Phyllis Carolyn Strader, 95, of Wataga, died Monday, June 27, 2022 at Promedica, Galesburg, Illinois.
Phyllis was born April 21, 1927 in Galesburg, the daughter of John Edward and Merle Elizabeth (Henry) Lundeen. She graduated from Galesburg High School and attended Western Illinois University.
Phyllis married Richard Paul Strader on May 27, 1950 in Galesburg. Phyllis is survived by her husband of 72 years, Richard of Galesburg; as well as their six children, two sons, Jonathan (Susan) Strader of Castle Rock, CO and Jeffrey (Mary Jo) Strader of Madison, IN; four daughters, Carolyn (the late Ted) Nocella of Moline, Christine Lopez of Clovis, NM, Rebecca Chandlee of Rockford, IL, and Elizabeth “Betsy” (Kenneth) King of Homewood, IL; and one brother, Jack Lundeen of Galesburg. Phyllis is also survived by her beloved thirteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Along with her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by one sister, Shirley Shattuck; one brother, Donald Lundeen; and two grandchildren.
Phyllis was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg. She served many years as a Sunday school teacher at church and was a long-standing volunteer as tudor, teacher and active PTA member. Phyllis was an amazing woman with many talents. She expressed herself and her love of others through her creativity as an artist, seamstress, baker and cook. Her intelligence and simple elegance will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 2, 2022 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Henderson Cemetery, Henderson, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be designated at a later date. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
