Phyllis Mary (Herrig) Matthews, 71, of Dubuque, Iowa joined her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ peacefully on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Friends and family may visit from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday January 26, 2025 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Phyllis’ twin brother George Herrig officiating.

Phyllis was born November 6th, 1953, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Mary (Heinz) & Leander Herrig, whom had nine children in total.

She attended the Visitation Catholic High School in Dubuque until they closed their doors, and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. Immediately following high school, she attended Rock Island Nursing School and graduated with her Registered Nursing Degree in 1973.

She started out as an Operating Room Nurse at Mercy, and eventually her kind and gentle spirit led her to find her home in Pediatric Nursing. As her own family continued to grow, she decided to transition into her most fulfilling role in life: stay-at-home mother and wife.

Phyllis met Cary Matthews, the love of her life, in the early 70’s while hitchhiking. They were married March 3rd, 1974, and built a beautiful life together for over 50 years. Phyllis &  Cary have five children and four grandchildren.

The Matthews home was always filled with love, laughter, and was a safe haven and second home to many friends of the Matthews’ children. Phyllis had a gift for knowing  when others needed her and gave without measure in any way she could. Her home was  your home, her food was your food, and so on. She was a fierce prayer warrior who always  held a judgement free ear to listen and offer comfort.

While on her earthly journey, Phyllis struggled with Rheumatoid Arthritis for many  years. Her illness came with unimaginable pain and struggles, but she never complained.  She trusted God to heal her and lead her to the best care available. Through prayer and  faith, she found holistic medicine which played a huge role in her healing and pain  management journey combined with western medicine.

Surviving loved ones include her husband, Cary, children Zachary (Abby Kok),  Isaiah (Sara Fry-Matthews), Rebekah (Seth Walters), Ruth, and Aaron, four grandchildren Ezra, Rowa, Luna, and Juniper, siblings Ann (Dave) Greiling, Paul (Paula)  Herrig, George (Susan) Herrig, Thomas Herrig, Michele (Bud) Raynak, Mary Jean Herrig, and Carol (Dan) Waddick.

She was preceded in death by her parents Mary (Heinz) and Leander Herrig, brother John Lee Herrig, sister-in-law Dolly Wood-Herrig, father in-law Harry Matthews, his wife Joan  Matthews, mother-in-law Mary Lou Klaus, and her husband Joe Klaus, and brother-in-law Paul Dean.

The Matthews family would like to express their immense gratitude to the Nursing  Staff and Surgeons at Mercy, Dr. Sara Loetscher, Cindy and Marie of Kobush Chiropractic,  The Wittman and Breitbach families who all played a large roll in her health care journey  and end of life care. We would also like to thank the Herrig family and countless friends  who have come together to assist with all arrangements and care for Phyllis over the years.