Phyllis L. (Bohrns) Powers, of Spencer and formerly of Hartley, was born to William and Lillie (Thoms) Bohrns on Aug. 29, 1931 in Calumet. Phyl's father worked for the Illinois Central Railroad and her family lived in Matlock and Fort Dodge for a time, but the bulk of her childhood was spent in Calumet. She graduated from Calumet High School in 1949.

After high school, Phyl attended business school in Sioux City and worked for several businesses in Sioux City and Cherokee as a bookkeeper. Phyl met Tom Powers, of Hartley, at a dance at the Liberty Township Hall. After Tom's service in the Ar...