Phyllis DeMent-VanHorn
May 29, 1937 ~ December 13, 2017
Phyllis Elaine DeMent-VanHorn, 80, Fargo, ND passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at Sanford Medical Center surrounded by family. She was born May 29, 1937 to Forrest and Esther Rosemore on a farm near Carrington, ND.
She married Joel Webster DeMent on January 1, 1954 and lived in Devils Lake, ND for many years. In 1972, they moved to Fargo. Together they had 4 children. She shared her love for children by caring for many children at Phyllis’ home daycare. Phyllis and Joel were married until Joel’s passing in 2000.
Phyllis married Ralph VanHorn in June 2007. Together they enjoyed spending time with their families, traveling, and going for rides with their dog Emma Lou.
Gardening was one of Phyllis’s passions. From starting flowers by seed in the basement of her home to making many trips to area garden centers to find just the right variety and color, she spent numerous hours planting, watering, weeding, and caring for her flowers. Her back yard garden was palet of color and beauty, and she was happiest when she was up to her elbows in dirt. In July 2010, she was selected as one of the featured gardens in the Soroptomists’ Annual Garden Tour. She also loved fishing, taking care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending swim meets and basketball games, cooking, baking, and hosting family holidays.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law Dwaine and Janice Rosemore; and her son Michael DeMent. She is survived by her two brothers Myron (Juliet) Rosemore and Elroy (Margo) Rosemore; one son Curt (Sharon) DeMent; two daughters Shari Craik and Michelle (Bruce) Donarski; 10 grandchildren: Liza (Nate) Gion, Stephanie (Shaun) Carlson, Stacey Sell, Shawn DeMent, Tiffany Torrey, Kailey and Abby Donarski, Phillip (Hanneli) VanHorn, Zachary VanHorn and Brittany (Taylor) Hempel; and 9 great-grandchildren: Tayler and Makayla Jensen, Skylar and Eva Gion, Kaeleb and Zander Torrey, Bailey and Kyrstin DeMent; and William VanHorn, and her dog Emma Lou.
Memorial Service: 1 PM Monday at Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo – North Campus
Visitation: one hour prior to the service in the church on Monday
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So sorry to hear of Phyllis’ passing. She was a great lady. We are unable to attend her services as we are wintering in Port Aransas, Tx
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I knew Phyllis for years and she was a great person. May she rest in peace in the arms of our Lord.
A wonderful person has joined heaven. Liza summed it up so beautiful in her tribute to Phyllis. May the angels gather around her. Sylvia and Les Gion.
Sorry for your loss. Lots of love and prayers being sent from the Morgan family.
So very sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful neighbor and friend. I have so many wonderful memories of her and your family. Her laughter was an infectious one and I am sure she is stirring up the Angels in heaven; can’t you hear the giggling?
We are so sorry for your loss- We all loved spending time with Phyllis, she was always so welcoming, fun and had a heart of gold. Love and prayers to your entire family. I hope heaven plays lots of rock-n-roll, she will keep things moving up there!