Phylis Alvera Lehman, 96, of Burlington, died Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at the Klein Center in West Burlington.
Born Aug. 24, 1928, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Philip E. and Agnes U. Mattson Knotts. On June 23, 1950, she married Kenneth Joseph Lehman at West Hill United Methodist Church in Burlington. He died on March 1, 2022. They were blessed to share 71 years of marriage, always holding hands.
She attended Saunderson, Corse and Horace Mann Schools and graduated from Burlington High School in 1947.
In her youth, Phylis worked for King's Daughters Home for several years until she left to work for S.S. Kresge Co. until 1950. Phylis then started her life with Ken while he was in the service in Glenview, IL. After they returned to Burlington, she worked for the Iowa Ordnance Plant. She finished her career at McGladrey & Pullen until her retirement in 1993. Phylis' most treasured job was caring for her home and family.
She was a member of West Hill United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir with her family, was the Sunday School Superintendent and a member of the Deborah Circle. She was always helping her husband, from working in their garden or helping with their annual fish fry church fundraiser. Phylis was a great cook and liked to gift her famous Phyl's Dills. She enjoyed fishing, duck hunting, mushroom hunting and spending time with her family.
Survivors include four daughters, twins: Vickie (Larry) Kientz of Brighton and Renee Zaiser of Burlington, Kela Lehman of Burlington, and Jana (Scott) Gibbs of Danville; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; twin brother, Philip Knotts; brother, Melvin Knotts; two sisters, Noreen Johnson and Joyce Brehm; one great grandson; and two son-in-laws, Mike Zaiser and Jim Davis.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
The Graveside Committal Service for Mrs. Lehman will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery with her husband, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for West Hill United Methodist Church (540 South Leebrick Street, Burlington, IA 52601).
The family would like to thank the caring staff at the Klein Center and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.