Phyllis Smith

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.