Phyllis Jean (Oien) Nelson was born in Volin, South Dakota on Oct 24, 1927 to John and Clara (Johnson) Oien and passed away in Gilbert, Arizona on March 8, 2026 at the age of 98.
Phyllis attended Mission Hill and Yankton schools. In 1946 she married Arvin Nelson of Yankton and their daughter, Lorie, was born in 1947. In 1952 the family moved to California where Arvin worked for Chrysler Corporation. Their son, Mark, was born in Downey, California in 1960.
The family transferred to Illinois in 1965 where they lived until Arvin retired in 1980 from Chrysler Corporation. They then moved to Mesa, Arizona.
Phyllis was a cub scout leader and volunteered teaching crafts at a senior retirement center. She also did scrapbooking and made greeting cards.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years and by her parents, 5 brothers and her granddaughter, Krista Williams.
Phyllis is survived by her daughter Lorie (Larry) Dillon, son Mark (Judy) Nelson, 2 grandsons Eric (Nicci) Dillon and Dan Dillon, and 4 grandchildren Spencer Williams, Damon, Havynn and Gaige Dillon.