Phyllis Kellar

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.

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