Phyllis Ruth (Sawatzky) Friesen, 77, died on Aug. 27, 2017. She was born on June 3, 1940, in Butterfield, Minnesota, to Rev. Victor and Ruth Louise (Phifer) Sawatzky. 

On June 2, 1961, she married Ronald Lee Friesen, who preceded her in death. Mrs. Friesen graduated from Pawnee Rock (Kansas) High School and attended Bethel College (Kansas).

Phyllis and her husband lived in Tanzania, East Africa for several years. She lived in Bluffton, Ohio, the rest of her life.

Survivors include three children, Janine (Chad) Paul, Jon (Janelle) Friesen, Julie (Paul Reimer) Friesen; six grandchildren Lauren (Joe Roberts), Justin Paul, Joelle Friesen, Joshua Friesen, Ian Reimer, Leah Reimer; three siblings, Eleanor (Paul) Wiebe, Sheldon (Marietta) Sawatzky, Tim (Lela Mae) Sawatzky and a brother-in-law Martin Buhr.

Phyllis was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline Buhr. Mrs. Friesen was a member of First Mennonite Church, Bluffton. To honor her request, Phyllis will be cremated with a private graveside service to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First Mennonite Church, Bluffton. Arrangements have been entrusted to Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Service, Bluffton.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com