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.
My aunt she was so kind and was the first person I knew that had a tablet before they were we had even seen one! I took her to Hobby Lobby each time they came to visit. My little family loved Uncle Arvin and Aunt Phyllis
Aunt Phyllis’s kindness won’t be forgotten. Your presence brought calmness and peace — and your loss is felt deeply. Heaven has welcomed a gentle spirit
Aunt Phyllis was a God-loving, sweet, kind, crafty lady! I have many sweet memories of her and uncle Arvin. There is no doubt that my mom (and many others) greeted her into heaven with open arms saying “ we have so much to catch up on!”! I am praying for peace and comfort for those she left behind. Love you, Aunt Phyllis! Mel
Phyliss was a “great” friend that I meet in Show Low, AZ and we have remained friends since until last year when I did not hear from her. I usually tried to call her every couple of months or so but heard nothing and I was afraid that she had passed but wasn’t sure. Thanks for putting this on Facebook so that I know what happened to my “great” friend. My prayers are with you family and other friends because we lost a great one! Take care! Sharon & Stan Crandall
Phyllis was a wonderful, kind hearted woman. She was my mother’s best friend and like a second Mom when I was young. She was our neighbor and Lories Mom- my best friend. I can just see our Mom’s and, Dads up in heaven playing the marble game together. Such great friends. We loved you Phyllis and you will be missed. Prayers for your family. Love, Sandee (Morris) Boyer and Don Boyer
Celebrating 75 years of serving our community
My aunt she was so kind and was the first person I knew that had a tablet before they were we had even seen one! I took her to Hobby Lobby each time they came to visit. My little family loved Uncle Arvin and Aunt Phyllis
Aunt Phyllis’s kindness won’t be forgotten. Your presence brought calmness and peace — and your loss is felt deeply. Heaven has welcomed a gentle spirit
Aunt Phyllis was a God-loving, sweet, kind, crafty lady! I have many sweet memories of her and uncle Arvin. There is no doubt that my mom (and many others) greeted her into heaven with open arms saying “ we have so much to catch up on!”! I am praying for peace and comfort for those she left behind. Love you, Aunt Phyllis! Mel
Phyliss was a “great” friend that I meet in Show Low, AZ and we have remained friends since until last year when I did not hear from her. I usually tried to call her every couple of months or so but heard nothing and I was afraid that she had passed but wasn’t sure. Thanks for putting this on Facebook so that I know what happened to my “great” friend. My prayers are with you family and other friends because we lost a great one! Take care! Sharon & Stan Crandall
Phyllis was a wonderful, kind hearted woman. She was my mother’s best friend and like a second Mom when I was young. She was our neighbor and Lories Mom- my best friend. I can just see our Mom’s and, Dads up in heaven playing the marble game together. Such great friends. We loved you Phyllis and you will be missed. Prayers for your family. Love, Sandee (Morris) Boyer and Don Boyer