Phyllis Hazel Strong

April 29, 1933 - June 12, 2024

As published in the July 15, 2024 World-Spectator

Phyllis Hazel Strong, beloved wife of the late Donald Strong, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the Southeast Integrated Care Centre LTC Moosomin, at the age of 91 years. Phyllis was born at her paternal grandparents’ home, 16-17-33 W1, Saskatchewan, on April 29, 1933, the eldest daughter of Elmer and Impi Knuttila.

St. John’s Lutheran was the family’s faith base. She considered it her church all of her life.

At six years old she started school at Woodleigh. The language at home was Finn, so as well as adjusting to school, she had to learn English. After a cold, winter walk to school, it was the Knuttila children’s job to light the fire to warm the schoolhouse.

Phyllis took a secretarial course. Her first position was Clerk Stenographer with the Department of Agriculture at Moosomin in 1952. The wages were $113 per month. After that she worked in Melfort.

In July of 1955 she married Donald Strong at St. John’s Lutheran Church, New Finland. It was the beginning of a 66 year union.

Donald’s family had always lived on the homestead farm, NW 1/4 32-16-32 W1. The new couple also made their home on the farm, raising their children Brent and Tammy. During their farm life they grew grain and raised cattle, pigs and chickens.

Phyllis tended a large garden to harvest as well as preserving saskatoons, raspberries, rhubarb, pears, peaches and cherries.

She was an active member in the United Church, fulfilling duties with the Pathfinders Women’s Organization and the Explorers Youth Group.

Family gatherings, whatever the reason, were important and enjoyed. The Knutilla reunions kept the family in touch.

Life activities, aside from work, included dancing, sports, time at the lake, cards, puzzles, sewing, crafting, cake decorating, and following curling on TV.

Trips to Weslaco, Texas and Coldwater, Ontario, as well as travels to Alberta, British Columbia, and throughout Saskatchewan to visit family and friends were highlights for Phyllis and Donnie.

Phyllis loved kids, especially being blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren to love and enjoy.

Her son Brent carried on the farm and they lived together and worked together.

Phyllis and Donnie moved to Rocanville in 1988.

Phyllis leaves to cherish her memory, her son Brent (Christine), Clark Strong, Donny, Karen (Jeremy) Chevrier, Blair, Regan, Quinn, Amanda (Jesse) Godwin, Hudson and Liv; her daughter Tammy Vizer, Andrew (Jamie) Vizer, Kayleigh, Loralie, Victoria, Andrew, Tiffany Vizer (Chris Bergenhenegouwen); sister Ruby (Arnold) Louma; brothers Cecil (Lynn) Knuttila, Gordon (Marilyn) Knuttila; sisters-in-law Colleen Knuttila and Gaylene Owens; brother-in-law Cal Larway; in-laws Ross and Helen Strong; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Donald; her parents Elmer and Impi Knuttila; parents-in-law Clark and Olive Strong; brothers Larry, Leslie, Keith and Stanley; sisters Jean Larway, Shirley Wotton, Ruth Knuttila; sisters-in-law Irene Knuttila, Barb Knuttila and June Knuttila; brothers-in-law Albert Wotton, Ross Fergusson and Joe Owens; and nephew Kerry Knuttila.

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