Phyllis Witte, age 90, of Sac City, IA, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 5, 2024, at Park View Rehabilitation Center in Sac City. Phyllis (McDonald) Witte was born on October 5, 1933, to parents Ray and Louise (Dot) McDonald in Dallas Center, IA. When Phyllis was in grade school, the family moved to Arizona where they lived until returning to IA in 1945. Phyllis attended Sac City High School and graduated with the class of 1951.
Following high school, Phyllis was employed at the Wigwam Bakery in Sac City where she met her first husband, William (Bill) Galloway. The two were married at First United Methodist Church in Sac City August, 1952. This union was blessed with two daughters, Lucinda (Cindy) and Michelle (Micki). Bill and Phyllis owned and operated the Main Café for many years before eventually divorcing.
Many locals may remember Phyllis’ yummy baked goodies when she had her little bake shop, 16 West Shop, at the corner of 16th and Main in Sac City for several years. With this baking background, she became the manager of the bakery and deli at Joyce’s grocery store, now known as Food Pride. Once retired from Food Pride, Phyllis continued with cake decorating and goodies for special occasions. In a sense, still food related, Phyllis was a Pampered Chef consultant for a period of time.
On July 8, 1991, Phyllis married Gary Donald Witte at a little church in the Colorado mountains. When Gary proposed to Phyllis during Christmas season of 1990, he had bought a bag of her favorite bite-size Snickers. He wrapped the engagement ring in a Snickers wrapper and put it back in the bag to be discovered. The answer was “Yes!” and the infamous Snickers wrapper was placed in a magnet and hung on their refrigerator for many years.
Visiting national parks throughout the United States and traveling with Gary to his vendor shows was something they both looked forward to. Gary’s surprise Alaskan cruise gift was the highlight of their travels! No matter the amazing scenery or adventures experienced, no vacation was complete for Phyllis without a trip to the local fudge shop!
Being an avid reader, it was not unusual to see Phyllis trekking home each week with a stack of books, reading until the wee hours of the evening. Crocheting, knitting, and sewing projects often filled her days. Many local organizations and charities such as WaTanYe, Loring Hospital Auxiliary, Sac City After Five, and Fortnightly were the beneficiaries of her volunteering and willing service. Phyllis was an active member of First United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and participating in First United Methodist Women’s Circle. Although often taking home “low” prize at card club, she loved the camaraderie of good friends. Phyllis looked forward to Iowa’s summers when she could enjoy her flower garden.
A full life, indeed, but more than anything, Phyllis treasured time spent with her family and the joy they brought to her life. She will always be loved and missed dearly, but her family is comforted knowing she is in the arms of Jesus.
Survivors include her husband, Gary Witte of Sac City, IA; daughters, Cindy (Jim) Clark of Gilbert, IA, and Micki Quail of Sac City, IA; grandchildren: Myriah Sharp, grandson-in-law Andy Sharp, Jeremiah (Dani) Clark, Ryan Daly (fiancée Shawna Dieter), April Haynes, Jim (Tami) Daly; Tony Quail, Andy Quail, and Alex (Chrysta) Quail; eighteen great-grandchildren; sister Linda (Scott) Russell of Sac City, IA; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Louise McDonald; sister Bonnie Presley; son-in-law Ed Quail; and parents-in-law Don Witte and Irene Freeman.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family who plan to donate in Phyllis’ memory to some of her favorite organizations/charities including the Sac City Public Library and WaTanYe to name a few.
