Phyllis K. “Philly” Driscoll, 69, of Epworth, IA passed away Friday, February 23, 2024. A visitation for immediate family will beat Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, IA.

Phyllis was born on March 31, 1954 in Dubuque, IA, daughter of Charles and Patricia (Plumley) Driscoll. Most of her childhood was spent on the family farm in Epworth, IA. She graduated from Western Dubuque High School in 1972 and went straight into the workforce taking her first job at KMART. There she made friendships that brought her happiness throughout her entire life. In July of 1976, she packed a bag and her passport and headed off on the adventure of a lifetime to Brazil. There she visited and stayed with a family friend, Ellie, who had stayed with her family as a foreign exchange student in high school.

Phyllis was a woman of many talents. If you ever stopped in for a visit, you were greeted with a “Well, how the hell are ya,” followed by a warm hug. Cooking was her passion, a skill that was passed down from her mother, Patricia. There was always a seat at her table for everyone, even her dogs!

After her mom passed, Phyllis became the family hub, making sure to check in with everyone all while keeping up with sending cards on holidays and birthdays. Phyllis also had an immaculate memory and never passed up a chance to take a trip down memory lane, always recalling every last detail. During the summer months, Philly enjoyed her time outside working in her garden and tending to her flowers. Nothing filled her heart with more joy than time spent with her nieces and nephews.

Of course, we can’t forget her pride and joy, the dogs! Over the years, Phyllis and Dennis were the proud parents of many dogs who received the same love and devotion they showed each other.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one son-in-law, Robert Charles Delaney; and one great nephew, Jeffery Joseph Delaney.

Those left to cherish her memory include the lifelong love of her life, Dennis Dietz; son, Shane Dietz (Olivia); grandson, Ethan Dietz; three sisters-in-laws, Jolene Johnson, Carol Spinosa, and Mary Davis; three siblings, Terry (Marylou) Driscoll, Thomas (Lisa) Driscoll, Cindy (Terry) Bolsinger; and eight nieces and nephews, Cora (Nick) Roe, Megan (Aaron) Witter, Kevin (Chris) Delaney, Michael (Rebekah) Delaney, Matt (Manessa Michel) Delaney, Emily (Matt) McKeon, Heather Bolsinger, and Clay (Darlene) Bolsinger.

“It isn’t what we leave behind, it’s what we leave in people’s hearts that count.”