Mrs. Phyllis J. “Tussy” Darrah, 88, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 11:35 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Betty’s Garden Memory Care in Kewanee, Illinois.
She was born July 9, 1935, in Galesburg to Harold K. and Jane M. (Meldrum) Van Dell. She married Phillip D. Darrah on June 17, 1962, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on June 20, 1997.
Surviving are four sons, Robert (and Linda) Darrah of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, Thomas (and Pam) Darrah of Severance, Colorado, David Darrah of Galesburg and Perry Darrah of Galesburg, a daughter, Debra (and the late Robert) Hoyt of Rock Island, Illinois, a brother, Donald Van Dell of Loveland, Colorado, two sisters, Donna (and Harry) Carlson of Woodhull, Illinois, and Judy (and Glenn) Scott of Galesburg, 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents a daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Michael Powers, a brother. Kenneth Van Dell, a sister, Gayle Hendricks, a granddaughter, Gina, and a sister-in-law, Carol Van Dell.
Phyllis graduated from Galesburg High School in 1953. She worked for Northside Medical Supplies for 20 years and was the manager of Action Medical Supplies for 15 years, both in Galesburg. She retired on July 9, 2000. She was an active member and volunteered at the First Church of the Nazarene in Galesburg. She was a lifetime member and volunteer for T.O.P.S., a weight loss organization. She enjoyed canoeing and was a member of the MADRAC canoeing club. Phyllis was an avid fan of the Galesburg American Legion Post #285 Baseball Team. In her free time, she enjoyed quilting.
Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. A graveside service will be 12:00 Noon at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg. Pastor Rollie Grauman will officiate. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the American Legion Post #285 Baseball Team. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
