Phyllis O Gilman Obituary (1919 - 2020)

Phyllis O. Gilman, 100, of Pontiac, passed away at 9:19 pm on Monday, March 16, 2020 at Tjardes Health Center, Evenglow in Pontiac, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. Due to the virus situation, a private family service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Pontiac, IL. with Rev. Tom Goodell officiating. Private graveside burial will be held at a later date at South Side Cemetery. Memorials in Phyllis's name may be made to the Livingston County Community Food Pantry or First United Methodist Church of Pontiac. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac is handling the arrangements. Phyllis was born August 15, 1919, in Pontiac, IL., a daughter of Carl and Wilmuth (Roberts) Bressner. She married Richard W. Gilman on February 16, 1941 in Pontiac, IL. He passed away July 1, 1998. Survivors include: a daughter, Sally Renkes, Prophetstown; two sons: Fred (Penny) Gilman, Dave (Mary) Gilman both of Pontiac, IL. Six grandchildren: Dixie (Jeremy Foes) Taylor, Dusty (Tirzah) Renkes and Jill (Carl) Weidel of Prophetstown; Dan (Elaine) Gilman, Hinsdale; Joe (Bennie Davis) Gilman, Greenville, SC, and Sherry (Dan) Bailey, Bloomington. Also surviving are 13 great-grandchildren and sisters: Joan Tredennick, Fairbury. Janice Shay, Bloomington and two brothers, Jerry (Myrtle) Bressner, Pontiac; and Jim Bressner, Conroe, Tx. Phyllis was preceded in death by two grandchildren: Timothy Gilman and Stevie Gilman; son-in-law: Richard Renkes; granddaughter in law: Brenda Gilman and eight brothers and sisters. Phyllis graduated from Pontiac Township High School in 1937 and from the Gallagher Business School in 1938. She was employed at State Farm in her earlier years. Phyllis was an excellent cook and seamstress, making clothes for her grandchildren. She was a caring friend to everyone and could until her last days, accurately recall stories of her childhood friends, including the Mc Dowell community. She was member of the First United Methodist Church of Pontiac. Her family appreciates the excellent care she received from the Evenglow staff and OSF Hospice.