Phyllis J. Dempsey

Phyllis J. Dempsey, of Peoria, passed away at sunset Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

Phyllis was born January 8, 1940 in Oak Lawn, IL to the late Frederick and Joan VanderLaan Bolhouse. She married Myron A. Dempsey on October 21, 1960 in Evergreen Park, IL; they celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage until he preceded her in death on October 10, 2019.

Surviving are her children, Beverly (Randall) Taylor of Dunlap, IL, Brenda Bunyard of Sand Springs, OK, Beth (Jerry) Montgomery of East Peoria, IL, Barb (Jay) Milaccio of Peoria, IL, and David (Margaret) Dempsey of Dunlap, IL; five grandchildren, Delaney, Caitlin, Savannah, Logan, and Colton; and one brother, Raymond (Jackie) Bolhouse of Wheaton, IL.

She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Drake Randall Taylor.

Phyllis graduated from Chicago Christian High and went on to attend Beverly Business College. She worked as a secretary in the Auditors Office of the Chicago Railroad Co. at the Union Stockyards, and there she met her future husband, Myron. They built a wonderful Christian home together with Phyllis at the center of it all as the perfect mom to their five children, which grew to include six grandchildren that she cherished. Her commitment to family and traditions was always evident, but even more so at Christmas.

She and Myron also shared a passion for buying and selling antiques around the country. Her vibrant personality and love for conversation helped in that endeavor, but also made her a perfect fit for sales at Witzig's and Four Seasons. Phyllis made enduring friendships, from her many bus trips, her membership with the Welcome Wagon, the Blue and White Pottery Club, to her regular TOPS meetings on Tuesday mornings with a social luncheon afterwards. She loved the color blue and had a passion for flowers, especially her beautiful red geraniums which were always in full bloom.

A funeral service will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church, where Phyllis was a longtime member on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church. Private entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery and Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be made to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home or Grace Presbyterian Church.