Phillis Thorson Obituary

“Our family is a circle of strength and love, with every birth and every union, the circle will grow, every joy shared adds more love, every crisis faced together, makes the circle stronger.”

Phillis Ilene Pierce was born November 24, 1929 in New Underwood, SD the only child to Ernest Pierce and Mildred (Welsh) Pierce. Because of her dad’s job they moved often living in Minnesota, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Wisconsin, Washington and California, finally moving to a small farm north of Philip when she was 16.

After graduating from Rapid City high school in 1947, there was a shortage of teachers for rural schools. By going to summer school for 6 weeks, you could get a certificate to teach and that is what Phillis did. She taught the Jones School for five years. It was a small rural school with four pupils. It was during this time that Leonard Thorson, the hired man for Bob Jones, would come to the schoolhouse early and build a fire in the wood stove so it would be warm when she got there. In doing so, he also lit a fire in her heart and one day he asked her if she would like to go to a basketball tournament with him and the rest is history. They were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rapid City, SD on October 16, 1948 and shared 61 years together until Leonard passed away on April 26, 2010. All because two people fell in love, they were blessed with four children, twelve grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. A legacy of love will live on through each and every one of them.

Over the years, Phillis and Leonard traveled to many places. One of the highlights was wintering in Port Aransas, TX for 20 years. Their favorite things to do were playing cards, square dancing and picking up seashells as they walked along the beach. On October 3, 2013, Phillis moved into the Hickory House in Spearfish, SD. This was one day before Storm Atlas so she spent the first four days in Belle Fouche with her son, Bill. On October 4, 2023, Phillis moved in with her daughter, Coral in Spearfish. For almost two years, they had a sweet season living together. She spent much of her time reading, playing Words with Friends, Facebook and she was always up for a game of cribbage. On August 10, 2025, Phillis moved into Heartland Assisted Living in Spearfish.

When asked what the church means to me, Phillis responded this: “The church is God’s representative here on earth. It is a body of believers. It is the building in which we worship. I believe it is important to attend the church of your choice. The fellowship of Christian love and the time of worship will enhance your life.”

Phillis was blessed with an abundant life and was truly thankful and grateful for all the people who have been a part of completing this circle of life. She leaves this world with no regrets because she had everything she needed – the love of family and friends. We thank God that He gave us as many years as He did with our Mom, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and friend. This is not goodbye but see you later.

Survivors include her children, Bill Thorson (Annette) from Belle Fourche, SD, Coral Sand from Spearfish, SD, Bob Thorson (Jodi) from Philip, SD and Crystal Thorson (Jeff) from Philip, SD. Her twelve grandchildren: Troy Thorson (Kathy), Carrie Nygard (Jonathon), Jenny Greslin (Michael), Kirby Sand (Megan), Jennie Frost, Nick Frost, Scott Jones (Abby), Jessica Flesner, Melissa Holland (Eric), David Burnett (Cori), Marcus Martinez and Blake Martinez. Her nineteen great-grandchildren: Jaxon Zeller Thorson, Carson Nygard, Chase Carey, Jefferson, Cora & Lowell Sand, Levi, Jace, Seth & Tate Greslin, Amayzie Thorson, Olivia & Owen Jones, Brexton & Cayson Flesner, Savannah & Tessa Holland and Arney & Flynn Burnett. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Janice Parsons and Zoni Thorson, along with many individual family members linked together by a golden chain of love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernie and Mildred Pierce, her husband Leonard Thorson, a son-in-law Josh Sand, Angel Baby Jude Burnett, brothers-in-law Lauren Thorson and Corky Thorson, and sisters-in-law Mildred Radway and Maxine O’Reilly.

A memorial service will be held 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at Hickory House Chapel 430 Oriole Drive Spearfish, SD 57783

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Sunday, August 2, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Philip.

Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2026 at First Lutheran Church.

Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 744 Philip, SD 57567.

Guest Book

Our thoughts and prayers. Phyillis was a sweet lady. always a smile and time to visit. She will be missed.
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St (7/23/2026)

My sympathy to the family you were blessed to have such a wonderful woman in your life for so many years as was I even though I wasn’t family she treated me like I was. She will be greatly missed.
~ Marsha Sumpter Kadoka SD (7/21/2026)

Phillis was such a kind, generous lady. She will be missed by many.
~ Dawn Coyle Philip , SD (7/22/2026)

What a wonderful lady Phillis was. We were so lucky to have Leonard and Phillis as neighbors for many years in the country. She always had a smile on her face, She will be missed by many. Hold on to the memories.
~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (7/22/2026)

Phyllis was one of the sweetest ladies I ever had the pleasure to know. My sympathy to all of her family!
~ Seanna Linafelter Spearfish (7/22/2026)

Phillis Thorson

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, July 21, 2026
at Heartland Senior Living in Spearfish at the age of 96

Service Details

Guest Book

Phillis Thorson

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at Heartland Senior Living in Spearfish at the age of 96

Service Details

Guest Book

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, July 21, 2026
at Heartland Senior Living in Spearfish at the age of 96