Phyllis R Johnson

Phyllis Ruth Russell Johnson, age 89, died May 29, 2013. She was born in Duluth in 1923, the daughter of Ruth and Clinton F. Russell and granddaughter of N.F. Russell, co-founder of Bridgeman-Russell Co. She graduated from Stanbrook Hall, Monticello College at Alton, IL. and Katherine Gibbs. Phyllis worked at the old First American Bank, Jenswold, Butchart & Dahle & Butchart; Fredin & Eaton law firms. Phyllis also worked as secretary to the patent attorney at Carnation Co., Los Angeles. She sailed to Europe on the maiden voyage of the Andrea Doria. She worked as a dormitory counselor for 4 years at Nurnberg American High School. Phyllis traveled extensively summers and holidays while in Europe. She returned to Duluth in July, 1957. She and Kenneth Allen Johnson were married May 24, 1958.

Phyllis was a lifetime member of Pilgrim Congregational Church, the Duluth Woman’s Club, Northland Country Club, the Junior League of Duluth, and the Dum Dums card club. She had been a volunteer at St. Mary’s, St. Lukes, Glensheen, and Amerian Field Service. She was well known for the great estate sales she conducted for a number of years.

Phyllis is survived by her children Jennifer Johnson of Duluth, Scott (Beth) Johnson of Seward, AK, Ruth (Ray) Schwengler of St. Anne, IL, and Jean (Rick) Schwengler of Duluth; grandchildren, David (Melinda), Paul, Rebecca, Alec, Nick, Simon, and Abigail; and great grandchildren, Karys, Malachi, and Cyrus. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Jean Parker and brother-in-law, Frank Parker.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101, The Duluth Union Gospel Mission, 219 E 1st Street, Duluth, MN 55802 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2025 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

The family would like to thank caregivers Mary, Karen, Sheryl, Tide and Neema as well as the staff of Nurses That Care, Debbie (Owner), Cory (Aide), Melanie (RN), and Clara (RN) for the attentive loving care given to their mother.

Visitation: 1:30 p.m. until the 2:30 p.m. Memorial Service, Sunday, June 9, 2013 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 2310 E 4th Street, in Duluth. To leave a memory of Phyllis or words of support, please visit www.bellbrothersjarvidowd.com