Kum Yea “Kay” Phelps, 96, of Eagan, Minnesota, formerly of Mount Pleasant, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Eagan.
Kum Yea was born August 27, 1929, in Osaka, Japan, the daughter of Boon Chang and Il Boon (Chun) Lee. On August 19, 1960, she was united in marriage to Thomas “Tom” Phelps in Seoul, Korea at the American Embassy. They lived in Chicago, Illinois, before moving to Mount Pleasant. Kum Yea worked for Lomont and then Motorola for 17 years before retiring. She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church. Kum Yea enjoyed gardening, sewing, crocheting, going on country drives, embroidery and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Kum Yea is survived by her daughter Patricia Tinder of Eagan, Minnesota, son Thomas “Tim” Phelps IV (Maggie) of Irvine, California; five grandchildren Matthew Tinder (Christy), Alexa Tinder, Thomas “Martin” Phelps V, Serena Phelps, Melody Phelps; great grandchildren Leo Tinder and Eileen Tinder, a sister Kie Boon Han and a brother Seung Boo Lee, both of Chicago, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Thomas “Tom” Phelps III, a sister Sue Em, and three brothers Han Chul Lee, Han Sook Lee, and Katsuwa Lee.
A celebration of KumYea’s life will be at Calvary Baptist Church in the spring. Memorials may be directed to the Mount Pleasant Library or Calvary Baptist Church. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Kum Yea and her family. Messages may be sent to the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com.
