As a toddler of two, Phylis was put down for a nap while her mother was busy cooking in the kitchen when she toddled into the kitchen pulling the cord to an electric skillet with hot grease pouring it over her head. This traumatic injury plagued her throughout her whole life. She was a trooper and learned to walk and talk again, but her injuries manifested later in life.
She graduated from Walhalla High School in 1973 and went on to receive her CNA working her first job at the nursing home in Langdon in 1974. That same year, she met and married William Thomasson in Olga, ND. To this union, two children were born, Sarah in 1976 and Michael in 1981.
Phylis worked in the kitchen at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital for a time in the ‘80s. Later, she and Billy parted ways. Phylis lived alone in Cavalier until it was evident that she was unable to care for herself and became a resident of the Borg Pioneer Memorial Home in Mountain, ND where she resided until her death. Phylis’ faith and love for God was her treasure as she practiced it always in confidence knowing she belonged to Him. Her humor was as sharp and sweet as divinity! She will be missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents Dwayne and Annette Gratton, maternal grandparents Ralph and Agnes (Gendreau) Roberge, paternal grandparents Harvey and Eugenia (Brusseau) Gratton, and great nephew Jakob Byron.
Phylis is survived by her two children, Sarah Thomasson of Grand Forks, ND and Michael Thomasson of Cavalier, ND, brothers and sisters Roger Gratton, Drayton, ND, Evelyn McKay (Willie) Mountain, ND, Del Gratton (Candy) Grand Forks, ND, Sylvia Moore (Tim) Mountain, ND and Anita (Daniel) Fernandez, Dove Creek, Colorado as well as her loving Borg family, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Phylis passed away Thursday, January 19th, 2023 at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital at the age of 68.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. at the St. Brigid’s Catholic Church in Cavalier, ND. Visitation at the church for one hour before the time of services.