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Phyllis Hanrahanof Philip, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026
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Phyllis Hanrahan, age 94 of Philip, SD, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Scotchman Living Center in Philip.
Phyllis J. Elshere was born on December 19, 1931, to parents Paul Leroy and Ruth R (Eymer) Elshere in Philip, SD. She was raised on the family homestead, attended grade school in Milesville and graduated from Philip High School in 1950. In her youth, Phyllis was an accomplished pianist and member of the Philip High School Band. She was also proud to become one of South
Dakota’s first female pilots at a young age.
On October 1, 1950, Phyllis married Earl Leroy (Bud) Hanrahan. They were blessed with four children: Cathy, Mark, Craig and Becky. They raised their family and lived in Milesville. Phyllis moved to town (Philip) in 1983. She suffered from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since the young age of twenty-seven but she didn’t let that stop her from being a wonderful mother, great cook and assisting Bud in a successful farm/ranch operation.
An avid Bridge player, Phyllis was also active member of her community She was a member of the Hardingrove Ladies Aide, the Hospital Auxiliary, and she worked on the Election Board both in the country and in town for many years, which may have fueled her life-long interest in politics. If she wasn’t keeping track of Washington DC, she had her eye on the weather and could tell you when the next storm was on the horizon.
Phyllis loved her family dearly and always, unconditionally. She was proud of each and every one of them. She was very close to her parents-in-law, Roy and Ada Hanrahan, who she always said treated her so well. Phyllis wanted it to be mentioned how thankful she was for Bill and Kathy Cordes as they undertook raising two of her grandchildren and two great-grandchildren as their own.
Phyllis’ quiet, loving, and gentle ways will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her. Known for her quick wit and kind-hearted humor, she had a way of responding with a soft chuckle and a smirk, always choosing grace.
Survivors include her children, Mark (Patricia) Hanrahan and Becky (Neal) Drury; grandchildren: Samantha Drury, Jessie Drury, Kalie Hanrahan, Chad (Kathy) Hanrahan, Tracie (Jeff) Ritz, Jaeson (Crystal) Hanrahan, Christal Hanrahan, Carisa (Sig) Martin, Cody (Jamie) Hanrahan, Chandra (Chad) Law, and John Erdmann; thirty-two great-grandchildren (she loved to brag about that number)and eight great-great grandchildren; sister Linda (Don) Conner; sister-in-law Joanne Parsons; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Earl (Bud) Hanrahan (1981); daughter Cathy Lou Erdmann (2009); son Craig Leroy Hanrahan (2009); granddaughter Jerrie LaRaye Cordes (2014); parents Paul and Ruth Elshere; parents-in-law Roy and Ada Hanrahan; brothers Paul and Arlie Elshere; and dear friend Jeanne Radway.
Visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 12, 2026 at the United Church in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
The luncheon will be served at the United Church and everyone is welcome. Following the luncheon burial will be at the Milesville Cemetery.
VISITATION
Sunday, January 11, 2026 - 4-6 p.m.
Rush Funeral Home
Philip, South Dakota
FUNERAL SERVICE
Monday, January 12, 2026 - 11:00 a.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
INTERMENT FOLLOWING LUNCHEON
Milesville Cemetery
Milesville, South Dakota