White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Phyllis Eileen Cassaday, 78 years old of Independence, IA, died Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence surrounded in love by all of her children and grandchildren. She was born May 10, 1934, in Indianola, IA, the daughter of Frank Nelson Miller and Clarinda Jane (Ogan) Miller. She graduated from Des Moines North High School and then on November 8, 1953, she was united in marriage to Larry Vincent Cassaday in Des Moines. They moved to Independence around 1965 where Larry was active in business and Phyllis became active in P.E.O.; the American Cancer Society; and hospital axillary. They were members of the First United Methodist Church in Independence. They enjoyed traveling, boating on the Mississippi River from Guttenberg where they were members of the 911 Yacht Club, she loved to entertain and cook, but most of all Phyllis's true passion was for her grandchildren and children. Larry preceded her in death on December 6, 2010 and in January of 2012 Phyllis moved to Prairie Hills Assisted Living Center in Independence.  She enjoyed immensely her new home, the staff and the people she met there.  They became another part of her family.

Mrs. Cassaday is survived by two sons, Steven Cassaday of Independence, Douglas (Carol) Cassaday of Independence; two daughters, Jean “Tina”Thompson  and friend Craig Book of Ames, Heidi (Kevin) Tudor, of Independence; five grandchildren, Jake Thompson, Cassidi Thompson, Brooke Reed, Brittany Cassaday, Chloe Tudor; two great granddaughters, Marlo Thompson, Eva Thompson and another great grandchild expected to join the family in April 2013; two sisters, Jeannie P'Pool of Idaho Falls, ID, and Dorothy (Norman) Beck of Des Moines, also several nieces and nephews. In addition to Larry's passing; Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents; and a son-in-law, Keith Thompson in 1998.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. - Saturday, March 30, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church, Independence, IA with Rev. Scott Meador officiating. Mary Schubich will be the organist. Burial will be at Mt Hope Cemetery, Independence with Craig Book, Jake Thompson, Joel Wikner, Zac Arnold, Elliott Reed and Kevin Tudor acting as Casket Bearers. Visitation will be Saturday March 30^th at the First United Methodist Church in Independence from 10:30 am until services at 1:00 p.m; there will also be a P.E.O. memorial service Noon Saturday at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Phyllis Cassaday Memorial for charitable endeavors.