Phyllis V Lenschow

Phyllis V. (Flory) Lenschow

June 17, 1936 – August 4, 2025

Phyllis V. Lenschow, 89, of Tipton, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

Born on June 17, 1936, in rural Iowa County, Phyllis was the daughter of Glen Elmer Flory and Esther (Carter) Flory. She grew up walking with her brother to a one-room schoolhouse, helping her father with outdoor chores, and cultivating the strength and independence that would define her life. While her sisters gravitated toward household duties, Phyllis found joy in sunshine and responsibility.

She attended several schools across Iowa County and Keokuk County, completing her education at Tipton High School in Cedar County, where she graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1953. Phyllis continued her studies at McPherson College in Kansas for two years before launching a distinguished career in public service. She worked as an administrative assistant for the Cedar County School Superintendent, then served as an office clerk for the Cedar County District Court for six years. She was later elected Clerk of the District Court, a position she held for 30 years with steadfast dedication and civic pride—often campaigning with her signature matchbooks and welcoming presence at the courthouse.

Phyllis married Delbert Allen Lenschow in Lowden on June 28, 1959. Though they later divorced, they were blessed with four children—Rochelle, Jeff, Cindy, and infant daughter Rhonda, whose brief life remained cherished in Phyllis’s heart.

Faith was a guiding force throughout Phyllis’s life. A lifelong Christian, she instilled in her children a deep knowledge of the Lord and found comfort in pastoral ministry and worship throughout her years.

Her devotion to community was evident in the many roles she held: she served on the Cedar County Historical Society Board of Directors for 12 years, the Historical Society Scholarship Review Board, the Iowa Foster Care Review Board for seven years, and as a resident advocate at the Cedar County Care Facility for five. She was also active with Bennett School Workers and the Tipton Business & Professional Women’s Club.

Phyllis was known for her fierce love, quick wit, and generosity. She was the kind of person who always insisted on picking up the check, who listened patiently, and whose loyalty left an indelible mark on her family and friends. Her penmanship, taught to her by her mother, was beautiful and precise. She delighted in puzzles, embroidery, scrapbooking, and The Sound of Music. In retirement, she traveled often—especially to Arizona—and remained engaged, active, and joyful well into her later years.

She is survived by her children: Rochelle Monk (Darrel) of Chandler, AZ; Jeff Lenschow (Jody) of Tempe, AZ; and Cindy Batzkiel (Bill) of West Branch, IA.  Also surviving are her sister Elaine Fleenor of McPherson, KS and sister-in-law Cuba Flory of Tipton, IA. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren—Ryan Monk, Eric Monk, Alyssa Monk, Ben Lenschow, Maddie Lenschow—and one great-granddaughter, Finley Tutokey.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Alice Hornbaker, Joyce Hayes, and Christina Fischer; brothers Elmer Flory and infant brother Edwin; infant daughter Rhonda; and cherished grandson Sam Lenschow, who passed away in 2021. Now reunited, Phyllis and her “Heavenly Sam” share eternal peace together.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton. Funeral services will follow on Friday, August 8, at 10:30 a.m., officiated by Alan Abrahamson at Fry Funeral Home. Following the service, Phyllis will be cremated, with burial at Red Oak Cemetery to take place later this fall.

Memorials may be directed to the Cedar County Historical Society or the McPherson College - Glen E. Flory Family Scholarship Fund for students with financial need.

Condolences and service details may be shared online at www.fryfuneralhome.com.