Corlys Mullenix

     Corlys Jean (Rees) Mullenix, 98 years and 11 months old, passed away peacefully on Monday May 11, 2026, at Azria Health Rose Vista Nursing Home in Woodbine, Iowa. She was born June 14, 1927, to Corbett and Essie Rees in Dunlap, Iowa where she spent her early childhood days along with her younger sister, Carolyn. They both attended a one room schoolhouse until Corlys’ father was killed in an auto accident in 1941. Essie and her girls then moved to Woodbine where Corlys graduated in 1944. She received a normal training certificate and taught at a country school for a year before traveling off to Simpson College for a year to further her education. Corlys returned to Woodbine and taught school in Beebeetown for a year before marrying William “Bill” Mullenix on June 15, 1947, at the First Christian Church. They farmed in Woodbine with Bill’s father for a year and then moved to Milford to farm with a cousin for a couple of years before returning to the family farm in Woodbine for the next 32 years. Corlys spent her time caring for their children, Carol, Bob, Jim, Keith, Kerry, and Mike as well as teaching 6th grade at the Woodbine school or as a teacher aide there. After all the children had grown up and moved on, Bill and Corlys retired from farming in 1984, and moved to Blair, Nebraska where Bill was employed. She worked several part-time jobs including at the Development Department at Dana College. Upon retiring from work, the couple sold their house and bought a travel trailer to see the countryside, visiting friends and family and spending their winters in Arizona. In 1997, they purchased a home and resided in Yuma, Arizona until Bill passed away in April of 2006. She then chose to settle in Utah closer to her daughter and family.

     Corlys enjoyed playing cards, games, and just spending time with friends and family. After her 95th birthday celebration, Corlys decided to move back “home” to Woodbine. Her 98th birthday was celebrated in June of 2025 with all her children present as well as many more family and friends. 

     Corlys was preceded in death by her parents, Corbett and Essie Rees; loving husband of 58 years Bill; youngest son, Mike; son-in-law, Craig Reynolds; sister, Carolyn Johnson; and brother-in-law, Gene Johnson. She is survived by her five children, Carol Reynolds of West Jordan, Utah, Bob (Janet) Mullenix of Kalispell, Montana, Jim (Cindy) Mullenix of Atlantic, Iowa, Keith Mullenix of Sioux City, Iowa, and Kerry (Amy) Mullenix of Hillsborough, North Carolina; 15 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; and 10 great great grandchildren. 

     Corlys had arranged to donate her body to the Anatomical Board at the Nebraska Medical Center. A graveside service will be held at a future date.