Phyllis Joan Reeves, one of six children of Ralph and Mildred Frances (Able) Groff, was born December 7, 1946, in Auburn, Nebraska. She attended Fairview School near her home through the 8th grade, went to Auburn High School for two years, and graduated from Peru Prep in Peru, Nebraska. She then earned a business degree at Peru State College.
On May 17, 1967, Phyllis was united in marriage to Clinton Arlen Reeves in Tarkio, Missouri. The couple lived briefly in Brownville and Peru before making their home on a farm south of Auburn. They were blessed with four sons, Jeffery, James, Chad and Chris.
Phyllis taught at the Howe School for many years, and then at Southeast Consolidated in Stella, Nebraska until retiring. After retirement she continued working at Sacred Heart School and Jonesbrook Estates assisted living, both in Falls City, Nebraska.
She was a 4-H leader with the B.U. Stockraisers and a member of the Stella Saddle Club, to which she was voted Queen several times. Phyllis loved animals of all kinds, especially her dogs, currently Elvie. She enjoyed her flowers, boating, reading, baking and decorating. More than anything, Phyllis loved spending time with her family, and crafting with the grandkids was a special time for her.
Clint passed away in 2009 and Phyllis continued to live in their home south of Auburn. She was admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota for a procedure. Phyllis passed away there on Monday, February 12, 2024, at the age of 77 years, 2 months, and 5 days. In addition to her husband and her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by twin sons Jeffery and James, son Chad, brother-in-law Ron Brock, and sister-in-law Ginny Groff.
Phyllis is lovingly remembered by her son Chris and his fiancée Carrie Vaughn of Axtell, KS; grandchildren Jena Reeves, Ashley Reeves (Patrick Malcolm), Annika McDonald, Anna Reeves, Bryson Mendoza, Cody Shiley, Colton Ross, and Riley Vaughn; great-granddaughter Kinsley; her dog Elvie; sisters Barb Brock of Lake Waconda, Connie Bridgewater of Auburn, Cheryl Krafka of Lake Waconda; brothers and sister-in-law Richard Groff of Stover, MO, Rodney and Peggy Groff of Auburn; half-sister Bonnie Groff of North Platte; sisters-in-law Panzy Adams of Auburn, Lula Ruby of Auburn; brother-in-law Floyd Reeves of Auburn; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 24, 10:00 a.m., at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Burial of ashes will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery at Peru. Visitation will be at the funeral home Friday, February 23, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00.
Memorials are suggested to family choice.
Services are entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.
