Phyllis Elaine Chatten

Phyllis Elaine Chatten, 81, of East Peoria, IL, passed away at 1:05 pm on Friday, November 28, 2025 at Carle Health-Proctor Hospital in Peoria, IL.

She was born on February 8, 1944, in Peoria, IL, to Henry and Bernice L. (VanWinkle) Cornell. She married Robert B. Chatten on August 7, 1976 in Farmington IL.

Surviving are her husband, Robert of East Peoria; children, Timothy Bradshaw of Hopkinsville, KY, Heidi (Kevin) Honeck of Plymouth, WI, Katie Doty of Washington, IL, and Anna (Victor Garcia) Chatten of Brownsburg, IN; and grandchildren, Olivia Honeck, Jase Bradshaw, William Doty, Cori Bradshaw, Jacob Honeck, Anna Doty, Violet Garcia, and Lila Garcia. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Donald Cornell.

Her life was an entire service to others, her family, her friends, and all who’s paths she crossed.

First, she was an amazing mother. No matter our successes or struggles, she would always find a way to be our biggest fan. When she became a grandma, she was known as Meme to everyone.

Mom accomplished many of her goals. Education was so important to her. She completed Illinois State University earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and University of Illinois earning a master’s degree in social work. Mom succeeded in the exam to become a licensed clinical social worker. Our mom managed to complete her education, all while raising four kids.

Mom never just “worked” at a job. She poured herself into her work with a passion to help everyone she came to know, professionally and personally. She started her service as a victim advocate at Women’s Strength (now Center for Prevention of Abuse) in the early 80’s. Our mom was a friend, counselor, and champion for women and children experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault. Mom had the uncanny ability to really hear others and relate to them. In all aspects of her life, empathy was her superpower and the most important thing that she taught us. After Center for Prevention of Abuse, she went on to Peoria District 150 to pursue her career as a school social worker. Her usual passion flourished at D150. Later in her working life, she was a favorite substitute teacher at Germantown Hills and Metamora schools. Where again, her expert listening skills were beloved by many students.

Our mom had the heart of a giver. In August of 2005, after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, she watched the news coverage. In her mind, it was unacceptable that people were stranded and needed relief. So, she joined the Red Cross and went to New Orleans to help them. Mom was also a strong supporter of St. Jude. She was a Memphis to Peoria runner for several years. She was very proud of being part of the St. Jude run. Running was a passion of mom’s. In November of 1993, Mom completed the New York City Marathon. She was also an assistant coach for the Metamora Cross Country team and was recently inducted into the Metamora Athletics Hall of Fame.

We grew up on the best street, Bluff Lake Drive, where we had fun parties, especially Christmas. Our house was full of friends and mom made the best food and joy! Her parties were always over the top! She loved to knit and made beautiful scarves that friends wear to this day. She enjoyed reading books and listening to live music. One of mom’s favorite places was Glen Oak Park. She had amazing childhood memories there, trained for her marathon, and loved the concerts in the park.

Whether she was at the beach, or the Indy 500 (her favorite), mom was always having fun and making everyone around her laugh, even if it was at her! Our mom had the greatest heart and we are better people because we were lucky to be her kids.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at The W Down Under, 105 North Main Street, Washington, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637 or to The Center for Prevention of Abuse, 720 West Joan Court, Peoria, IL 61614. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.