Phyllis Jean Schrader, 85, of South Sioux City, NE passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Services will be held at Salem Lutheran Church in Dakota City, NE on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 11:00 am with visitation 1 hour prior to services. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service.

Phyllis Jean Schrader was born Saturday, July 16, 1938, in Decatur, NE. to Charles and Goldie (Meeker) Bowman. She grew up and attended schools in Decatur, Nebraska; later on, she obtained her GED from South Sioux City, NE.

Phyllis married James Schrader on March 15, 1956, and started her first career of being a homemaker and mother to her two daughters.  She began her workforce career by entering into a line processing job at IBP.  She quickly won the hearts and the respect of many that worked with her and was promoted to Foreman. Phyllis also worked at Gateway Computers until retiring in 2000.  While that was just another aspect of her life, she excelled at her biggest commitment, her family and friends. Phyllis and Jim were also renowned and titled Ballroom Dance Champions and made a stunning pair as they outshined all competition on the dance floor. From the first step onto the dance floor, they simply made it theirs.

Phyllis enjoyed crocheting, thrift store shopping, rummaging and last but not least going to casinos.  She also started a catering business with her friend, Joyce, and spent time baking and decorating wedding cakes and making salads for weddings and various occasions. She always swore that there were early days when her food didn’t quite turn out but those are thought of as myth and rumor, as no such evidence was ever found. Phyllis not only was an excellent cook, but she also loved cooking for her family and friends. Occasionally her greetings were often paired with, have you eaten today?

Phyllis was raised Pentecostal she, along with her husband Jim, joined and enjoyed an affiliation with the Salem Lutheran Church in Dakota City, NE.  She shared God’s word through simply living her everyday life and never taking credit due for her achievements. A truly humble soul she taught so many the values of friendship and love.

She is survived by her daughter, Laurie Gardea, brother, Richard Bowman, three sisters, Eileen Barratt, LaVonne Froid and Pat McManigal,five grandchildren: Emily (Zach), Joel, Adam McNaughton (Kylee), Jose and Elena Gardea and a great grandchild, Aleea Gardea.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Goldie (Meeker) Bowman, husband, James Schrader, daughter, Patricia McNaughton, two brothers, Floyd and Robert Bowman two sisters, Janice and Janet Bowman and a son-in-law, Richard McNaughton.