Phyllis Retterath, 83, Garrison, died on Monday, August 17, 2015 at her home in Garrison. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10:30 am at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Garrison. A rosary and vigil service will be held on Thursday at 7:00 pm at the church. Burial will be at St. Nicholas Catholic Cemetery in Garrison.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 12 – 4 at Thompson Funeral Home in Garrison.

Phyllis Irene Retterath was born September 5, 1931 in McVille, ND to C. S. "Sid" and Edwidge "Tuts" (Scott) Bjorlie. She was raised and educated in Minot, graduating from Minot Model School in 1949. She furthered her education at Minot State University and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, majoring in English.
Phyllis married Robert "Bob" Retterath on December 27, 1954 in Minot, ND at Little Flower Catholic Church in Minot, ND. They made their home in rural Douglas, ND. Phyllis taught English for several years before becoming a homemaker, helping with the farming operation and raising their family.

Phyllis was well known for her cooking and baking; especially her homemade buns. She was also an excellent seamstress. She was an avid reader, loved crossword puzzles, and playing card games.
Phyllis, above all, was an active, engaged and loving wife and mother. She gave all of her heart and devotion to her husband Bob, modeling to her children a lifelong commitment of love for more than 60 years of marriage. That same everlasting love was also shown to her children, teaching each of them values, life skills, the importance of education, and the unconditional love that they have passed on to their children. She never missed her children's activities and was always the most enthusiastic supporter. Together, Phyllis and Bob, worked the farm, raised children, loved God, and built a beautiful life legacy.

Phyllis will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her family, however, rejoices that she was readily received into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Bob; daughters, Cherie (Brett) McAtee, Rugby, ND, Shelly (Jim) Davis, South Jordan, UT; Sons, Bruce (Linda) Retterath, Grand Rapids, MI, Mark (Julie) Retterath, Garrison, ND; Mike (Audra) Retterath, Woodbury, MN; grandchildren, Luke (Greta), Lindsey, David (Leanna), and Zach (Kara) Retterath, Kelsey and David (Fiancee' Carleigh Lider) McAtee, Dan Davis, Jessica (Mitch) Collins, Nicole Ballard, Josh (Chelsey) Retterath, Andrea (Zach ) Wentz, Syndey Retterath, Chris (Fiancee' Skylar Hoyt), Alissa, and Austin Retterath; and 5 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son, Robert Jay, son, Todd Retterath, grandson, Matthew Retterath, and sister, Clarice Brusseau.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to St. Alexius Hospice.