It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Phylliss Ann (Herber) Grubl. She passed away on December 23, 2023 at the family ranch in Alkali.
On March 23, 1944, Margaret and John Herber introduced their daughter, Phylliss, to the world. She grew up in Kadoka and attended elementary school there. She then attended St. Martin’s Academy in Sturgis, where she met the love of her life, Robert James Grubl.
While at St. Martin’s Academy, Phylliss successfully completed a cabinet-making course. Later, she accomplished a completion of a course in Bovine AI and Reproductive Management, an EMT course, and even attended a School of Self Defense where she was awarded the rank of brown belt.
Robert and Phylliss were married on October 20, 1962 in Phillip, SD and made their home on the Grubl family ranch where they raised their six children: Doris, Jay, Mike, Jason, Christine, and Shane. Phylliss was very active in the daily operations of ranching, including working cattle and putting up hay. She was always very proud of the role she took in their Black Hills Charolais operation and later found joy in raising ostriches.
In her spare time, Phylliss enjoyed spending time with family and friends, as well as, fishing, canning, singing, homeopathic herbalism, gardening, and learning/teaching all there is to know about life. She loved being present for her children and grandchildren’s activities, no matter the distance traveled.
As we look back on memories of Phylliss, we think of gardens and fresh, country air. We think of holidays spent with family and her banana cream pie with homemade eggnog. We think of big hugs, loud voices, and long games of cards around the table with family and friends. When you pulled up to the ranch, you were greeted with plenty of barn cats and dogs, sunshine, and views of the Black Hills beyond the gates.
Upon opening the car door, you were met with the sounds of laughter from the kitchen windows, which made you eager to enter, as you didn’t want to miss one of the siblings’ stories from growing up. There was always something cooking on the stove.
While her husband, family, and friends were talking, laughing and poking fun at one another, you could hear small voices and giggles downstairs from the grandchildren who were busy playing Ghost in the Graveyard.
This ranch had its own choir, always filled with laughs and voices of the ones she loved. May we always remember these fond memories and embrace that she is all around us waiting to listen to the laughter and love shared between her sweet children and husband now navigating their time here without her.
Above all else, Phylliss absolutely adored her family. Her husband was her loving soulmate of 61 years. Doris, Jay, Mike, Jason, Christine, and Shane were the lights of her life. She would do anything to protect them and her heart was big enough to extend that love through all their chosen partners, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
We will miss her immensely, but will carry the fond memories created with her in our hearts forever. Until we meet again.
Phylliss is survived by her husband, Robert Grubl; children, Doris (Ken) Dagman, Mike (Kami) Grubl, Jason (Jodie) Grubl, Christine (Jeff) Jensen, and Shane (Launa) Grubl; honorary daughter-in-law, Darcy Patterson; special family members, Ron (Susan) Grubl and Dave (Tanya) Septka; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Bernard (Barbara) Herber; brothers-in-law, Rodney Hockenberry and Don (Opal) Grubl; sister-in-law, Delores Palmer; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is met in heaven by her loving son, Jay Grubl; parents, John Herber and Margaret; stepfather, John Hardy; sisters, Joanne, Monica, and Theresa; and half-brother, Tony.
Visitation for Phylliss’ cremains will be held on Friday, December 29 from 4:00p.m. -6:00p.m. with a rosary prayer service commencing at 6:00p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 30 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Sturgis VFD or Sturgis Ambulance in honor of Phylliss’ memory.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
In the words of Phylliss, in order to heal your heart, say these words:
“I’m Sorry, I Love You, Forgive Me, Thank You.”
