllis was a longtime and devoted member of the United Methodist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. As a lay minister, she found great purpose in her faith and especially loved creating and delivering sermons, sharing her heart and her beliefs with others. She has a creative spirit and enjoyed woodworking and crafting, often finding joy in making things by hand. Above all, she cherished her seven beautiful grandchildren and spent as much time with them as possible, delighting in every moment and never missing a chance to spoil them. She also loved taking long rides outdoors, finding peace in the simple beauty around her, and held a special love for her dogs, who were constant companions and great comfort to her.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Stephen (Kamy) Kellar and Tena (Steve) Baumgartner; 7 grandchildren, Joel, Nathan, Ethan, Alex, Colin, Ella, and Ben; daughter-in-law, Melissa Keller and sister, Sally Fairfield.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Dennis Kellar; son, James Michael “Mike” Kellar; parents, Cecil and Hattie Burdick; and brother, James Burdick.
Family will greet guests on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines with funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the family in loving memory of Phyllis Kellar.
Avon Crawford
01/23/2026
Dear Family,
I have so many warm memories of Phyllis (and Dennis) during School for Lay Ministry. I looked forward to seeing them each week-end. Phyllis always had the biggest smile, the best laugh and the most wonderful sense of humor.
She had a deep commitment to her faith. When she took the Advanced Preaching class, her sermons stood out from all of the rest.
Your parents devotion to each other was to be admired. I think your dad would have done anything for her.
On this cold Friday late afternoon, I was reading the Norwalk paper and saw that her funeral was earlier today. I am sorry to have missed it. Phyllis was one of the best and definitely one of a kind.
Shirley Feese
01/23/2026
Phyllis was a friend for many years since my time with Eastern Star. She was smart, funny, and always with a good laugh. I learned so much from her when she taught our adult Sunday school class. As a lay leader, her sermons were always interesting and well researched. I miss her and sorry I was unable to attend her funeral. Rest in peace Phyllis.
Jennifer & Jerry Veenkant
01/23/2026
I will miss her! Keep your memories close to your heart. I will fondly remember the trips she made with Tena and her kids, staying at our house. A lot of laughs.
Love you!
Stacy Rosonke
01/14/2026
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Phyllis! Phyllis and I had a connection in several ways. First, she knew my parents and loved to hear my father sing at the Eastern Star events. My parents loved her love of life! As for me, Phyllis and I poked at each other and did a lot of laughing together, making jokes and teasing each other. I just loved everything about Phyllis and that special connection we had will always be remembered by me! She was just the best lady, and I will miss her dearly!
Pam Owens
01/14/2026
So sorry for the loss of Phyllis. She was such a great person to be around. I always enjoyed listening to her sermons and serving on committees with her. She will be missed.