Phyllis L. Tanin

Phyllis was born on September 1, 1931, to Glen Wesley and Gladys (Cooper) Russell in the countryside of St. John, Kansas. When she was ten years old, she moved with her parents and three brothers Norm, Keith, and Jim, to Elizabeth, Colorado, where she lived for most of her life, building lasting memories and close relationships within the community she loved. Phyllis lived a life rich in happiness, honesty, and humor. She was a source of light to everyone who knew her and is remembered for her kindness, her warm smile that lit up her eyes, her loving heart, and her remarkable ability to make others feel truly welcome and special.

On January 11, 1950, Phyllis eloped with Theodore Francis Tanin, the love of her life. They shared 58 years of marriage before Ted’s passing in 2008. Together, they raised three children Glen William, Lori Marie, and Bert Todd. She was also blessed with six grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Phyllis took great pride in her children and admired their strong work ethic. Together, Phyllis and Ted ran a dairy and farmed, working side by side to build a life rooted in hard work, dedication, and love.

Phyllis enjoyed playing dominoes with friends, doing puzzles, and writing cards to loved ones. She cherished the annual pig roast, fondly referring to it as her official birthday celebration. This event was her favorite day of the year, where she often stayed late into the night enjoying the company of family and friends. She loved the live band and all the food. A true chocolate lover, she especially enjoyed milk chocolate and most any chocolate dessert. Her favorite color was blue, and she adored sunsets, though she never cared to wake early enough for sunrises. She loved watching the clouds and truly appreciated Colorado’s beautiful mountains.

Phyllis graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1950 and dedicated her life as a farm wife, supporting her husband and her family with strength and grace. She was a longtime member of the Mountain View Social Club, where she formed many cherished friendships and remained deeply connected to the women in her community. Her amazing sense of humor and genuine love for everyone around her left a lasting legacy. She cherished the relationships she built, and her friends were viewed as family.

Phyllis’s faith in the Lord guided her life, reflecting a heartfelt love that showed in her day-to-day actions. She loved Jesus intensely and prayed daily for family and friends. Phyllis will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will forever be remembered for her kindhearted spirit and the happiness brought to everyone she met.

A visitation will be held at Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel, located at 407 Jerry Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80104, on December 29, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A graveside service is scheduled at Elizabeth Cemetery, 598 W Kiowa Ave, Elizabeth, Colorado, 80107, on December 30, 2025, at 1:00 pm.

A celebration of life service will take place at Cherry Valley Community Church, 9125 E. Greenland Road, Franktown, Colorado, 80116, on January 10, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cherry Valley Community Church - Community Prayer Garden, 9125 E. Greenland Road, Franktown, Colorado, or online at https://www.cherryvalleycommunitychurch.org/donate.