Phyllis “Rosie” Johnson, 85, of Newell, South Dakota passed away surrounded by her loving family on Monday, December 15, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be conducted by the family at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Will Funeral Chapel of Mitchell and Kinkade Funeral Home of Sturgis.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to Pleasant View Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 131, Carthage, South Dakota 57323, remembering that today is only temporary but our local cemeteries that we entrust our loved ones to require care forever.

The matriarch of the Newell Johnson clan, Rosie, was fitted with her angel wings while under hospice care at her winter apartment in Marion, South Dakota, on December 15, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends.

Phyllis “Rosie” Arlene Johnson was born on May 4, 1940, to Johanna (Williams) and Andy Martin Roos in Adrian, Minnesota. Rosie joined her older paternal half-sister, Dorothy Roos (who lost her mom shortly after childbirth), and was followed by brothers Arny Roos and Ray Allen “Sonny” Roos. Rosie graduated from high school in Carthage, South Dakota, with the Class of 1958. On June 5th of that same year, Rosie was united in marriage to Kenneth Wayne Johnson. The couple was blessed with three children: Vicki Diane, Brenda Kay, and Monty Allen. The young family began their journey in Carthage, later moving to Monroe and Marion, following Kenny’s jobs, until moving West River to Newell, South Dakota, in 1974. Upon moving to Newell, Rosie worked as the front desk administrator of The Valley Irrigator, the weekly newspaper. She also served many years as a volunteer EMT in Newell.

In her spare time, Rosie enjoyed bowling, playing women’s softball, reading, crocheting countless afghans, and making “a jillion” jars of jelly each year to give as gifts. She and Kenny also boarded many country kids who stayed in town to attend high school in Newell. Rosie also enjoyed staying in contact with her and Ken’s family members, following her kids, grandkids, and great grandkid’s activities and accomplishments. In her later years, Rosie was on her computer daily, staying in touch with those close to her, and spent countless hours compiling family photo albums and doing genealogy, leaving her loved ones a detailed account of their family’s legacy.

Rosie is survived by her husband, Ken; daughters: Vicki Stark of Nisland, South Dakota, and Brenda (Terry) Burge of Marion, South Dakota; son, Monty (Beth) Johnson of Madison, Indiana; grandchildren: Robert Burge (significant other LeAnn Peterson and her son Julian) of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, Brian Burge of Beresford, South Dakota, Crystal (Mike) Cunningham of Crestwood, Kentucky, Logan (Lina) Raths of Sturgis, South Dakota, Stephanie (Bryant) Fuchs of Bowman, North Dakota, Jennifer (Evan) Hamilton of Madison, Indiana, and Daniel “Trapper” Johnson, currently a student at the University of Indiana, Bloomington; great-grandchildren: Clara, Oscar, and Walter “Wally” Burge; Emma, Samantha and Henry Cunningham; Evelyn and Aubrey Raths; Elianna and Vance Fuchs; and Alyeska and Asher Hamilton; sister-in-law: Barb (Mrs. Arny) Roos of Peoria, Arizona; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. A friend of special note, Marcella “Marcie” Hatfield of Newell, South Dakota and Enid, Oklahoma, also survives, to whom Ken and family are deeply grateful for her loving care and friendship she has provided Rosie and Ken throughout the years, and especially during Rosie’s final days.

Rosie was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Dorothy (Eugene) Higgins; brothers, Arny Roos and Sonny Roos; granddaughter, Lynn Burge; son-in-law, Peter Stark; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Rosie will be laid to rest in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Carthage, South Dakota, following a Celebration of Life Service in Newell, South Dakota, both of which will be held at a later date. Condolences to the family may be sent to: Kenneth Johnson, P.O. Box 104, Marion, South Dakota 57043.