Phyllis Ann Nelson passed away on October 6, 2026, at the age of 93. She will be remembered for her dedication to her work, her love of travel and genealogy, and her connection to family and faith.

Born on January 21, 1933, Phyllis was raised in Murdo, South Dakota. After graduating from high school, she attended Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, where she earned her degree in medical technology. She began her career in Pasadena, California, and returned to Dallas after five years, continuing her work as a medical technologist at Parkland and Baylor hospitals.

Phyllis had a deep interest in genealogy, tracing her family’s roots and preserving the stories of earlier generations. She also had a passion for travel, taking photographs and purchasing a doll from every country she visited. Back home, she shared her photographs with family, bringing her adventures to life and giving loved ones a glimpse of the places she had explored. Her doll collection became a lasting reminder of those journeys.

Faith and fellowship were important to Phyllis. She was a loving member of the Methodist church in Highland Park, Dallas, Texas. Phyllis’s last few years were spent with her family in  Rapid City, South Dakota.

Phyllis is lovingly remembered by her nephews, Todd Nelson and Lane Nelson; her niece, Mary Kane. and great nieces and nephews, Dr. Maria Nelson Schroder, Melissa Harper, Dustin Kane, Madeleine Nelson, Shannon Nelson, Bobbi Jo Hirman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Evalyn Nelson; her brother, Larry Nelson, niece Nena Nelson and her grandparents, Ole and Hattie Nelson and Lawrence and Lennie Hosking.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest register and leave written condolences at WestRiverFD.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dean Moncur and the compassionate staff of West River Funeral Directors in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Phyllis’s memory lives on in the family stories she preserved, the adventures she shared, and the memories held by those who knew her. May she be remembered with love, may her family and friends find peace and comfort in the days ahead.