Phyllis Sanborn, 85

Phyllis Verdella Sanborn, 85, died January 16, 2013.

Phyllis was born August 25, 1927 in Algona, Iowa, to Edward and Emma (Johnson) Hammond. She attended school in Swea City, Iowa. Following her graduation from high school, Phyllis attended Bethel College in St. Paul and completed nursing school in Duluth.

On May 28, 1955 Phyllis was united in marriage to Robert Sanborn at Swea City Baptist Church. The couple moved to Robert's farm, northeast of Kensington, where they had three children, Mark, Michael and Carol. In the later 1960s, she worked with her husband at the Hoffman Good Samaritan Center. Robert was the administrator and Phyllis was the director of nursing. Phyllis completed her career at Bethany Home in Alexandria, retiring in 1975.

Phyllis and Robert sold their farm in 1991 and moved into Kensington. Robert passed away in 1997. Phyllis remained in Kensington until she moved to the Hoffman Good Samaritan Center in 2007.

Phyllis loved her church. She was a member of Kensington Covenant Church and served in the Ladies Aid, the sewing circle, and the choir. She was also a deaconess.

Phyllis enjoyed canning and baking. She made amazing breads, rolls and pies. She was known for her chocolate crazy cake and her homemade hot fudge sauce. She enjoyed sharing meals with others and loved to entertain guests in her home on Sundays with a fried chicken dinner.

Phyllis kept busy knitting, crocheting and reading. She loved her cat, dog and birds. Phyllis also enjoyed camping with Robert. Music was also a large part of her life; she sang and played the piano and the organ. Phyllis loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Sanborn; and her infant son, Michael.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Mark (Sylvia) Sanborn of Paynesville and Carol Sanborn of Alexandria; grandchildren, Matthew Sanborn, Jon Sanborn, Karl (Cara) Sanborn, Robert Sanborn, Sarah Fahlin, Molly Fahlin (Rollin Janssen), David (Savanna) Fahlin and Debby Fahlin (Bradley Olson); and great-grandchildren, Sydney and Monty; Simon and Grahm; Chad, Carson and Abigail, Ella; James, Allison, Jackson and Abby; Bryce, Aaryanna and Madisyn; and Noah.

A funeral service was held Saturday, January 19 at Kensington Covenant Church in Kensington. Interment will be held in the spring at Pike Lake Cemetery near Kensington.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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