Phyllis was born on September 9th, 1932 to her father, Hans William Hansen and mother, Jenny Marie Linn. Phyllis received all of her schooling in Salina, Kansas graduating from Salina High School in 1950. She then went on to attend Kansas Wesleyan University for two years. Phyllis was a Gamma Delta Gamma Sorority Member and served on the Advance Newspaper where student staff published the school newspaper. Phyllis was an honor student, majoring in music playing the violin. Her scholarship would have taken her through to graduating at Kansas Wesleyan University.
In Madera Phyllis worked for her husband Garold in the Civil Engineering business and was active in the church, Bible studies, her Engineers Wives & PEO Club. She was also an honorary member of the Madera Rotary Club and spent many hours traveling with her husband during his years assisting and serving as Rotary District Governor. Phyllis joined with several families in starting the Madera Community Church, now known as Grace Community Church.
Phyllis was interested in quilting all of her life, so in 1980, she had the opportunity to start and open a quilting and needlecraft store she called the Patchwork Pansy. Though much of her time was spent with church, family and grandchildren, she still ventured to start a Quilter’s Guild that rapidly grew to its current membership. Phyllis attended her 25 Year Celebration of the Quilter’s Guild Society this year and also received from P.E.O. her 50 Year Membership Pin. She loved having people in her home and often hosted many parties and fundraisers in her home and lovely gardens. She loved the holidays and especially Christmas. She is adored by her family and will be greatly missed until we are united again in the dwelling place that God has prepared for those who love Him.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Hans & Jenny Hansen and her brother Lynn Hansen. She is survived by her husband of 65 years Garold D. (Gary), her son and daughter-in-law Lt. Col. Michael Giersch & Sandy of Madera, their two children David Giersch & Ashley of Citrus Heights, Richard & wife Ashley of Roseville, Ca., their foster son Chris & wife Janet of Fresno, her daughter Janet & husband Thomas Baird of Madera and their son Jeremiah and wife Nikki of Fresno, her son Barry & wife Sarah of Clovis and two children Darren & Allison, daughter-in-law Bernadette Giersch of Madera, granddaughters Brittany & Michael Muhareb of Fresno, Breanna & Caleb Priddy of Irving, Texas, Bailey and grandson Blake Giersch of Madera and five great grandchildren.

A Viewing will be held at Jay Chapel on Thursday, June 1, 2017 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Private Graveside Family Service will be at Arbor Vitae Cemetery in Madera.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Grace Community Church on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 11:00 am.

Remembrances may be made to Hinds Hospice, 2490 W. Shaw Ave., Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711, Grace Community Church of Madera Missions Fund 17755 Road 26, Madera, CA 93638, and The Madera Rotary Foundation c/o Phyllis Giersch, P.O. Box 135, Madera, CA 93639.

Thank You to Hinds Hospice and the Nursing Staff for their fine care.

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