Phyllis G. Thurlow

The service will be livestreamed below on Friday June 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM.

Phyllis Gayle Thurlow
May 7, 1941 – June 10, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Phyllis Gayle (Ferrie) Thurlow, 84, of Fargo, ND. She passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Phyllis was born on May 7, 1941, in Bagley, MN, to Elsie (Nelson) Ferrie and Kenneth Ferrie. She graduated from Bagley High School in 1959.

On September 15, 1961, Phyllis married the love of her life, Joel Thurlow of Fargo, ND. Together, they built a life full of love and laughter. While Joel was stationed at Warner Barracks in Bamberg, Germany, with the U.S. Army, Phyllis and Joel traveled extensively across Europe in their Volkswagen, camping in parks and immersing themselves in the local culture.

Phyllis began her career as a dental assistant in Fargo. She later became the Executive Assistant to Jack Tanner, President of American Crystal Sugar in Moorhead, MN. In her 40s, she earned her insurance license and worked for the Garry Griffith Agency until her retirement in 2010. She was an active member of the Elks Club, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Some of Phyllis’s most cherished memories were made at the family cottage on Pelican Lake, MN, built by Joel’s parents. She and Joel also loved spending time in the North Dakota Badlands, where she acted as the spotter while Joel took the shot—forming lifelong friendships in Western North Dakota. Phyllis also treasured summer trips to Lake of the Woods, MN, boating with friends and enjoying the peaceful beauty of the water and the company of good friends.

She and Joel looked forward to their annual trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico—a town that held a special place in their hearts. There, they formed lasting friendships and reunited with dear friends year after year. Together, they also explored Alaska and enjoyed river cruises throughout Europe.

Phyllis will be remembered for her quick wit, generous spirit, and deep devotion to her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Tracy (Thurlow) Lebo, and her grandsons, Jake Lebo and Josh Lebo, of Algonquin, Illinois, and her brothers, Curt (Marilyn) Ferrie, Lynn (Linnae) Ferrie, and Larry (Teresa) Ferrie.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joel; her parents, Kenneth and Elsie Ferrie; and her brother, David Ferrie.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Phyllis may be made to City of Hope to support innovative research focused on curing and treating pancreatic cancer.

Ourhope@cityofhope.org