Phyllis Ione Olson, 87, died April 15, 2019 at home in Rapid City, South Dakota.
She was born January 5, 1932 in White River, S.D. to Annie and Claude McKennett. When she was 2 years old the family moved to Rapid City.
Phyllis graduated from Rapid City High School in 1950. She attended Yankton College and the University of Wyoming before graduating from Black Hills State University. In addition, she received a master’s degree in education from SD State University.
She taught elementary school in the Rapid City School District from 1952 until retiring in 1994.
Phyllis was an active member of local and national education associations. She was a member of National Education Association, Black Hills Retired Teachers, American Association of University Women, National Organization of Women, and an honorary board member of the SD Abortion Rights Action League. She had a particular interest in the AAUW Dinner-Discussion and The Readers Group. In retirement, Phyllis was a faithful volunteer at the YMCA, RC Regional Hospital, and Community Theater.
Survivors include her two sons Warren, his wife Deborah and their daughter Elizabeth of North Plains, OR; and Dennis and his wife Danielle of Rapid City, SD; sister, Melba Ott; brother, Dale McKennett. Phyllis was preceded in death by her companion, Bill Raff.
Phyllis and Bill Raff were longtime cabin owners on West Bearskin Lake.
Private burial services are scheduled for a later date.
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