RAPID CITY | Dr. Phyllis S. Dixon, 85, died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, at Westhills Village Health Care Facility. Phyllis was born Oct. 22, 1929, in Deadwood to Malvin and Naomi Skarsten. As a young girl, Phyllis moved with her family to Forest Grove, OR, where she graduated from high school and from Pacific University. In 1958, she moved to Rapid City. Her first job in Rapid City was that of Christian Education Director at First Presbyterian Church. Phyllis later earned her doctorate of education at Northern Colorado University in Greeley, but her heart was always in Rapid City. This is where she dedicated her life to educating and mentoring children. She taught fifth grade at South Canyon Elementary, and was proud to be principal at Pinedale, Wilson, Cleghorn and Annie Tallent/South Park elementary schools. She served as an adjunct professor at SDSU from 1970-2000. Beyond her 32 years of employment with the Rapid City public schools, Phyllis was involved as a volunteer and loved her CASA, Club for Boys, Head Start, YFS, and Casey Family children. The list of achievements and honors that Phyllis earned is long and includes the SDSM&T Outstanding Educator (1988), SD National Distinguished Elementary Principal (1990), Outstanding Teacher SDSU West River campus (1994), Rapid City Chamber Athena Award (1994) and Wind Beneath Our Wings Award (2011). In 1980, Phyllis was named one of the "10 Most Powerful Women in Rapid City" and she lived up to that honor. She served various local organizations and held board positions on many: Youth & Family Services, Rushmore Optimists, Altrusa, Black Hills Playhouse, Rapid City Regional Hospital, Keep Rapid City Beautiful, Athena Award SD, YMCA, Club for Boys, Head Start, Central States Fair, Casey Family Program, Rapid City Library, CASA, United Way, Clarkson Guest Home and Canyon Lake Senior Center to name a few. Phyllis was an avid amateur actor and played in the productions at Black Hills Playhouse, Rapid City Community Theater and Well Done Players. Perhaps you had the pleasure of meeting our Aunt Helga, the crusty comedic character Phyllis created to entertain and engage people at many community gatherings. She was also a fine musician and shared her vocal talent on many occasions. The family left behind includes son, Dr. David (Peggy) Dixon, Rapid City; grandchildren, Danielle (Andrew) Wulf and Jonathan Dixon; sister, Margaret Ann (Bill) Alexander, Santa Barbara; nieces, Malinda (Kim) Alexander and son Liam, and Melissa (Blake) Timm and daughters Sydney and Hannah. She is also survived by her extended family, Bernita Loucks, Kevin (Diana) Loucks; Shae, Kiara and Aaron Loucks; and Karmen (Jeff) Miller. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Loucks, and John Loucks. The Celebration of Phyllis' life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at First Presbyterian Church, 710 Kansas City St., with Pastor Jeff Kintner officiating. Memorials may be directed to Youth & Family Services and Westhills Village Foundation.