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Phylis C. Rix passed away peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, December 15, 2018 in Cresco Iowa.  

From her birth to Pearl (Fuss) and Lars Rue at the Halverson House in Ridgeway on August 22,1933 to her death she nourished people around her with love, faith and food.  She lived in Ridgeway from childhood to high school and made many friends; some still gather weekly in Ridgeway. She enjoyed her adventures living for one summer in Minneapolis and another in Des Moines.   

In September of 1950 she married Gene Perry and they had two sons and two daughters; all lived in various Howard County homes.  In 1975, Phylis met and fell in love with Merlin Rix.  They married in July 24, 1976.  Together they created one large family filled with love and laughter.  

Phylis and Merlin welcomed many grandchildren and great grandchildren who were the light of their lives.  She held and nurtured each of these babies, drinking in their downy heads and reveling in each small miracle. Her greatest joy was watching her grandchildren play basketball, sing in concerts, dance in recitals, act in plays, wrestle, play volleyball, bicycling, listening to hunting stories, and, of course, baking cookies with them.  

Phylis had a career of care, first at Reutlinger’s Nursing Home and then Evans Memorial Home as a nursing aide, med aide and later as a physical therapy aide.  Following her retirement, volunteering was an important part of her life.  Her involvement with the Meals on Wheels, Food Bank Programs and First Lutheran Church Circle suited her giving nature and social manner.  

Phylis is preceded in death by her parents, Lars and Pearl Rue, her beloved sister, Eileen and her husband, the love of her life, Merlin Rix.  She is survived by her children, Les (Jean) Perry, Riceville; Greg (Cyndy) Perry, Byron, MN; Kathleen Perry Dyer (Charles), Aptos, CA; Jane Perry, Waverly; Juanita Rix, Rochester, MN; Mark (Brenda) Rix, Cresco; and Frank (Becky) Rix, Kasson, MN, her thirteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

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