December 5, 1937– August 21, 2026_____________
Sister Phyllis Gill, 88, of Sioux Falls, a Sister of the of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died peacefully on August 21, 2026 at Presentation Center in Sioux Falls.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, August 25 at Presentation Place Chapel, Aberdeen with interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Aberdeen. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Feeding South Dakota.
Phyllis Ann Gill was born December 5, 1937, in Timber Lake, to Lester and Genevieve (Schamp) Gill. She was raised on a farm near Timber Lake and graduated from Timber Lake High School in 1955. On September 4, 1955, she entered Presentation Convent in Aberdeen and began her studies at Presentation Junior College where she earned an associate degree. Upon entering religious life, she received the name Sister Genevieve, a name she carried until 1982 when she returned to her baptismal name, Phyllis.
Sister Phyllis devoted her early ministry years to teaching in el‑ementary schools across Minnesota, Montana and South Dakota. During those years, she completed her bach‑elor’s degree in elementary education through summer studies at Northern State University, Aberdeen. In 1972, she moved to the Crow Creek Indian Reservation, serving faithfully in par‑ish ministry and education for three years.
Her call to serve broadened as she entered the field of social work. Sister Phyllis ministered with Catholic Family Services in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, and Mitchell; spent six years in parish ministry in Palatine, IL; served six years as Vocation Director for the Presentation Sisters; and offered compassionate care for 16 months at a daytime homeless shelter in New Orleans. She earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Nebraska in Omaha in 1991, deepening her ability to accompany individuals and families with skill and compassion.
After retiring to Presentation Heights in Aberdeen, Sister Phyllis continued to assist around the con‑vent until 2020, when she moved to Sioux Falls. She cherished time with family, enjoyed reading, and delighted in working on puzzles.
Sister Phyllis is survived by her family of Presentation Sisters; her brother Larry (Janet) of Timber Lake; and many nieces, nephews, grand‑nieces and nephews, and great‑grand‑nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters Deloras Kraft, Karen McGuire, and Nadine Coleman‑Gill; brothers‑in‑law Andrew Kraft, Bob McGuire, Q.P. Coleman and Marvin Gill; one niece; and one grandnephew.
(Larry Gill’s address is PO Box 276, Timber Lake, SD 57656)