Phyllis Jean Ellis

WASHINGTON?Phyllis Jean Ellis, 83, of Washington, passed away at her home at 8:35 a.m., Saturday, March 23, 2013 with her family by her side. Phyllis was born on December 31, 1929 in Mapleton, Iowa to Fred and Gertrude (Beeney) Freerking. Phyllis married Richard L. Ellis on July 31, 1950 in Washington. Dick passed away on August 1, 2012 in Peoria. Among those surviving is one son, Michael J. (Loriann) Ellis of West Peoria; two daughters, Catherine E. (Rick) Dee of Four Seasons, Missouri and Lisa M. (Tony) Edwards of San Diego, California; one daughter-in-law, Terre Ellis of Santa Rosa, California; two sisters, Shirley (Buddy) Hesse of Mapleton, Iowa and Viola (Gary) Reed of Adrian, Missouri; two brothers, Fred (Norene) Freerking and Donald (Diane) Freerking, both of Mauston, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Sean, Leslie, Shannon, Seth, Erik, Tiffany, Luke and Shelby and four great grandchildren Sarah, Ben, Lily and Rie. Phyllis was also preceded in death by one son, Jim Ellis and three brothers, Laverne, Harold and Larry Freerking. Phyllis had been a kindergarten teacher at "Jack & Jill" in Washington for five years, but had spent most of her life raising her family and time with Dick. She also volunteered at school and served as an election judge. She enjoyed traveling, was an avid reader, playing Bingo, but mostly loved being with her family. A private memorial service for Phyllis will be held at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington with burial of cremains in Hillcrest Memory Gardens, south of Washington. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at masonfuneralhomes.com