Phyllis E Gustafson Jenkins

Phyllis Esther Gustafson Jenkins

1924 - 2015

Phyllis Esther Gustafson Jenkins, 91, passed away March 10, 2015 in Fort Collins, Colorado. She was born March 5, 1924 in Des Moines, Iowa to J. Glen Gustafson and Esther Heggen Gustafson. She grew up in Des Moines, and graduated from East High School. She attended North Park College in Chicago, graduating with a two year degree, then went on to attend the University of Chicago, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Meteorology.

Phyllis married Donald E. Jenkins on March 5, 1949 in Des Moines. Phyllis and Don lived and raised their family in a number of cities, including Des Moines, IA, Minneapolis, MN, Madison, WI, Pittsburgh, PA, and Cleveland, OH, where they spent over 20 years.

As her boys finished high school and prepared for college, Phyllis returned to college herself, to study computer programming. She then worked for many years at the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, programming computer systems. Her professional contributions there included systems work to track cost allocations for a jointly owned nuclear power facility. She retired from CEI as a Senior Systems Analyst.

Upon retirement, Don & Phyllis returned to Des Moines where they lived for 23 years. In August, 2009 Don & Phyllis moved to Fort Collins, Colorado. Don passed away May 28, 2013.

Phyllis is survived by her sons, Bruce W. (Cynthia) of Fort Collins, Colorado and Steven T. (Veronica) of Plano, Texas, grandchildren, Nicole R.(Joshua) Roloff, Ryan W. (Katie) Jenkins, Dawn Jenkins (Aaron) Power, Christopher Jenkins, Timothy Jenkins, Amy Jenkins, and great-grandchildren, Oliver and Magnolia Roloff. Phyllis was eagerly anticipating the arrival of two additional great-grandchildren, as Dawn and Aaron are expecting a child in August, and Ryan and Katie are expecting to adopt a baby soon.

Phyllis is also survived by her sister Gretchen (Darwin) Gustafson Young, her niece Denise (Rick) Young Johnson, her two grandnieces Beth (Chad) Johnson Marchant and their children Kathryn and Christian; and Anna (Roland) Johnson Bedard and their child Parker.

Phyllis was an active member of Evangelical Covenant Churches in cities where she lived. She was also a member of the Garden Club in Des Moines.

A memorial service will be held in Des Moines, Iowa at 2:00 PM, March 14, 2015 at the Urban Heights Covenant Church at 7605 Aurora, Urbandale, IA 50322, with a reception immediately following, also at the church.

A graveside service will be held at 4:00 PM, March 20, 2015 at Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins, followed by an open house reception from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Allnutt funeral services’ Family Center, 650 West Drake Road, Fort Collins, Colorado 80526.

Please visit www.allnutt.com to view the online obituary and send a message of condolence to the family.