05 Feb Phyllis Ann Torske

Phyllis Ann Torske, daughter of Don and Florence Scott, wife of Gary and mother of Chanda, Olise and Brian, died at CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck, ND on February 2, 2021 following a battle with long Covid.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 10, at 10:30 AM at Catholic Church of the Ascension, Bismarck, ND. A private burial will be held immediately following at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck, ND.  A livestream of the service will be available on the Bismarck Funeral Home Facebook page.

Visitation will be held Tuesday from 6-7:00 PM at the Bismarck Funeral Home with a Rosary/Prayer Service at 7:00 PM.

Phyllis was born on October 10, 1948 to Donald and Florence (Eisenmann) Scott in Bismarck, North Dakota.  She was raised in Underwood where she met her future husband, Gary.  After graduating from Underwood High School, she went on to graduate from Minot Business College in 1967.  Gary and Phyllis were joined in marriage on December 27, 1967.  Along their journey, they lived in Minot, New Town, Rhame, and Hebron, before eventually settling in Tioga, ND.  They were blessed with two biological daughters before welcoming their adopted baby boy into the family. Originally working in bank and office settings, she transitioned and made a career as a registered pharmacy technician working over 20 years at Tioga Drug.  Upon retirement, they made Bismarck their home to be closer to family.

Phyllis’s three grandchildren were her pride and joy.  Pictures of them wallpaper her home. She attended every sporting event and activity they had. She loved babysitting and would drop everything to provide taxi services to her grandkids. They each had their own special “Grandma” time; whether it was shopping at the dollar store, coffee time at City Brew or donuts at the grocery store. They will truly miss her.  She will be especially missed by her sister, Jackie, that could get her laughing uncontrollably.  She was very active at Catholic Church of the Ascension and the relationships she made there were very special to her, especially the women of Tuesday morning bible study at Boneshaker Coffee Company. Phyllis also became a dog mom later in life and will be missed by her dog, Toby, who was never far from her side.

With unwavering faith and unrelenting belief, Phyllis was a spiritual force to be reckoned with.  She was a true believer in the written word.  She could be stubborn at times, but that is what you are when you live with purpose.  She was quiet and caring; calm and guiding; nonjudgmental and compassionate.  She loved angels and was more than likely one herself as she quietly swept in and lifted her family and others up. She was on a daily mission to help someone. Never one for recognition, we continually find out she worked behind the scenes, helping others and their families. She had an affection for visiting nursing home residents, who didn’t have family, and would be there to hold their hand and pray with them while they passed away.  She held her family together, was our rock, our best friend, beloved Mother, wife and cherished Grandma. More than an angel, she was Dad’s saint.  Her life revolved around the Catholic Church and its teachings; that God is present in our daily lives and He is here to comfort us and welcome us with open arms in the end. It was a tough, beautiful and amazing moment as Phyllis entered the gates of Heaven, surrounded by her husband and children.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Gary; two daughters, Chanda Torske of Bismarck and Olise Torske of Fargo, and son Brian (Kathy) of Bismarck; three grandchildren, Jarin, Esley, and Afton of Bismarck; two brothers, Tracy (Myrt) Scott of Bismarck, Chuck (Claudette) Scott of Underwood; one sister, Jackie (Jay) Snyder of Underwood; and several nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents.

The recording of the service will be posted here.