Phyllis O. Hollister
Phyllis Ordeilia Hollister, 85, of Bellevue, died peacefully at home Thursday, April 19, 2018. She was born July 27, 1932, the daughter of Orien G. Smith and Eunice (Reed) Smith in Hoopeston, Ill.. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1950. In that summer she married George Hollister. She was a Chicago city girl that friends teased would probably marry a farmer when she left for the wilds of Michigan in 1948. Indeed, for 62 years she enjoyed life on the farm with him. After their three children were born, Phyllis’ mother passed away and she and George raised her teenage sister and brother. In later years they also helped raise their grandsons at the death of their daughter, Janese. Family was important to them and they embraced life’s tragedies with optimism and hope for the future.
She was a member of the Bellevue United Methodist Church for more than 65 years, served 15 years as Sunday school leader, and enjoyed many years of friendship with the United Methodist Women. She was also church secretary for several years. For over 30 years she was a member of the Women’s 20th Century Club of Bellevue. She was active in the Bellevue Historical Society. She also worked many years as the Bellevue Elementary librarian, as well as librarian for the Township. She and George greatly enjoyed travelling on bus trips with friends and camping. She was a gifted painter, basket maker, and gardener. She made many presents of her crochet; embroidery, and homemade sourdough french bread (known as the Bread Lady). She was also a very avid reader and especially loved American history (thank you book club friends for sharing many of those words on page). Phyllis was a woman of great faith, strength, and determination. Generous with her time and love. Humble and of great character. She will be missed by many, many people whose lives she touched. She will best be remembered as wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Thank you Lord for taking her Home.
Phyllis is survived by daughter, Kathryn Hollister of Carbondale, Ill.; son, David (Jennie) Hollister of Bellevue; grandchildren, Cade W. Rugg, Craig O. Rugg, Janeice (Rick) Little, Eric (Jessica) Hollister; great-grandchildren, Kyle Little, Marissa Little, Caroline Wagner, Cade Rugg, Carson Hollister, and Adam Hollister; special sister, Janet Moon; and brother, Larry Smith.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Janese; son in-law, Stuart O. Rugg; and grandson, Christopher J. Rugg.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Bellevue United Methodist Church. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor Gini Heller officiating. Interment will be held at Riverside Cemetery.
Family requests memorial contributions be directed to the Bellevue Historic Society, Bellevue Public Library, or Oaklawn Hospice.
Friends may send condolences or share a memory at kempffuneralhome.com.