Phyllis Leaverton

Phyllis Leaverton, a lovely, vibrant, and active lady, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home at Deerfield Retirement Community on January 8.

Born March 19, 1933, in Fraser, Iowa, the daughter of Laurel and Mary Evelyn (Becker) Landals, Phyllis attended grade school in a one-room classroom and graduated from Pilot Mound High School in 1951. Phyllis always described herself as a tomboy when growing up, and she proved herself an extremely talented basketball player in high school. In fact, she would often shock her grandchildren by sinking some wicked free-throws.

After graduating from high school, Phyllis rented an apartment in the nearby town of Boone where she eventually met the love of her life, Robert Leaverton. They married in Boone on December 22, 1957, and Robert later graduated from the University of Iowa in 1959. After living in various cities, they settled in West Des Moines where they started their family – with Curtis born in 1964 and Rodney in 1969.

After a brief stint in Monticello and Bettendorf, Phyllis and Robert moved the family to Des Moines in 1977, finally settling down in Urbandale in 1978. One thing they both agreed on was that the secret to keeping their kids out of trouble was to cultivate a strong interest in a hobby. As parents, they relentlessly supported their children's interests: Curt's in motorcycles, and Rod's in music.

In fact, Phyllis went on to become the Executive Director of the non-profit, The Community Jazz Center of Greater Des Moines (CJC), and faithfully served in that role for over 20 years. To this day, Phyllis is affectionately referred to as "The Jazz Mom", and she is inarguably considered the "heart and soul" of this important Des Moines institution. Phyllis's legacy lives on through the countless music professionals – locally, nationally, and internationally – whom she mentored; her influence will forever resonate in the hearts of those touched by her unwavering support and encouragement.

Phyllis is survived by her sons, Curtis and Rodney; her daughters-in-law, Michelle and Evelina; her grandchildren, Søren, Ana Mei, Nellie Sue, Audrey, John, and Billy; her great-grandchildren, Atreyu, Elle, and Mia. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Leaverton; her daughter-in-law, Shelley; her parents, Laurel and Mary; her brothers, Patrick and Bernard; and her beloved pets, Buffy and Joe Louis.