Phyllis passed away in her home on May 23, 2024, with her family by her side. She was 92. 

Phyllis was born on October 6, 1931, in Pittsburg, CA. She was one of nine children born to Jack and Edna Munson. Her family moved to Jackson when Phyllis was in the eighth grade. In high school, she met Robert Swensen. They were married on September 10, 1950. When Robert returned from the Korean War they made their home in Jackson. Together they owned and operated Swensen’s Shoe Store.

Phyllis was a lifetime member of Amador County Soroptimist. She loved to play bridge with her friends. In 1975 Phyllis became aware of the need to transport cancer patients to Sacramento for treatment. What started out as her driving the patients in her own car quickly grew to what we know today as AMADOR STARS, which includes many vehicles and wonderful volunteers. Phyllis and “Her Crew” did a very successful Valentine’s Day box lunch that supported the efforts of transporting cancer patients. She knew that STARS and the box lunch fundraiser were successful because of the hard work of so many volunteers and the generosity of the people and businesses in Amador County. In 1993 Phyllis was named Citizen of the Year by Amador County Peace Officers Association. Once again, she would accept an award standing up and thanking the people and businesses of Amador County. She knew it would not have been possible without the generosity of the community.

Phyllis is Survived by her three children; Pam and husband Phil Collins, Rob and wife Nancy and Debbie; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Time spent with her family always made her the happiest, whether it was a family dinner, watching her grandkids/great-grandkids sports games or babysitting the little ones. Phyllis was proceeded in death by her husband Robert, son-in-law Michael Ryan and all of her siblings. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on June 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St Patrick Catholic Church in Jackson followed by a private burial at the Catholic Cemetery in Jackson. Memorial contributions may be made to Amador STARS, PO Box 208 Jackson, CA 95642 or Soroptimist International of Amador County, PO Box 1105 Jackson, CA 95642, or a charity of your choice.

Condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.danerimortuary.com