Phyllis Norby

Phyllis Norby passed away Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018. A memorial service honoring Phyllis will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Zion Lutheran Church, located three miles northeast of Watson.

Phyllis Rae (Norby) Kuntz passed into the arms of our Heavenly Father on February 20, 2018 surrounded by family, at the Shelby House due to CHF. Mom was born July 3, 1933, the only child of Terry and Mabel Torrey, in Sisseton, SD. Most of her youth was spent in Montevideo, MN where she graduated from Montevideo High School in 1951.

Mom married Dennis Norby on June 1, 1952 and they enjoyed 46 plus years of marriage.

Together they raised 3 children on their farm near Watson, Mn. where they were busy with dairy cattle and raising crops. As a young mother, Mom had plenty of energy to share in the kids’ activities such as sledding, games, horseback riding, swimming at the lake and more. She would have fresh homemade bread waiting for us after school, help with the milking and clean the bulk tank, cook big dinners for the hay crew and still have time to keep up a big house. Mom liked to bake and made at least 1000 pans of toffee bars throughout her life. She thoroughly enjoyed attending her children’s activities whether it was a concert or a football game! Mom and Dad loved to visit the “kids” when we moved to Montana and Kansas and spend time with their grandkids. Becoming a Grandma and Great-Grandma was one of her greatest joys in life!

Mom was an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church and later, the Immanuel Lutheran Church. She played piano, taught Sunday School and was active in Ladies Aid and Circle (Bible study). Her faith in God never wavered and she prayed daily for her family and friends.

Our family was active in the Milan Saddle Club and made life long friends on the trail rides. Mom and Dad would load up 5 horses in a big old stock truck, 3 kids, and a hotdish and head down the road for a trail ride on many Sunday afternoons. Mom continued to ride her horse every day for many years.

Dad passed away in 1998 and Mom moved to Helena, Montana in 2003 to be closer to family. She enjoyed volunteering at the Good Samaritan Store, attending concerts and events in Helena, and spending time with family. Visits to Kansas to see family were always special times for her.

Mom married Robert (Bob) Kuntz in 2009. They enjoyed traveling to Ireland and Europe, going to concerts, and taking the houseboat out on the lake. Mom and Bob started living at the Shelby House (assisted living) following a car accident in 2014. Mom called the Shelby House the “House of Love” and we are very thankful for the excellent care she received.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Denny who was the love of her life, and by her Golden Years husband, Bob Kuntz.

She is survived by her 3 children: Debbie (David) Klein, Helena, MT, Lori (Jim Franchi) Norby, Boulder, MT and David (Nancy) Norby, Healy, KS. She leaves 3 grandchildren: Ashley Norby (Ricky) Baker, Matthew Norby and Jessica Klein (Zach) Lukenbill and 3 great-granchildren: Reid Baker, Madison Lukenbill and Sawyer Lukenbill.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to a memorial of choice.

We love you mom and will miss you! Your spirit of adventure, love of family and love of the Lord is the legacy by which we will remember you!