Phyllis A. Desserault

Phyllis Annette (Fine) Desserault was born on August 4, 1943, in Camas, Washington, to Lester and Lavern Fine.

She began her education in Glenwood, Washington, before moving to Goldendale and later to Moxee, where she completed grade school at Holy Rosary Catholic School. Phyllis graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1961, an all-girls school in Yakima. She met and married her first husband, Darrell Desserault, who attended Marquette Catholic High School, and together they had four sons: Duane, Don, Dean, and Dave. They spent many years on their hop farm in Mabton, where Phyllis always had a warm meal prepared.

The family enjoyed many hobbies together, including snowmobiling, camping, water skiing, and traveling to their cabin on White Pass. Phyllis especially loved visiting relatives in Alaska.

Phyllis was a longtime member and volunteer at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, where she married Don Riel in 2005. They spent many years camping in their RV, driving to Alaska, and enjoying time with family before his passing in 2023.

Phyllis passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, at Sun Terrace in Prosser, Washington, at the age of 83.

Phyllis is survived by her four sons: Duane (Lyn), Don (Audrey), Dean (Sandra), and Dave (Charmaine); grandchildren: Dirk, Logan (Cody) McMillan, Dawson (Alyssa), Lacey (Hector), and McKinlie (Grady) Adams; and great-grandchildren: Diesel, Jameson, Stone and Remi McMillan, and Brady Desserault. She is also survived by her sister, Diann Berry, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Don Riel; her parents; and her brothers, Larry and Marty Fine.

Viewing and visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m., with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside. All are welcome to attend a graveside service that will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Moxee, followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser.. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance at www.curefa.org. Those wishing to sign Phyllis’ online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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