Phyllis Ann Gbur

1935 - 2025

Phyllis Ann Gbur
Born: February 28, 1935 in LaSalle, IL.
Died: August 16, 2025 in Ottawa, IL.
Phyllis Ann Gbur, 90, of Peru, passed away peacefully on August 17, at Pavilion of Ottawa, where she had been a loved resident since July 2023. Her life was full of love, family, and happiness, and she always had a big smile for everyone. Known for her stubborn yet fun-loving spirit, Phyllis brought joy to everyone around her, often reminding her grown sons with a playful grin that she was still the "boss" of the family. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Valentine's Church in Peru. A Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Rev. Small and Rev. Gary Blake will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Vincent's Cemetery in LaSalle. She was born on February 28, 1935, in LaSalle to Elic and Theresa (Grzeskowiak) Catalanello. She married her sweetheart, James Gbur, on April 27, 1957, at St. Patrick's Church in LaSalle, and they shared 42 wonderful years together filled with love. Phyllis was most proud of being a mom to her three sons, Ronald, Mark, and Gary. She loved and adored her entire family dearly, which included her husband, her children, grandchildren, and siblings. As a faithful member of St. Valentine's Church, her strong Catholic faith guided her daily life, and she found strength in prayer and living according to the Gospel of the Lord. For many years, Phyllis worked the afternoon shift at Westclox in Peru while being a devoted wife and mother to her boys. In her free time, you could find Phyllis watching her favorite daytime show, Days of Our Lives, or enjoying movies on the Hallmark Channel, chatting on the phone with family, or spending happy hours in her yard tending to her lawn and flowers, her favorite hobby. Her yard was always beautiful thanks to her hard work. Phyllis also had a big heart for animals, especially cats and dogs, and lovingly cared for many family dogs while her children were growing up. She and her son Ronald loved cheering for the Chicago Bears on Sundays, laughing over their team's wild plays while Phyllis snacked on her favorite sweets. Phylliss shared a special bond with her granddaughter Amanda. From babysitting Amanda when she was little, to going shopping with Amanda and Laurie, her daughter-in-law. Those moments were filled with joy and laughter. After James's passing in 1999, Laurie was like a daughter to Phyllis, stepping in as a vital support by taking her to doctor's visits and offering loving care, sharing a special bond that brought her comfort. In retirement, Phyllis and her sweetheart and best friend, James, enjoyed a simple, happy life. They loved taking drives, visiting family, and meeting friends at the Four Star Restaurant, where they shared good times and stories. Even when Phyllis faced numerous health challenges later in life, she stayed strong and positive, thanks to her faith. The kind staff at Pavilion of Ottawa, with support from OSF Hospice, took wonderful care of her, and she was very content living her later years there, feeling at home and well cared for in her final years. She especially cherished visits from her niece Karen Neff and Karen's husband, Terry, sharing stories and laughter about the "good ole days," as well as visits from her son Mark and his wife, Dori, which warmed her heart. Phyllis is survived by her three sons, Ronald Gbur of Peru, Mark (Dori) Gbur of Princeton, and Gary (Laurie) Gbur of Ottawa. Two grandchildren, and two step gtrandchildren. several great grandchildren, many nieces, and nephews, and a sister-in-law Ruth Catalanello She was preceded in death by her husband, James (1999), her parents, her sister Dolores, and her brothers Joseph, Robert, and James Catalanello. Phyllis A. Gbur was a special lady who lived a simple, joyful life. Growing up with her family and growing old with them, her love, warm smile, and knack for sharing family stories will always be remembered by everyone who knew her.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to family for her favorite charities.
On line condolences can be expressed at www.burgessfh.com