Phyllis Stemper, 94, of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at Wakonda Heritage Manor in Wakonda, SD. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Holy Family Catholic Church.  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with a 6:00 PM prayer service and Rosary at Will Funeral Chapel.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Phyllis was born June 13, 1925 to Jay and Clara (Tasche) Ames in Redfield, SD. She was the only daughter in the family and was raised with four brothers who loved taking care of their sister.  She married Cecil Stemper on August 7 ^th , 1945.  Phyllis and Cecil raised six children together while living in Mitchell.

Phyllis was a member of the Auxiliary, the Rosary club; and was very active in the Holy Family Church. She enjoyed cooking, visiting with friends, and spending time with her family.  In 1945 Phyllis began her 'little black book' writing. The history of events in her life and the world are all noted in it. When she was unable to write she gave it to Rita to finish. Phyllis told her, "when I die go to the last page in the book; write Phyllis died. The end". Her sweet earthly story has ended; but her time in Heaven is more glorious.

Grateful for having shared her life are her six children; Rita (Robert) Van Norman, Spearfish, SD; Lyle (Nellie) Stemper, Mission Hill, SD; Gyla Bittner, Yankton, SD; David (Lynette) Stemper, Murfreesboro, TN, Dawn Wirth, Vermillion, SD; and Phillip (Lori) Stemper, Mitchell, SD, eleven grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her four brothers, as well as an infant daughter, Patricia Ann.