Phyllis Theresa Gifford

Phyllis Theresa (Lee) Gifford, 84, died peacefully on May, 16, 2014, at Benefis Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Montana. She had recently moved to Great Falls to enjoy her family in the last stage of her wonderful life.

Phyllis was born on January 24, 1930, to Peter and Tinka (Olsgaard) Lee in Reynolds, ND. She graduated from Hatton High School at age 16, moved to Fargo and attended Interstate Business College. She went on to work for Sweeney Brothers and A&T Supply as a bookkeeper.

Phyllis Lee married Stanley I. Gifford, a WWII veteran, on July 23, 1950, in Stjordalen Lutheran Church, Reynolds, ND. Phyllis was very dedicated to Stan’s 40 year military career. Stan and Phyllis spent time in California and Alabama for Stan’s military service, but lived the majority of their life together in Fargo.

Phyllis was happiest when she was among friends and family. She greeted everyone with her warm smile and had a cup of coffee and a homemade dessert ready for all who graced her doorway. Phyllis enjoyed traveling to visit her children and grandchildren, playing in bridge clubs, spending summers at Pelican Lake, and volunteering her time and talents in numerous ways. She was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church and the El Zagal Shrine in Fargo.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley, her parents, Peter and Tinka, and brother Vernon Lee.

She is survived by her four children, Teri (Bruce) Forde of Great Falls, MT, David (Julie) Gifford of Great Falls, MT, Cindy Potter of Tulsa, OK, Steve (Juli) Gifford of Rochester, MN; nine grandchildren, Ryan, Courtney, Jason, Ryan, Tyler, Travis, Jason, Ben and Jacob; four great-grandchildren, Beckett, Delaney, Carsen and Landen; brother Duane (Janet) Lee of Reynolds, ND; sister-in-law Penny Lee of Battle Lake, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

She was greatly loved and will be sorely missed by her family and friends.
Memorials can be directed to Messiah Lutheran Church, the El Zagal Shrine or HospiceCare.