Phyllis Ackley Reilly, age 95, of Terry, Montana passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at the Prairie Community Nursing Home.
Phyllis, daughter of Carroll and Nellie Toepke Ackley, was born April 8, 1918 in Allard, North Dakota. She attended schools in North Dakota except for her senior year in high school when she had to go help her grandparents, Edward and Mary Ida Ackley. She was madder than a hornet according to her sister Doris. She graduated from high school in Bryant, South Dakota in 1936. She then attended Dickinson Normal School. On February 17, 1940, Phyllis and Ed Reilly of Medora, North Dakota were married in Wibaux, Montana. Ed and Phyllis lived in Western Montana and Idaho where Ed worked in the mines. They moved back to Eastern Montana where they ranched and Phyllis taught school. She taught at the Washington Country School and for 11 years the 1st and 2nd grades in Fallon, Montana. In 1963, Phyllis retired from teaching and enjoyed living at the ranch. In 1972, Ed and Phyllis bought the KOA Kampground in Troy, Montana. After they retired, they enjoyed fishing and traveling. Phyllis lived in Troy until she moved to Terry in October 2012. Phyllis enjoyed fishing, watching birds, painting and quilting with her sister Doris.
Phyllis is survived by two sons: Mike and his wife Arlo of Troy, Montana and Jim and his wife Norma of Terry, Montana; two sisters: Doris Pierce and Willa Rae Doll and one brother, Merle Ackley all of Washington; seven grandchildren: Shan, Shawn, Bernadette, Sonya, Darcy, Rhonda and Dana; and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ed in 1999; four brothers: Leslie, Everett, Jim and Clarence; and two sisters: Carol and Arlene.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 6, 2014 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Terry. Private family interment will be held on the family ranch. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Shirley Rolf says
Jim and family. Sorry to hear of the loss of your mom, Phyllis. I remember her so well when we were kids at the Tibbetts place, she was always baking and laughing. She will be missed.
Tom and Kathy Stieg says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Peggy Wilson Latrielle says
It has been over four decades since I resided in Prairie County, but I do have a vivid memory of Phyllis Reilly. She was that cute little gal from the North Side with twinkling eyes and boundless energy. It is hard to see people from my parents’ generation pass on. So many really were “The Greatest Generation.”
Diane Hubing Dresback says
Thoughts & prayers on the loss of your Mom. She was a wonderful lady.
Sue (Kirkpatrick) and Gene Cranford says
To the family of Phyllis Reilly. Phyllis had so much spunk and her smile was infectious. I am deaply sorry for your loss but she is stirring things up in Heaven and what a reunion there has been there. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Tricia and Rick Harding says
Our thoughts are with you on the passing of your Mother.
brigitte harms says
To the family of mrs Phyllis im so sorry to hear of her passing. My prayers are with you. I enjoied the short time i knew her .She was a nead Lady. brigitte and walt harms
Ken and Vicki Hess says
Our sympathy on the loss of a wonderful lady. Have a lot of good memories of a great first grade teacher that always had a smile on her face.
Vivian and Derald Reno says
We are thinking of you at this time, and send our sympathy to you.
I had Phyllis as my First and Second grade teacher in Fallon. She was
such a sweet woman.
Norm & Vonnie says
With our sympathy.
Bill & Sue Reilly says
Dear Mike, Jim & Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today as you celebrate Phyllis’s life. We have fond memories in Troy of making log boats with the kids to float on the Kootenai River and Phyllis’s boundless energy in canning, I believe, choke cherry jam. I’ll always remember her smile and laugh.
Thankfully, we enjoyed our time visiting with you in Medora and Mike’s visit to La Conner, WA. We look forward to seeing you again in the Spring. With Love, Bill & Sue Reilly
Joan and Dale Hubber says
It was so good to see you both on Saturday. Your Mom was a special woman & I’m sure you will celebrate her life. You are in our thoughts. Hugs to you, your girls and Grandkids!
Correen Major says
Jim and Norma, Mike and Arlo, I wish I could have been with you on Tuesday. Phyllis and Ed were like second parents to me and were very special. I have so many fond memories that I will forever cherish. I love you all and will continue to lift you up in prayer. Let me know when the service will be at the ranch and I will make every effort to be there.
Gloria Guffey (punky Boehmer) says
Dearest Mike and Jim!!!
So many wonderful memories of our childhood!! And lots of work!! But thought we were in the tallest cotton ever!! My love for your Mom and Dad and you boys had never left a very special corner in my heart! I only found this notice today; and have no idea if you will find this note!! I am going to send cards!!