Phylis M. Dean, 88, of Grinnell, died Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at St. Francis Manor.

She was born on December 17, 1937, in Grinnell, the daughter of Alfred and Cecil (Mitchell) Locker. She graduated from Grinnell Senior High School. On January 26, 1961, she married Carroll "Buzz" Dean in Iowa City.

Phylis was employed at DeLong Sportswear, Stadiums Unlimited, and later retired from GTE in Grinnell. Following retirement, she worked part-time at Premier Printing.

She was a talented seamstress, enjoyed crafts, flowers, and trips to the casino.

Phylis is survived by her daughter, Susan Dean of Des Moines; her son, Eric Dean of Grinnell; her brothers, Robert (Sandy) Locker and Ray (Karen) Vaughn; her sister, Jackie Butcher; her sister-in-law, Connie Locker; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carroll "Buzz" Dean; her brother, Ed Locker; her sisters, Joan Jones and Lois Innis; and her daughter-in-law, Trisha Dean.

A private graveside service will be held in Hazelwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family or Care Initiatives Hospice and sent in care of Cox-Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, PO Box 163, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.