Phyllis Kransky, age 102, of Billings, MT, formerly of Miles City, MT

Phyllis Cawood Kransky, age 102, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, from injuries sustained in an accidental fall at Butterfly Assisted Kiving in Billings, Montana. Her long and remarkable life was a testament to endurance, compassion, and the quiet dignity of service.

Born on October 1, 1923, in Baker, Montana, Phyllis was the eldest daughter of Cleo and Hilda Cawood.  At age two her family moved to Ingomar, where her father worked as chief dispatcher for the Milwaukee Railroad and assisted at the famed sheep shearing pens – then the largest in the world.  Her sister, Ruth Cawood Groah, was born three years later, and together they shared a childhood shaped by the rhythms of small-town Montana life.

Phyllis began high school in Ingomar but moved with her family to Miles City, where she graduated from Custer County High School in 1941.  She went on to pursue nursing at Holy Rosary Hospital, earning her degree in 1944.  Her dedication to caregiving became a lifelong calling.

After graduation, Phyllis moved to Seattle, Washington, with a fellow nurse and began working at Children’s Orthopedic Hospital.  There, she cared for children with birth defects, polio, and tuberculosis – many of whom required iron lungs and long-term rehabilitation. Later, she relocated to Long Beach, California, where she served at the VA Hospital, caring for veterans with the same quite strength and professionalism that defined her career.

Phyllis met her future husband, Preston Elliston, on a blind date – a spark that quickly grew into lasting love.  They were married in Terry, Montana, and after a brief time in Chicago, they returned to Montana and settled in Martinsdale.  Together, they embraced the outdoors, spending cherished days fishing, hunting, camping, and even serving as caretakers of the Lennup Cemetery.

In December 1967, Preston passed away from a major heart attack, leaving Phyllis to raise their two children, Mike and Barb, with unwavering strength and grace.

In 1976, Phyllis opened an “All Levi’s” store in Miles City – a bold entrepreneurial venture that quickly became a local success.  She served as owner-operator, with her daughter Barb managing the store until leaving for college. Though Phyllis sold the business about a year later, her ability to launch and lead a thriving enterprise was yet another reflection of her determination and versatility.

Years later, at her 30-year high school reunion, Phyllis reconnected with Don Kransky.  Their bond was immediate and enduring.  Together, they shared a joyful life filled with gardening, fishing, camping, traveling, bowling, and simply enjoying each other’s company.  Don’s passing marked another profound loss, but Phyllis carried his memory with quiet devotion.

Phyllis is survived by her son Michael and his wife Debbie of Chandler, Arizona, and their children: Travis, Roy, and Grace Elliston.  She is also survived by her daughter Barbara Elliston Beaver of Billings, Montana, and Barbara’s children: Levi Beaver and his wife Alecia, and Delsie Dodge.

She is lovingly remembered by her stepdaughter Karen Varner of Colorado; her daughters-in-law Sheryl Kransky and Claudia Kransky; and her step-grandchildren: Jenny Ridenour, Jessie Beehler, Heidi and her husband Todd Ross of California, and Rick Kransky.

She also leaves behind precious great-grandchildren who loved her dearly and will carry her memory forward with pride.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Cleo and Hilda Cawood; her sister, Ruth Cawood Groah, her first husband, Preston Elliston; her second husband, Don Kransky; and her two stepsons, Bill Kransky and Rich Kransky.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.  The funeral service will take place Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City, followed by a burial at Custer County Cemetery.

Service Schedule

Visitation

1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday October 21, 2025

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Family Service

11:00 a.m.

Wednesday October 22, 2025

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Interment

Following the Funeral Service

Wednesday October 22, 2025

Custer County Cemetery

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Luncheon

Following the Interment

Wednesday October 22, 2025

The Parlor

1806 Main St.

Miles City, Montana 59301

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