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Phyllis Smith

  • February 19, 1930 - April 27, 2010
  • Minnesota
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Memories & Candles

“Marv,Just wanted you to know we are thinking about you at this time, and are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.  Enjoy...Read More » ”
1 of 16 | Posted by: Kathie Taylor - Olathe, KS

“My thought go out to the entire Smith family. Any time I was in the Smith Farm house Phyllis was baking something or asking if you would like a...Read More » ”
2 of 16 | Posted by: Sheila Hemming - Morris, MN

“Our deepest sympathy to Sharon, Lisa and the Smith family.  Your Mom/Grandma was a very nice lady from the first time we met her.  We share...Read More » ”
3 of 16 | Posted by: Rick and Jill - Graceville, MN

“Dear family SmithDear family Ritter,Sorry to hear of your great loss.We would like to express our condolences.Our thoughts are with you and your...Read More » ”
4 of 16 | Posted by: Monika & Peter Trittin

“To Bev and her family,We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today and in the...Read More » ”
5 of 16 | Posted by: Troy and Lisa Berryman & family - MN

“Carl, Kevin, Dave, and Sharon and families--I'm sorry to see your mother has passed on.  You have my sincere sympathy.  Sheila Schulz ”
6 of 16 | Posted by: Sheila Schulz

“Marv and family, please know we are keeping you in our thoughts and our prayers.  Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. ”
7 of 16 | Posted by: Ray Will - Olathe, KS

“I am so sorry I couldn't be there for support during this difficult time. Your family has been so supportive of my mom that I wanted to be there out...Read More » ”
8 of 16 | Posted by: Linda Sather - Scappoose, OR

“Sharon, Kevin and entire Smith family,I am  sorry to hear of your mom's passing.  I so enjoyed assisting her when she had been a patient at...Read More » ”
9 of 16 | Posted by: Dawn Thiel - Hancock, MN

“Sharon, Carl, Kevin, Dave, and families: You're all in my thoughts and prayers. Losing Mom is one of the most difficult of life's paths. Take care,...Read More » ”
10 of 16 | Posted by: Lisa Cain - Morris

“Smith family,We were saddened to hear of your loss.  Phyllis had a way of keeping you on your toes but she always managed to put a smile on the...Read More » ”
11 of 16 | Posted by: Sharon and Tina Trumbull - Morris, MN

“Sharon,We were sad to hear about your loss. Our condolences to you and your family .Our thoughts and prayers are with you all..... Jim and Seabass ”
12 of 16 | Posted by: Jim Trumbull - Morris, MN

“Dear Cousins,So very sorry to hear of your mother's passing.  You all have my sympathy and prayers.  It is never easy to lose a mother or...Read More » ”
13 of 16 | Posted by: Marcia Schroeder - Alberta, MN

“My heart is with your family in your time of loss. You know I am with you in spirit. I am so thankful Mom (Norma) and I were able to have that final...Read More » ”
14 of 16 | Posted by: Carol Drown - Sedalia, MO

“Sharon, Kevin, David and Carl Sorry to hear the passing of your mom. She is now in gods hands. Take care we will be thinking of you.   ”
15 of 16 | Posted by: Betty Kill - morris, MN

“Marv & Family,Please accept our deepest heartfelt sympathies in the loss of your Mother. May your memories help to ease the pain, but light the path...Read More » ”
16 of 16 | Posted by: Sis & Wilbur Stum, Jr. - Topeka, KS


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Phyllis Elaine Johnson, daughter of Carl and Dagna (Alver) Johnson, was born February 19, 1930 in LuVerne, Iowa. She was baptized in 1930 and confirmed in 1944. In 1936, Phyllis’s family moved to Hardy, Iowa, where they had electricity, a bathroom and running water. Phyllis began her schooling in Hardy. In the spring of 1947, the family moved to Chokio, Minn., where she graduated from Chokio High School. On November 17, 1949, she was united in marriage to Dale Smith at Zion Lutheran Church in Chokio. Following their marriage, the couple lived with Dale’s parents for two weeks before moving into their own apartment in Morris. Dale and Phyllis moved to the Smith family farm in the summer of 1959. Dale died May 14, 1998, and Phyllis continued to live on the Smith family farm until the time of her death.



 



Phyllis was a member of First Lutheran Church, Morris Eagles, VFW Ladies Auxiliary and Homemakers Club. She served as 4-H Leader for many years. Phyllis enjoyed sewing, crafting, baking and quilting. She always made the best chocolate chip cookies for her kids, grandchildren and anyone else who stopped by. Phyllis also had a special dumpling recipe, giving each of her children a different version. While living on the farm Phyllis loved taking care of the baby deer. She lived to spoil her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.



 



Phyllis died on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, Minn., at the age of 80.



 



She is survived by six children: Sharon VanHorn of Donnelly; Marvin Smith of Gardner, Kan., Carl (Brenda) Smith of Morris, Bev (Dan) Ritter of Woodbury, Kevin Smith of Donnelly and Dave (Tammy) Smith of Morris; 13 grandchildren: Bryon VanHorn, Craig (Cameo) VanHorn, Corey (Kelly) VanHorn, Lisa (Josh) Hennessy, LeAnn VanHorn (fiancé: Ben), Tim Smith, Nick Smith, Danielle Ritter, Josh Ritter, Ashley (Steve) Frosch, Joel Larsen, Rebekah Larsen and Austin Smith; seven great-grandchildren: Samantha VanHorn, Andrew Henessy, Tessa Hennessy, Tabitha VanHorn, Darin VanHorn, Yvonne VanHorn and Jayden Frosch; three sisters: Mavis (Glen) Vorland of Chokio, Lorraine Awsumb of Morris and Shirley (Ken) Kasuske of Ashland, NE and two brothers: Winston "Wink" (Mayva) Johnson of Herman and Darrell “Bud” Johnson of Chokio and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; one infant daughter; grandson Curtis VanHorn; parents Carl and Dagna; sister Wanda Zamzow; sisters-in-law Joile Johnson, Helen Smith, Jean Anderson, Lois Schueller; in-laws Henry and Emily; and brothers-in-law Howard Smith, Gordon Smith, Kenneth Smith, Don Smith, Fred Zamzow, Torgney Awsumb, Walter Schueller, O’dean Anderson. 



 



Pallbearers are Craig VanHorn, Corey VanHorn, Josh Ritter, Joel Larsen, Tim Smith and Kirby Johnson. Deb Mahoney will serve as organist for the service with Cindy Vorland and Melissa Fronning providing special music.

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