Phyllis Anne Shively

Phyllis A. Shively, 85, of Rochester, after a decade long battle with Alzheimer's, Phyllis passed away peacefully at Madonna Towers Nursing Care, on Christmas Eve Day. Phyllis was born on September 16, 1933 In Peoria, IL, to (Reuel) Clayton and Mildred (Land) Tate. After graduating from Peoria Central High School, she went on to earn a degree in Elementary Education from Bradley University in Peoria. Following graduation, Phyllis taught in the Peoria School district for four years, leaving to start a family. On June 15, 1957, Phyllis married David Shively. Life would bring Phyllis and Dave to Minnesota, where in 1968 she returned to teaching in the Rochester Public Schools. She attended Winona State University and received her Master's Degree in Special Education. After 25 years of teaching second and third grades, Phyllis retired in 1993. Following retirement, Phyllis tutored students in English as a second language, and also taught reading, writing and math in her home. Phyllis pursued many volunteer opportunities during her life. She was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, and packed food at Channel One Food Shelf. Phyllis also led Christian Education and Bible school at First Presbyterian Church and later joined Rochester Covenant Church, where she also taught groups, was active in the women's group and helped in the church kitchen. Phyllis and David enjoyed spending time on their sailboat in Lake City, and later traveling extensively throughout the United States and Europe. She was a generous woman with her time, loving, caring and a devout Christian woman. She had a flair for entertaining people at her home and was a devoted grandmother, always attending her grandchildren's sporting events or school activities. Phyllis is survived by sons, Eric (Nancy) of West St. Paul, MN, Dan (Jean) of Oakdale, MN and grandchildren Matthew Shively and Jenna Shively and a host of other family and friends. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband David in 2015 and by her parents Clayton and Mildred. The family wishes to express our gratitude to the staff of Madonna Nursing Care and Seasons Hospice for the kind care for our mother (in-law)/ grandma as she faced the many challenges Alzheimer's brings. And, we are ever so grateful for our special family friend Ellie Dunn for her steadfast and loving, care and support. Ellie, you and Phyllis were the best of friends here on Earth and will be again in your special places in Heaven. A memorial service to celebrate Phyllis's life will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW with the Rev. Steve Eng officiating. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 7, 2019 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, American Diabetes Association, The Mayo Clinic, or a charity of donor's choice. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com