Phyllis Annette (Larson) Sternquist gained the most glorious set of angel wings on Friday, June 23, 2017. She passed away at her home in the country, where she was most at peace and where she wanted her final days.

Phyllis was born to Gordon & Emma (Johnson) Larson on February 17, 1945 in Hudson, S.D.

She was raised on a farm south of Beresford where she helped with farm work, milked cows, fed hogs, baled hay, shocked grain and herded cows. Her family lived three years in Hayward, California (1955-1958), when her father left the farm during poor economic times to seek employment. The family returned back to South Dakota where her father resumed farm/dairy operation.

Phyllis graduated from Beresford High School in 1963 and pursued a degree for Licensed Practical Nurse in Sioux Falls from The Presentation Sisters. She worked at McKennan Hospital, until 1964 when she married Sheridan Sternquist and established the family farm near Centerville. She was a stay at home mom until 1984, when she decided she wanted to enjoy a new employment career. Phyllis enjoyed working at Willson's Florist for 3 and 1/2 years, but the many hours of standing and many years of hip problems, she needed a sit down job. So, for the next nine years she served as the Deputy Clerk of Courts in Vermillion.

She contributed greatly to the communities in which she belonged. An avid supporter of 4-H, she was a member as a child and established the Clay County Cubs when her own children became involved in 4-H as they grew up. She said the best years were when she helped her three children plant garden vegetables, train calves and sheep and select the feeder pigs for the county fair. In 1965 she helped organize the Vermillion Riverettes Extension Club. She continued to show her support for the youth in Clay County by serving on the fair board for 15 years. In 2010 Phyllis was presented with the South Dakota State University Eminent Homemaker award for her contributions to rural life in South Dakota and Clay County in particular.

When Phyllis wasn't at home she was likely at Dalesburg Lutheran Church. She spent many years as a Sunday school teacher,  Luther League counselor, circle chairwoman and alter guild member. Phyllis was actively involved in Midsommar in Dalesburg, whether it was making meatballs and serving at the annual smorgasbord dinner or preparing the many floral arrangements. It was so important to her that the traditions of Midsommar continue, that she helped up until the night before her death. Her passing came on the morning of Midsommar and what a beautiful day it was!

Many who knew Phyllis knew she did not have an easy life in the physical way. Born with congenital hips, she was placed in a body cast when she was 15 months old, to help correct her hips. Over 28 years she endured five total hip surgeries and one knee replacement. In February 2013 she was diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian cancer and worked with Dr. Maria Bell and her team to fight this horrible disease. She went into remission a couple of times with each time shorter and shorter, and the cancer moving to the lining of the left lung. Last winter she found out the cancer had spread to her stomach and started an aggressive two rounds of chemo which landed her in the hospital for 16 days, due to low platelets, blood and kidney problems.

Despite having all the medical woes life kept throwing at her, Phyllis persevered, kept her faith that the good Lord would take of her and always had a smile on her face. "Life has been a challenge, but each time I try to overcome and go on. My support group, my Prayer Warriors are my backbone. My dear husband, lover, best friend and caregiver cannot be replaced. God gave me a special gift in this man….along with my children, their spouses and their children. Plus my sister Claire and Jerry. Love them all dearly and it will be very hard to say goodbye to them. I have enjoyed life to the fullest, having to give up many things but enjoyed the life that was given to me. God has blessed me and Sheridan with a wonderful marriage and life. Fifty two years of memories."

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband Sheridan, children: Jeff (Karen), Centerville, SD; David (Michelle), Beresford, SD; Jodi (Rob) O'Keefe, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren Megan (Drew) Ausborn, Mallary (James) Mullinix, Brianna Sternquist and Mason Sternquist; great grandchildren Natalie, Isabel and Ryan; sister Claire (Jerry) Antonson, Beresford, SD; brothers-in-law John (Nancy) Sternquist, Yankton, SD and Robert (Char) Isakson, Sioux Falls, SD; sisters-in-law Brenda Sternquist, Lansing, MI and Lettie Larson, Michigan; and multiple nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and host of friends. Those who she has joined are her parents Gordon and Emma, sister Karen Isakson and brother Gerald Larson, in addition to her father-in-law and mother-in-law Orland and Harriet Sternquist and her brother-in-law Al Sternquist.

Memorials may be directed to Dalesburg Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Tuesday, June 27 at Dalesburg Lutheran Church, rural Vermillion. Visitation will be Monday from 6PM to 8PM at the church with a prayer service at 7PM.