Visitation: A gathering of friends will be held Saturday June 30 at the Canton Depot from 2pm to 8pm with family there from 5pm to 8 pm.
Service: A Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 1st at Calvary Assembly of God on 57th Street in Sioux Falls, SD with a lunch following. There will be a private burial at the family farm cemetery.
Phyllis Violetta Swanson, dearly loved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend, died peacefully in her home June 22, 2018 surrounded by loved ones after a brave battle with cancer.
Born to Philip Henry Synovec and Anna Marie Bowling August 1, 1941 in Foster, NE, she married Ronald Swanson on March 25, 1960. After residing in Sioux Falls, SD, Phyllis and Ron moved to the family farm in 1964, where they raised three sons and buried two daughters.
She had earned her teaching certificate in 1958, but instead worked as a ward secretary at Sioux Valley hospital before choosing to stay home to help with the farm and raise her family.
Known most for her generous spirit and numerous acts of kindness, Phyllis showered love and probably a good meal on all who crossed her path. She played organ at her church, and shared her music and song with thousands over the years. Her talent for playing music by ear extended from the organ to piano, accordion, guitar and more. Her love for her flower gardens and yardwork kept her busy.
She was no stranger to hard work- from the care of her own and numerous foster children and ‘adopted kids’ to volunteering, long hikes along the Sioux River, walking beans, driving equipment and helping farm the land. She will be also be remembered for her pranks – gorilla costumes, mannequins, strange food, fireworks, hotshots…you always had to watch your back.
Phyllis was preceded in death by two daughters at birth, Baby Girl Swanson and Lori Ann Swanson; parents, and sister, Joyce Berger of Norfolk, NE. She is survived by her husband, Ron Swanson, Canton, SD; sons and their wives, Philip and Terrie (Beal); Steve and Cassandra (Martini) and Russ and Heather (Hurd) all of Canton, SD; her grandchildren: Dillon (Taylor), Parker, Shelby (Morgan), Clell, Caleb, Cole and Cloe and great grandchildren: Rylan, Jarrett, Rome and Shaedon and generations of nieces, nephews, and young friends who called her ‘mom’.
A gathering of friends will be held Saturday June 30 at the Canton Depot from 2pm to 8pm with family there from 5pm to 8 pm.
Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 1st at Calvary Assembly of God on 57th Street in Sioux Falls, SD with a lunch following. There will be a private burial at the family farm cemetery.
I am so very sorry for the lost of this very special person. Phyllis was loved by many and will be truly missed, My thoughts and prayers go out to every member of this family.
Dear Special Swanson Family,
Our hearts go out to ALL of you❣️ Jim & I are so sorry for your huge
family loss! We are thankful Phyllis had the love of the Lord
in her heart! Jesus died for our sins! NOW, all of us have HOPE!!
We WILL see her again, in God’s timing! Praise our Lord! We are
out of town, and we will not be able to attend the service! We pray you feel God’s love,
strength, and comfort! AND our HUGS!
In Christ’s Love,
Jim & Marsha
Ron and family,
Paul and I want to extend our sympathy and prayers to all of you. Phyllis was a wonderful, kind and sweet woman. You all have lost an angel and God has gained one!!!!
We were so glad we ran into you and got to enjoy our chicken dinners with you Ron, anytime you want to go eat chicken, give us a call.
Mrs. Swanson was so kind to me. On those occasions where I encountered her, she had the inimitable ability to make me feel like I was the only person in the room.
When I first met her and her husband, I knew I’d stumbled upon some pretty special folks. Talk about two dynamic and engaging people! Mrs. Swanson was just such a joy to be around.
To her family, I extend my condolences. Phyllis was a class act, and her legacy lies in the lives she created and touched. She will be missed. Thank you for the honor and privilege of letting me know her.
Please know our prayers are with you. She was truly an incredible lady. Phyllis was one of the kindest people I have ever know. It was truly a joy to be her Pastor. She will be missed. Even though we didn’t get to see her very often I will miss knowing she is there taking care of all the crazy guys. God bless you all. We love you.
Pastors Jim and Deon Reid
PHILLIS, MARLENE, JUDY, AS KIDS , THEY AND I WERE NEIGHBOR FRIEND ALL THU
FOSTER SCHOOL AND PART OF HIGH SCHOOL. WHAT A LOSS TOHER FAMIY
AND FREINDS, SHE WILL BE REATLY MISSED BY ME AND MY FAMILY.
WHAT A BEAUTYFULL PLACE HEAVEN HAS GOTTEN TO BE THESE DAYS..
WE SHAL MISS HER A GREAT DEAL..JIM,ANN AND DENISE