Phyllis Farrell

Phyllis Sylvia (Smith) Farrell, age 103, of Dalton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at her home with her loving family by her side.

Phyllis was born on September 3, 1922, on the family farm near Galesburg, North Dakota, the daughter of Henry and Selma (Stundahl) Smith. In the fall of 1943, she met the love of her life, Jack Dixon Farrell. The couple was united in marriage on December 27, 1948, at the Lutheran Church in Halstad, Minnesota. Together, they lived their lives as devout Christians, passing their strong faith down to their children and families.

Following their marriage, they briefly lived in Milwaukee before buying their beloved family farm in Dalton, Wisconsin. There, they raised their four children, who continue to reside on the family farm with their own families today.

Phyllis was an entrepreneurial and hardworking woman. She initially started a fabric and custom sewing business right out of her farmhouse before expanding and moving the business to a larger storefront in Portage. After closing her business, she began working at the Wyocena Nursing Home, from which she retired in 1987. Retirement didn’t slow her down, and she kept herself very busy at home.

Phyllis was the last surviving sibling of 13 children. She lost her last living sister on June 13, 2024, a loss that was deeply felt. However, the profound connection she shared with each of her siblings lives on through her many nieces and nephews, keeping the extended family incredibly close.

Known as the sweetest and most considerate person, Phyllis was loved by all who knew her. Her remarkable milestone birthdays both her 100th and 101st—were celebrated with packed open houses, surrounded by an amazing outpouring of heartfelt love and support. She kept her spirits high by playing cards with friends and family, and cheering on her favorite old Westerns, especially Gunsmoke. She greatly loved visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all thought "Grandma Phyllis" was the absolute best. Her home was always filled with overwhelming love and a steady stream of visitors, including nieces, nephews, neighbors, and church members from both St. John’s in Montello and Grace Lutheran in Dalton.

Phyllis is survived by three daughters: Roxanne (Martin) Schmanke, Laurie (Herb) Beahm, and Julie (Todd) Klawitter; her daughter-in-law, Lilah Farrell; 11 grandchildren: Rebecca (Mark) Kearns, Cody (Michelle) Farrell, Sally (Curtis) Cutsforth, Sylvia (Jake) Straschinske, William (Alyssa) Beahm, Tara (Sean) Nelson, Paige (Johnny) Dahlke, Kalani (Gary) Alberts, Ben (Heather) Moderow, Tyler (Kristin) Moderow, and Noah (Diana) Moderow; and 22 great-grandchildren: Colter and Kylie Kearns; Carter, Cash, Charlie, and Collins Farrell; Thomas and Melanie Cutsforth; Benton, Nora, and Lorelei Straschinske; Wyatt, Jameson, and Beckett Beahm; Julianna and Camilla Nelson; Sakara, Kiara, Braedy, Kaeden, and Evellyn Alberts; Austin, Taylor, and Carter Bell Moderow; and Landon and Madelynn Moderow. She is further survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Jack Dixon Farrell; her son, Michael Henry Farrell; her grandson, Colter Henry Farrell; and all 12 of her siblings, along with many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. May they all rest in peace as they join together in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ.

A funeral service for Phyllis Farrell will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 26, 2026 at Grace Lutheran Church in Dalton with Rev. Jason Jobs officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery, Town of Buffalo. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the family for a memorial that will be established in Phyllis’s name.

Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Montello and Oxford is honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com