Phyllis Miner, a longtime resident of Rapid City, departed this life with her sons at her side, on July 22, 2024. Phyllis was born in Sturgis, SD on February 5, 1935 to parents George and George Ann Keffeler. Her earliest years were spent in Viewfield and Hereford, SD, where her parents worked hard to support her, her brother, and three sisters.
Life on the prairie was hardscrabble, no electricity or running water, but Phyllis had a wonderful childhood filled with youthful adventures, familial love, and caring friends and neighbors. Phyllis and her sister, Beverly, rode horseback to school in Hereford, at one time being saved by their pony, who unerringly took them home in a sudden white-out blizzard! The family later moved to Sturgis, when her father became employed at Fort Meade, then finally settled in Whitewood. Phyllis graduated from Sturgis High School in 1952 and worked in retail for a short time.
In December of 1952, Phyllis met a handsome young man, Stanley Miner, at the Golden Wheel Dance Hall in Whitewood. After a delightful evening of dancing and conversation, she returned home, telling her mother that she had just met the man she would marry. They dated for a year and a half, them married on June 18, 1954. The newlyweds moved into a small house in Rapid City and soon after started a family. A son, Scott, was born in August of 1955, and another son, Norman, in December of 1956. Phyllis was a wonderful mother and wife who created a warm, nurturing environment in which the family thrived.
Phyllis treasured every aspect of motherhood. As her sons grew, she enthusiastically supported their activities, volunteering as Cub Scout Den Mother and Little League volunteer and scorekeeper. The home on Blaine Avenue became the hub of neighborhood kid activity, and, at times, a refuge for some. Phyllis embraced the tumult and chaos wholeheartedly. She joined in kickball games, provided snacks and refreshment, taught pinochle to her sons and their friends, and once became the unintentional dousing victim of a neighborhood water fight! Her good cheer and kind nature made her an honorary Mother to all.
After raising her sons to young adulthood, Phyllis became employed at Horace Mann Elementary School, heating and serving lunch to the students. After two years, her Principal urged her to apply for the position of School Secretary. She was hired, and spent 24 years in the Secretary office, assisting four different principals. She cherished her job, making good friends of her colleagues, and lovingly helping to guide the schoolchildren, many of whom still recall her fondly.
Phyllis made her home a place where family, friends, and even strangers were welcome. The house was frequently host to friends having coffee, out-of-town overnight guests, and extended family dinners and card parties. No crowd was too big for Phyllis!
Phyllis was a proud 51-year member of the Royal Order of the Moose, where she became a Regent. She and Stan spent innumerable days and nights there volunteering, dancing to country bands, playing bingo, and planning events. She relished her special friendships at “The Moose”. The couple were also avid travelers, visiting every state as well as England and Scotland. Their love of American history took them to many important sites around the country, especially those of Revolutionary or Civil War significance. They seldom needed a hotel as they had so many friends and relatives to visit wherever they went. In 2010, they spent their first of ten winters in Arizona City, AZ. Phyllis loved the weather, the activities at Quail Run, and the wonderful new friends they made there.
Phyllis and Stan were true soul mates. They loved and honored each other in a way that was inspiring to all who knew them. They lived their life together the way they sang together, in beautiful harmony. Phyllis was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Her big heart, wise counsel, and lovely spirit will be greatly missed.
Phyllis is survived by her sons, Scott (April) and Norman; grandchildren Aubrey Miner, Alex Miner, Kate (Logan) Kirkland, Derrick (Pilar) Fulton, Kailin Miner, and Kiann (Byron) Durham; a brother, Vernie; and sister, LaWanda.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley; her parents, George and George Ann; and her siblings, Marvin Keffeler, Evelyn Dingeman, Carol Tifft, and Beverly Schomer.
Memorial Service will be held on August 20, 2024, 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1319 Junction Avenue, Sturgis, SD. Committal service will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
