Phyllis Smith

Phyllis Smith, age 69 of Osakis, formerly of Belgrade, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020 at the Centra Care Hospital in Long Prairie, MN.

Phyllis Jean was born on June 17, 1950 in Chippewa County, MN to George and Jeannette (Beveridge) Lange.  She attended country school, Dist. 313 for her elementary grades and then went to Montevideo High School.  On January 13, 1968, Phyllis was married to Carl Smith at the Montevideo Methodist Church.  They lived in Willmar area for the first couple of years.  Phyllis worked as a cook and baker for both the Belgrade school and the Hillcrest Restaurant in New London.  When they moved to a dairy farm near Belgrade in 1974, Phyllis helped run the farm.  From milking cows to caring for the chickens and raising her family, she never let anything slow her down.  She was a lifelong 4-H member and leader.  She loved to work outdoors, either in her garden or trimming her flowers.  She would can many quarts of produce for the winter months and was especially known for her delicious jellies and baked goods, such as homemade bread, rolls and pies.  She was at home in the kitchen from a very young age and became an excellent baker who loved to spoil her family and friends with things lovingly made by her own hand.  Playing with her kids and grandchildren brought her the most joy, however.  Traveling and working on puzzles kept her busy in retirement and she enjoyed living by Lake Osakis. She was a member of the Crow River Lutheran church and kept a daily devotional close by for inspiration and connecting with her Lord.  Phyllis loved to decorate for the holidays and was ready to tease and get in on a good joke.  She was humble and kind and will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew her.

Left to mourn her passing is her husband of 52 years, Carl Smith of Osakis; her children, Carrie (John) Olson of Ortonville, Paula (Pete) Spinweber of Lake Worth, FL, Pamela Smith of Minneapolis and Kyle (Jessica) Smith of Windom, MN; 7 grandchildren, Sawyer, Carly and Kirby Olson, Ada, Leah, Royce and Stella Smith; siblings, Robert (Diana) Lange of Kimball, Roger Lange, Barbara (Richard) Lewis and Velma (Randy) Ahlgrim, all of Minneapolis; many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Morris Lange.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020 at 11:00 am at the Crow River Lutheran Church in Belgrade with Rev. John Dalen officiating with music performed by Rich and Faye Lewis.  Scripture readings and memories will be shared by Kyle Smith and Paula Spinweber, with Urn Bearer being her daughter, Pam Smith.  Honorary Bearers are her grandchildren, Sawyer Olson, Ada Smith, Carly Olson, Kirby Olson, Leah Smith, Royce Smith and Stella Smith.  A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall after the service.

Arrangements are by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN