Phyllis Gillson, Music Educator

Phyllis L. Gillson was born Phyllis Anderson on November 6, 1925 in Kossuth County, Iowa. She graduated from Swea City, “Iowa” High School, in 1943. Mrs. Gillson received a B.A. degree from Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota in 1946. She taught music at Gibbon, MN High School 1946-1949. Phyllis then headed for Chicago and received a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University in 1950. She was a music professor at Black Hills State College, Spearfish, SD, 1950-1952. Phyllis married Gordon Gillson at her old hometown, Swea City, Iowa in 1951. She moved to Louisiana with Gordon in 1952 where he pursued graduate studies, receiving a History Ph. D. The two Gillson Daughters were born in Baton Rouge.

The Gillsons became Coloradans in 1956 as husband Gordon accepted a position on the faculty of Adams State College (University). Phyllis gave voice lessons for the music department for several years. She went back to full-time teaching in 1974 at Monte Vista, after which she taught music in the North Conejos School District 1977-1987.

Mrs. Gillson and Gordon chose to remain in Alamosa following their retirement in 1987. They were eager travelers both in Europe and in the United States. Phyllis taught bridge and was an avid golfer. She was a longtime member of P.E.O., and had served as president of chapter AE. Phyllis was a very active member of Trinity Lutheran Church & School, and served as Music Director and organist for nearly half a century. Sixty five years of happy marriage brought wife and husband ever closer together.

Mrs. Gillson is survived by her husband Gordon, by daughter Deborah Gillson of Oklahoma City, OK, by daughter Shelly Nelson of Shakopee, MN, and by four grandchildren, all of whom have earned college degrees.

There will be a visitation held on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. with a Funeral Service being held on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 1:30 P.M. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Alamosa. Following the service at the church interment will be at the Alamosa Cemetery.

Gifts may be directed to SLV Hospice, Trinity Lutheran School, The American Cancer Society, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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