Phyllis Ann Larson

Phyllis Ann Larson passed peacefully at home on February 9, 2025. She was born in Lewistown, PA on 11/02/1929 to Jeanette and Ward Shumaker. A graduate of Lewistown High School and Cedar Crest College, she met her husband, Don Larson in 1946 and they married in the early 50’s. After transferring to Arizona, they had four children: Debbie, Steve, Deanna and Mark Larson.

Phyllis grew up playing the piano and singing in her church choir. She devoted much of her life to her children and once they were grown that dedication trickled down to her six grandsons. She enjoyed watching them compete in sports and mature into wonderful men.

Phyllis worked as an art aide for Tucson Unified School District for many years. After retiring, she and Don built a second home in Pinetop, AZ with her daughter, Debbie and son-in-law, Dave. She found great joy in helping design and decorate their beautiful summer sanctuary. This new adventure kept her busy, providing many happy memories for the entire family. As the years progressed, her family continued to grow. She witnessed several of her grandsons marry and bless her with five great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild!

An avid University of Arizona Wildcat fan, Phyllis attended football and basketball games for decades. There isn’t a soul alive who followed the Wildcats as eagerly as Phyllis did. When she wasn’t cheering on her Cats, she relished spending time with family and friends. Several of her hobbies included reading, gardening and interior design. She possessed the Midas touch when it came to decorating for the holidays.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Audrey Horton, and granddaughter Ashlee McKinney. Phyllis is survived by her husband Donald Larry Larson, daughters Debbie Mlazovsky and Deanna McKinney and their husbands, Dave Mlazovsky and Patrick McKinney, sons Steven and Mark Larson and their wives, Lynn and Terri Larson. Grandchildren include Shane and Tyler McKinney and wives Rosa and Tiffany McKinney, Kyle and his wife Gizelle, as well as Kris, Trent and Dylan Larson. Her great grandchildren are Devante Palacious, Natalie, Myles, Parker and Linsey McKinney along with great, great granddaughter, Camiella.

No service is scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a contribution in Phyllis’ name to your charity of choice.

Phyllis Larson will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to know her.