Phyllis Brinton

Cottage Grove- Phyllis Jean Brinton, age 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2015 at her home. She is now in Heaven with her best friend and husband Robert, of 53 years. She was born in Fort Dodge, IA, on October 31, 1926, the daughter of Mr. Tom and Mrs. Gladys Nicholson. Phyllis graduated from Nebraska Methodist School of Nursing in Omaha. She proudly served her country as a cadet nurse during WWII. Phyllis met her future husband, Robert Donald Brinton, while visiting her parents back in Fort Dodge. The neighbors were having a family reunion and they sent Robert over to borrow chairs, it was love at first sight for both Phyllis and Robert. On February 22, 1947 they were married. Phyllis and Robert spent their life raising their three children in Fort Dodge, where Phyllis worked as a nurse. After retiring Phyllis and Robert set out to travel and find new adventures, while living in Texas and Florida and Arizona. Missing the change of seasons and family, Phyllis moved to Wisconsin in 2012. Throughout her life, Phyllis enjoyed camping, traveling, Disney, googling everything she could on her computer, working crossword puzzles, and spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Phyllis was a good friend to all. She loved people and was always smiling. Phyllis is survived by her children, Kathleen Brinton, Marjorie (Roy) Tudor, and Paul (Peggy) Brinton; Sisters, Mavis Nicholson, Colleen Kellogg; grandchildren, Dr. Erin (Ric) Fetterly Martinez, Tabitha (Mike) McCoy, Kelly (Kevin) Koehler, Brienne (Robert) Backoff, Kristoffer Tudor, Nicole Brinton, Brandon Brinton, Jessi (Chad) Capron, Nathan (Carmen) Trainer, and Scott Johnson; 14 great grandchildren; and her many friends at Taylor Ridge. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert and great granddaughter, Haley Backoff. A Celebration of Phyllis's life will be held from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Taylor Ridge Community Room, 510 Westlawn Drive, Cottage Grove. Phyllis loved her community at Taylor Ridge. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family and will be used to establish a fund for a memorial bench at Taylor Ridge. Please share your memories. Cress Funeral Service is assisting the family, (608) 873-9244.