Phyllis Marie Johnson, of New London, died Sunday, January 4, 2026 at River Valley Place, Fort Madison on her 79th birthday. She was born January 4, 1947, to Kenneth W. and Anna Belle Lott Ricketts. She attended Wapello High School and was a member of New London Christian Church, where she was treasurer for many years. On May 22, 1980, she married Robert Johnson at the Burlington Christian Church.
Phyllis began her employment career at IAAP as a machine operator, then in 1970 at Champion Spark Plugs/Iowa Industry where she retired. She was a lifetime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She was an avid reader; enjoyed bowling; spending time with her kids and grandkids; sewing, crocheting, and embroidery; her rose bushes; and painting ceramics. She and Bob delivered Meals on Wheels for many years and she donated over nineteen gallons of blood in her lifetime. She was president of the New London Country Club where she and Bob enjoyed camping and she loved Thanksgiving and Christmas especially when all the grandbabies were there. Phyllis dearly loved every dog she ever had.
Survivors include her husband; her children, John (Carma) Seitz of Wayland, Kenny (Kim) Seitz of New Boston, Illinois and Robert (Rhonda) Seitz of Des Moines; stepsons Michael and Denny Allan Johnson both of Mt. Pleasant; thirteen grandchildren, Christina, Lesley, Gina, Kelsey, Kylie, Stephanie, Kristopher, Kourtney, Daniel, Joe, Kayla, Nikki and Zoey; many great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her precious maltipoo Sammy. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter Joanne Sourwine; a daughter in infancy; brothers Billy and John Ricketts and sister Anna Lee Simpson.
According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and there will be a private family graveside service at Burge Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of River Valley Place for the amazing care Phyllis received the last few months of her life. A memorial has been established for the Memory Care Unit at River Valley Place. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.