Phyllis Ann Markussen, 83, of Madrid, Nebraska, passed away August 9, 2026, at Western Sky Community Nursing Home in Grant, Nebraska.

Phyllis was born October 25, 1942, in Ogallala, Nebraska, to Clyde T. Markussen and Merna M. (Brockmoller) Markussen, the second of eight children. She started school in Gothenburg, and in 1958 the family moved to Ogallala, where she attended Ogallala High School.

After high school, Phyllis worked at TRW/American Shizuki, where she spent much of her career. Following her retirement, she worked for a time with her brother, Buck, at Precision Machinery. Phyllis was known for her feisty spirit and her devotion to her family. She was a steady caregiver to her parents in their later years, something her siblings appreciated deeply, and she rarely missed a chance to cheer on a niece or nephew, whether it was high school football, volleyball, softball, or baseball. She loved her Huskers and the Colorado Avalanche, followed the Kansas City Chiefs, and always enjoyed attending the rodeo over the years.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Karen Ruth Hershfeldt; and her brothers-in-law, Lon Hollingsworth, Rex Harrington, Jay Hollingsworth, Steve Talley, and Roger Biggs.

She is survived by her daughter, Daina Markussen of Madrid; siblings, Barb Harrington of Ovid, Colorado, Buck Markussen and wife Judy of Ogallala, Connie Biggs of Norton, Kansas, Bev Hollingsworth of Sedgwick, Colorado, Sandy Talley of Ogallala, and Terrie Hollingsworth of Sedgwick, Colorado; brother-in-law, Gary Hershfeldt of Holyoke, Colorado; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Arthur Cemetery with Chaplain Robin Storer officiating.

A memorial has been established in Phyllis's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.