Phyllis Teresa Rashid

“A mothers love is infinite. A child can’t outgrow it and a mother can’t conceal it” Anyone who knew Phyllis T. Rashid, age 101, would have surely sensed the depths of that emotion from her. Her greatest joy & honor was to be called Mom, Sithee & Aunt Phyllis. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 at Mater Dei Parish-Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sioux City, IA with Father Brad Pelzel officiating. Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 at Calvary Cemetery in Sioux City, IA. Visitation with family present will be 9:30-10:15 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Services have been entrusted to the Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen, IA. The service will be live-streamed.

Phyllis Rashid, born of Lebanese immigrants Dave and Rose (Darwish) Sabag, was the first generation born in Sioux City August 31, 1923. She was a twin, to her much taller brother Phillip. Her siblings that followed were her best friend and sister Helen Jean, Betty Lou, David John and Joseph Eugene. Phyllis’ family were all baptized, taught, and were married at Immaculate Conception Church in Gods country…Morningside! 

Phyllis graduated from East High School in 1944. As a persnickety “I” dotter & “T” crosser, she worked as an inspector for 3 years at Wincharger Defense Plant in Sioux City. After that, she spent many years as a bookkeeper before mixing it up. For 11 years she was at Blue Bunny and several other places including A&A photo, BFGoodrich, and Ben Fish Tire. Her final 25 years of employment was with Bush Dry Cleaners where she gladly worked for her brother DJ and lastly for her son in law Todd. She was very proud to be a part of the Bush Dry Cleaners family which also included working with her son Mike.  

She lived with her family until the age of 32, where she established and enjoyed strong bonds with her folks and siblings and especially her nieces & nephews until she was married in May of 1955 to a handsome Lebanese man named James C. Rashid. They were married for a short but joyous 28 years until the unexpected death of Jim in 1983. From that union came 3 children; James David (Doris) Rashid, Michael Timothy Rashid & Elizabeth Ann (Todd) Niggeling; 6 grandchildren, Nicole, Rachel, Danielle, Millie, Olivia, Jack; 2 great-grandchildren. 

All those that knew Phyllis would know that she was completely consumed by the depths of love she felt for her children and grandchildren. She taught and modeled for them what true and unconditional love from a mother and Sithee was and felt like, through the power of love and security with touch, kisses & hugs; actions she was never shy to extend to any of her precious family. She greeted many with the loving term of “deanie”, which means sweetheart in Arabic. 

The greatest sadness her family has felt is watching the ugliness of dementia slowly take her from us. Phyllis and her family thank the staff at the facilities she’s lived these last few years. Northern Hills, Pioneer Valley and Sunrise. Words are not enough to thank them all for the love and care they gave to her. 

She will be welcomed by her loving husband Jim, her Mom & Dad, Twin Brother Phillip, Sister Helen Jean & Brothers DJ & Joey, as they preceded Phyllis in death.