Phyllis Ruth Harrison

Phyllis R. Harrison (Hines), Brainerd, MN, died peacefully on May 20, 2022. She will be remembered as a loving and compassionate person, touching countless lives during her 98 years.

Phyllis was born September 23, 1923 in Cumberland, Wisconsin. In 1943 she enlisted in the U.S. Navy WAVES as a hospital corpsman. While stationed at the Naval Air Base at Grosse Ile, MI, she met her future husband, Roger Harrison, based there as a Navy pilot.

Her greatest joy in life was the love for her six children. Throughout her 98 years she enjoyed painting, music, birding, flower gardening, reading, and travel. She had a profound passion and admiration of wildlife and nature. Her fondest memories were those spent with family and friends at home on Gull Lake. Phyllis’ presence will continue to touch people’s lives each time one hears a bird sing or embraces the beauty of a flower garden.

Phyllis is survived by six children: Jacqui (Todd Fischer) Knudsen; Nancy (Jack) Malo; Patty (Dan) Sura; John (Valerie) Harrison; Joni (Ken) Lee; Jim (Amy) Harrison, plus twelve grandchildren and many great and great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are her brothers Ben and Jim; and sister-in-law Jean Widmark. Preceded in death by her husband and soulmate of 68 years, Roger Harrison, parents Boyd & Ruth Hines, brothers Bruce and Eugene, sister Barbara and step-mother Helen.

A private family service will be held after which Phyllis will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. Special thanks to the dedicated staff at Edgewood Vista where Phyllis lived her last 7 years.

Caring for Phyllis and her family
Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home
Brainerd 218 829 3581