Phyllis Gene Hart Ortgies
Phyllis Gene Hart Ortgies
Redmond, Oregon
Phyllis Gene Hart Ortgies, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away of natural causes on August 5, 2024 at her home in Redmond, Oregon. She was 81 years of age. Phyllis was born on October 22, 1942, in Anamosa, Iowa, to Robert and Muriel Hart.
Phyllis’ early years were spent in Anamosa, Iowa, where she attended Country School Anderson #6 and graduated from Anamosa High School in 1961. As a high school student, she was an active member of the Saddle Club and earned the title of Rodeo Queen in 1958. Her passion for the equestrian lifestyle was evident in her love for riding horses in parades with her uncle, Merle Hart. She loved to barrel race on her favorite horse, Target.
Phyllis married her husband, John Ortgies, on June 22, 1962 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Anamosa, Iowa. In 1963, Phyllis and John, with the support of John’s parents, purchased their first farm in Cass Center, Iowa. They had 4 children, Phillip, Valerie, Joni and Anthony while residing in Iowa. John and Phyllis moved their family to Proctor, Montana in December of 1982. After living on the ranch for several years, they moved to Polson, Montana, in 2005. In 2015, they moved to Redmond, Oregon, to enjoy their retirement years together.
Phyllis’ dedication to her family was matched only by her love for her community. While residing in Iowa, she pursued nursing at Mercy Hospital and worked within the labor and delivery unit at the Anamosa Hospital. In addition, she was an active 4H leader and advisor, volunteered within her church at St. Paul Lutheran Church, she was also a member of the Cass Homemakers and the Cowbells.
In her later years, she found great joy in volunteering at a local food bank and attending church in Redmond, Oregon. Phyllis always enjoyed playing cards. Phyllis took a great passion in ensuring that she wrote and sent Christmas cards, birthday cards, and various holiday cards for her dear family and friends.
Phyllis’ greatest joy came from her family. Phyllis and John celebrated 58 years of marriage, prior to his passing in 2020. Phyllis is survived by her children: Valerie (Robin) of Elmo, Montana, Joni (Ruben) of Corvallis, Montana, and Anthony (Katie) of Redmond, Oregon.
She was a devoted grandmother to ten grandchildren: Kristin, Shawn, Justin, Alyssa, Ashley, Amanda, Keanna, Abigale, Alaina and Allison. She was also a proud great-grandmother to three great-grandchildren: Taylor, Ava and Finn. Phyllis also leaves behind her siblings, Marlys and Leora, as well as her sister-in-law, Ruth.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband John, her parents Robert and Muriel, her in-laws Alvin and Laura, her son Phillip, her sister Donna and her brother Richard. Her passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of her family and friends, who will remember her for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion.
A celebration of Phyllis’ life will be held both in Oregon and Iowa. The Oregon celebration will be held on August 25 at 2:00 pm at the Redmond Community Church. The Iowa Celebration will be held on October 19, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Bow Hunters Club in Anamosa, Iowa. Refreshments to be provided. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Phyllis’ memory.
Phyllis Gene Hart Ortgies will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love and dedication will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.