Phyllis Maxine Earley, 96, of Traer, died Thursday, August 28, 2014 at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital. She was born September 24, 1917 in Crystal Township, Tama County the daughter of Henry and Amelia Clausen Staker. Phyllis graduated from Traer High School in 1935 and attended the American Institute of Business in Des Moines. She married Franklin Charles Earley on August 20, 1938 at Tranquility Presbyterian Church in Traer; he preceded her in death in 2007.

Phyllis worked in several secretarial positions through the years, including working as a paralegal secretary at Bauch Law Office in Traer. She also enjoyed selling real estate with her husband and they were involved in farming for 25 years. Phyllis was an active member of Eastern Star.

As a member of the Traer United Presbyterian Church, Phyllis served in various leadership positions. She had an amazing vision for remodeling real estate and made a difference in many homes and apartment buildings in Traer. Phyllis loved to cook and was always trying new recipes.

Survivors include a son, Craig (Sharon) Earley of Traer; two daughters, Patricia Moore and Pamela McKinney both of Cedar Falls; seven grandchildren, Allyson (Ryan) Bailey, Stacey (Sherri) Moore, Andrea (Reggie) Bean, Tony (Sarah) Moore, Bret (Rebecca) McKinney, Brittany Moore, Kristin (Ty) Huber and sixteen great grandchildren.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, LaVern and Burdell Staker; one sister, Marlene Staker and one great grandson, Simon Moore.