Phyllis M. First, age 102, of Durant, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at her home. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 30, at Bentley Funeral Home, Durant. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 29, at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Durant Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or the Durant Ambulance. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com
Phyllis was born on March 21, 1923, the daughter of John and Angela (Krusch) Giesel in Ocheyedan. She attended Ocheyedan Schools. Phyllis married Henry First on Aug. 24, 1941, in Ocheyedan. Henry passed away on Dec. 13, 1984. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Larry and Patricia.
Phyllis lived a full and meaningful life rooted in hard work, faith, family, and community. Over the years, she worked as a waitress, in a grocery store, and later sorting corn for Pioneer Seed in Durant. In addition to her working years, Phyllis was a devoted homemaker who took great pride in her home and yard. She especially loved being outdoors, raking and pulling weeds, and was an avid walker. Even at 102 years old, Phyllis could often be seen heading down her driveway with her walker to get the mail - something she truly loved.
A longtime member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and the Durant American Legion Auxiliary, Phyllis remained actively engaged in her community throughout her life. She enjoyed reading, doing crafts, working word search books, attending senior dining, watching Lawrence Welk, and playing cards. She also loved entertaining and welcoming visitors into her home.
Phyllis cherished time spent with her family and friends and enjoyed traveling, having taken many memorable trips with her late husband, Henry. She lived in Durant for 71 years, where she built lasting friendships and was surrounded by a large, loving family. Phyllis will be remembered for her independence, warmth, and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasures.
Phyllis will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Patricia (Richard) Juchter of Wilton; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth First of Mesquite, Nev.; six grandchildren, Dicharry (Jef) Ash, Brandi (Kenneth) Gregoire, Amy Sundquist, Trisha Wethington, Stacy Robertson and Shane (Mollie) Juchter; 15 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, John and Angela; husband, Henry; son, Larry; four brothers, Herman, Louis, John and Joe Giesel; and two sisters, Darlene First and Angela Pontow.
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