Phyllis Irene Murphy

Phyllis Irene Murphy died on January 24, 2024 at the age of 87 while residing at Ingleside Manor Communities in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. She was born on December 4, 1936 to Herbert and Rachel Murphy of Coin, Iowa. She graduated from South Page High School, where she played basketball on the team that made it to the state basketball tournament in 1955. She attended Iowa State University, earning a 2-year degree in 1957 and returned to Coin, where she married Lyle Siefering. The two worked a farm and had four children before making the bold decision to return to Iowa State to complete bachelor’s degrees in 1969. The family lived in Bloomington, Illinois, and then settled in Oskaloosa, Iowa, where Phyllis worked in advertising and managed a Hallmark store. Phyllis returned to Iowa State in 1980, where she completed a master’s degree in sociology. She spent the rest of her career in social work and family therapy and especially enjoyed working with foster children and their families.

Phyllis lived an eventful life, travelling frequently and living in several states (Seattle, WA, Elgin, IL, Pittsburgh, PA, and Palmer, Alaska) before finally settling in the Madison area. She loved music, remodeling projects, gardening, walking on the beach, playing with her grandchildren, shopping at “Vinnies” second-hand store, and cuddling with her kitties.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her mother and father; her sister, Elaine McCowen; and her husband, Jim. She is survived by her sister, Donna Murphy of Scottsdale, Arizona; her brother, Mervin of Vancouver, Washington; her sister, Barbara Murphy of Indianola, Iowa; her children: Martin (Terri) Siefering of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Myra (John) Hart of Chicago, Illinois, Kevin (Sonia) Siefering of Excelsior, Minnesota, and Paula (Kevin) Harpham of Morrisville, North Carolina; her grandchildren: Audrey Hart, Kyle (Kelsey) Siefering, Emily (Jake) Geyen, Bryan (Jocelyn) Siefering, Catherine (Ryan) Schaller, and Madeline Harpham; and many nieces, nephews, and their children.

A celebration of life is planned to be held in Coin, Iowa, at a later date. Phyllis will be interred at Elmwood Cemetery in Coin.

Phyllis’s family would like to thank the staff at Ingleside Manor Communities and Agrace Hospice for the excellent care provided during her last months.

Memorial gifts can be directed to Elmwood Cemetery and sent to Ruby Thomas, Elmwood Cemetery Sexton, Box 302, Coin, IA 51636.