It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Phyllis Sue Rote, or Babe as her friends and family called her.
Babe was born May 13, 1931, and passed away on June 25, 2025, peacefully at home in Perry, Iowa, surrounded by her loving family. She was 94 years old.
A celebration of life will be held at the First Christian Church at 1224 Lucinda St. in Perry on Saturday, July 12 at 2 p.m.
Born to Charles Harlan Bales and Susie Mable Nye, Babe quickly distinguished herself as someone of immense character and profound kindness. Every chapter of her life contributed to a legacy of unwavering dedication to family, friends and community.
Babe’s passions were as diverse as her interests, from traveling with her husband and sister to all 50 states at least once to camping and spending time with her family and friends.
Babe’s professional life always consisted of caring for others. She spent at least 15 years working at the Dallas County Hospital, where she held different roles. During the time she worked there, her colleagues and peers recall her humanity and her ability to lead with compassion and vision.
More than her achievements, it was her heart that left the most indelible mark. Babe was generous with her time and unwavering support. She was a trusted confidant to many, whether it was volunteering at local charities or fostering more than 80 children.
Her acts of kindness were countless. She lived her life according to the principle that true wealth lies in the richness of human connection.
Family was the cornerstone of her life. Proceeding Babe in death were her loving husband of 73 years, Dean Rote; son, Bill Rote; son-in-law, Harvey Grabill; grandson, Dean Grabill; great-grandson, Cody Putney; siblings, Kent Brundage, Virginia Fenimore and Donna Sterett.
Babe is survived by her six children, Linda Grabill, Kathyrn Sheehy, Tom Rote, Sandy Huggins, Bev (Russ) Ozbun and Matt Rote; nine grandchildren, Julie Kinkennon, Terri (Joe) Putney, Micheal Sheehy, Scott (Jessica) Sheehy, Brian Rote, Alison Rote, Melissa Rote, Haylee Roteand Bobby (Robbi) Culp; 17 great-grandchildren, Nicole Kinkennon-Bettis, Kylie (Sergio Ibanez) Mendoza, Brooke (Tyler) Carter, Hollywood Grabill, Chad (Jordyn) Culp, Lisa (Clint Mahon) Culp, Jeff (Kaiti) Culp, Brenten Sheehy-Graves, Cassandra Putney, Sadee (Gary) Dixon, Aaliyah Rivera-Ozbun, Luke Rote-Ozbun, Gatlin Rote-Ozbun, Lenin Rote-Ozbun, Jordan Rote-Ozbun and Ignacio Rote-Ozbun; 15 great-great-grandchildren, Emma Bettis, Ian Ibanez, Camila Ibanez, Scarlet Culp, Tayln Hopkins, Maverick Culp, Kingston Culp, Deacon Schrek, Wayne Mahon, Delanie Culp, Dean Culp, Holden Carter, Greyson Grabill, Charlie Putney-Wiles and Wyatt Wiles.
As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the incredible life she lived. Each memory serves as a reminder of the joy and love she brought into this world. In her honor, let us strive to embody the qualities she held dear: kindness, perseverance and the courage to live life fully.
