Phyllis I. Spear

Phyllis Irene Spear, age 81, of Hibbing, MN passed away June 27, 2024 following a brief and difficult battle with cancer.Phyllis was born May 22, 1943 to her beloved mother Eleanor and father Walfred Rikala. She graduated Hibbing High Scool in 1961, got married and had her only child, Sondra. Over the years she had many jobs that she loved and took pride in before retiring. She attended and taught at the cosmetology school in Hibbing. She worked in home health care and group homes where she brought music and good food, spending hours on meal planning and practicing music with "her people" to put on programs for their families.She was a deeply devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, going out of her way to help raise them all. She would find ways to help them learn and grow while creating memories. She was a constant, loving presence, full of grace and strength. Always making sure everyone ate - and had dessert.Her family has fond memories of chasing mice around the light pole in her Bronco, "going bumming" with her and friends, making old and new recipes together, and playing teacher and painting with her great-grandkids.Besides her family, she loved caring for her garden and flowers, feeding the birds (and squirrels), drawing her own fashion designs, cooking and baking, and chocolate. She could never turn away a stray, rescuing several dogs throughout her life along with some cats, sheep, and even a rooster.Her heart had no limit. If Phyllis knew you, she cared for you. She believed and saw the best in people, always trying to draw that out of them. She will be dearly missed.She is preceded in death by her parents, friends, and beloved boxer, Dusa.She lives on in her daughter, Sondra Nelson-Lowen; grandchildren, Samantha Lowen (Chais White), Ben Lowen (Erin Cullen), Meghanne (Seth) Butler, Nikolaas Lowen (Davinia Gangl); great-grandchildren, Holden Lowen, Eleanor White, and Viktoria Lowen, extended family, housemate and friend Dan Butler and many other dear friends.A private celebration of life will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Range Regional Animal Rescue in Hibbing or The Gentle Barn at gentlebarn.org.