Phyllis R. Gruis

Phyllis Rae Gruis, 87, of Clear Lake, passed away Nov. 2, 2022 at MercyOne North Iowa Hospice in Mason City.

The family will be holding a private service.

Phyllis was born Nov. 20, 1934, in Thornton, the daughter of Chris and Eleanor Christensen. At 10 years of age her parents divorced. When she was 13, she went out on her own and worked her way through school working at cafes and restaurants. She lived in Kanawha for a short time and was Homecoming queen as a ninth grader. Phyllis moved back to Thornton and graduated in 1953 from Thornton High School. She worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone in Mason City. 

Phyllis met and married Lawrence Gruis on Nov. 7, 1954. Following their wedding, the couple farmed near Sheffield before moving to a farm in Thornton where they raised their daughter and two sons. She was a homemaker and helped the farm operation. Phyllis had a passion for entertaining and cooking. She graduated from French cooking school and it was always a treat to enjoy a meal she made. 

Phyllis is survived by her children, Todd (Jane) Gruis and Sonia Schaeffer. 

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; parents, Chris and Eleanor; son, Brad Gruis; and three sisters. 

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.