Phyllis M. Kent passed away Friday, April 12, 2024, at the age of 93, at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield, SD.

   She was born May 10, 1930, to John and Amanda Nelson and resided in Redfield her entire life. After high school, she attended Watertown Beauty School and after graduation, returned to Redfield where she married Darrell “Daisy” Kent in 1950. They were married 57 years before his death in 2007 and had a daughter Carol (Hess) now living in Spearfish, SD and a son William (Cheryl) who resides in Houston, TX. They were blessed with a granddaughter Stacey (Mike) Holzer who lives in Denver and a grandson Preston (Jana) Kent who lives in Houston, TX and 5 great-grandchildren Zachary and Alex Holzer and Mason, Hunter, and Lily Kent.

   Phyllis was a small-town lady and loved living in Redfield and could not see herself living anywhere else. She had a quiet manner and did not always talk but when she did, it was with conviction and you knew she had given things a great deal of thought. She was a member of The American Legion Auxiliary, The Order of the Eastern Star, the United Methodist Church, the Redfield Senior Center, and was a volunteer of the Hospital Auxiliary. Additionally, she was a business owner of Phyllis’ Beauty Shop and spent one day a week for 30 years providing hair services for the ladies of the Eastern Star.

   Simple things provided Phyllis with the greatest pleasures. She and Daisy loved to bowl on Friday and Saturday nights. She even went antelope hunting and got her limit but said she would leave that adventure to others next time. She loved shopping and Saturday mornings usually involved shopping with Carol and Stacey. Other adventures were had with her friend Irene and they often could be found on the road to Aberdeen or Huron. They never missed the annual state fair and the concerts were always in their plans. She loved reading novels by Danielle Steel and later moved to listening to her books on tape. She enjoyed putting puzzles together during the long South Dakota winters, challenging herself with complicated word searches, attending Shriner activities, watching the 4^th of July parade from her front yard, and out of state bus trips with friends. Spending time with family in Spearfish, Denver, and Houston were always important if she did not have to fly. She was not a fan. Her favorite pastimes, however, included music. If there was a tune playing, her toes were tapping. She enjoyed the community concerts and always looked forward to and planned for the monthly dances at the Senior Center because she loved to dance. She did not mind leading and partners were always ready for a turn around the dance floor.

   A memorial service will be at the Eastern Star Chapel on Friday, April 19, at 10:30 a.m.  Pastor Melissa Rowenhorst will officiate.  Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield. 

   In lieu of cards and flowers, please donate to the Eastern Star Home (PO Box 150, Redfield, SD, 57469) or the Redfield Methodist Church (1326 West 1^st Street, Redfield, SD, 57469). Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home (www.hykefuneralhome.com).