Phyllis A. Ollerich

Phyllis Alice Ollerich, 89, of Dell Rapids was an angel on earth and became an angel in heaven on February 14, 2019. She was born on Dec. 22, 1929 to James Walsh Jr. and Genevieve Haley Walsh. She attended Welby Grade School, Yankton High School, and Nettleton College. She worked for Midwest Beach Printing Co., secretary for Raven Industry, School of Nursing, and a bookkeeper for Sioux Falls Livestock Co and Ollerich Cattle Co.

Phyllis met Bob Ollerich at the Arkota Ballroom. They were married on April 27, 1954. They ranched at Summit, SD., as well as farmed in Tea and Garretson. Her life was filled with 8 children that kept her busy. Fascination engulfed her at how quickly the kids grew. No matter how hard they tried they couldn’t get away with anything; she always knew who was climbing the stairs in the wee hours of the morning.

Phyllis’s life goal was to be a disciple for God. She attended St. Rose of Lima Church in Garretson, SD where she was a member of the Catholic Daughters, taught CCD, and was President of the Altar Society. She enjoyed talking with the congregation and serving coffee and goodies after mass on Sundays. She thrived on the opportunity to help another person and make a difference.

As the kids got older she traveled often and appreciated a good restaurant. The grandchildren soon arrived, and when they could sit up, she taught them to make cookies; chocolate chip and snicker doodles were the favorites. She spent many years serving as a 4-H leader. Of course we can’t forget her favorite show: Days of Our Lives. She never missed an episode since the day it started. She also enjoyed bowling and beating everyone at cards (King’s corner and solitaire were her favorites). Our mom was a quiet observer, but if you caught her at the right moment you could catch her sticking out her tongue or making a funny comment.

She is survived by husband Robert Ollerich, 8 children, Steve and Rhonda Ollerich of Dell Rapids, Tim and Vickie Ollerich of Heron Lake, MN, Beth and Kenny Jessen of Bushnell, SD, Nancy and Dallas Deranleau of Rapid City, SD, Tom Ollerich of Hartford, SD, Joleen Ollerich and Dave Ziebarth of Rapid City, SD, Lori Mittan of Craig, CO, and Brian and Lynnette Ollerich of Summit, SD. Along with 17 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 1 great- great grandchild and her sister, Janet Waggoner of Yankton

Phyllis will join her mom and dad, brothers Larry, Merle, and Ralph, and her sister Carol Kay, along with her granddaughter Brooke in heaven.

Mass of Christian Burial for Phyllis will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 18, 2019 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Interment will be in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Lennox. Visitation with the family present will be on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at Kahler Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Christian Wake Service will begin at 4:00 p.m. with the Rosary to follow.

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