Phyllis Jean Sona, 93, of Flandreau, SD, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2023 at United Living Community in Brookings, SD. Private family services will be held at a future date.

Phyllis Jean Sona "Grandma Jean" was born on February 23,1931 in Flandreau SD, to Lovell Blanchard and Myrtle (King) Blanchard. She received her education in Flandreau SD. On November 30, 1948, she married Donald Erickson. Donald passed away April 7, 1971. On February 26, 1975, she married Sam Sona. On February 24, 1976, Sam passed away.

Phyllis had no children; however, she spent a great deal of her life caring for her nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews as if they were her own. When she was younger, Donald and Phyllis loved riding their brand-new Harley Davidson. She also loved fishing, crocheting, knitting, and also making embroidered dish towels.

Phyllis was an avid elephant collector and LOVED "everything purple". She loved attending the Nebraska Cornhusker football games with her late brother, Robert (Doc) and late sister-in-law, Jean. She also worked for her dear friend at the Hallmark store in Sioux Falls before moving to Egan SD, and loved family get-togethers.

She is survived by one sister, Linda Kilber, of Flandreau; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Lovell and Myrtle; one baby brother, Richard; husband Donald, husband Sam; sister Vivian; brother-in-law Fred Cave; brother Robert Blanchard; sister-in-law Jean; brother-in-law Ed Kilber; nephew Corey Kilber; and several other distant family relatives.