Phyllis Ardella Wagnild, 96
Phyllis Ardella Wagnild, 96, of Kalispell, left this life peacefully at Heritage Place Nursing Home on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Feb. 2 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell.
She was born with twin sister Ruth in East Stanwood, Washington, July 21, 1922, to Albert and Josephine (Hansen) Isachsen.
Phyllis was raised in Wolf Point, graduating from Wolf Point High School. She attended Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, earning a degree in secondary education. She taught high school English in Rufus, Oregon, Kenmare, North Dakota, and Plentywood, Montana. She later taught special education as a substitute teacher in the Kalispell School District. She married Clifford Odland Wagnild Aug. 20, 1950, at First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point. There they raised four children. The family moved to Kalispell in 1966.
Phyllis was known to have a beautiful soprano voice. She sang in the choir at Concordia College, as well as many church choirs. She often sang duets with sister Ruth for church functions. She was very active in church, attending Bible studies, teaching Sunday school and Bible school, and serving with the women for funerals and weddings. She was a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She was a wonderful cook and homemaker. Her family especially remembers her delicious breads and rolls.
Survivors include three children, Judith Gorton of Kalispell, Ruth (John) Allen of Great Falls, and Mark Wagnild of Kalispell; grandchildren, Brian Gorton, Julie Ramirez, Cindy Semple and Jim Allen; seven great-grandchildren; and 17 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; one daughter, Kristi Wagnild; her parents; brothers Alvin, Harold and Cliff; and her twin sister, Ruth Simensen.
The family wishes to express deepest gratitude to the entire Heritage Place community for the tender loving care offered to Phyllis during her four-year stay.
Memorials may be given to Heritage Place, 171 Heritage Way, Kalispell, MT 59901; or Concordia College in Moorhead, MN.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home of Kalispell is in charge of arrangements.