Phyllis Utz (80) of Effingham

Phyllis Utz, 80, of Effingham, Illinois passed away on Wednesday March 11, 2020 at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

A visitation celebrating Phyllis’ life will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2020 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Phyllis’ memory may be made to Ballard Nature Center. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Phyllis was born May 31, 1939, the daughter of Lawrence & Margaret (Osthoff) Sur of Effingham. She was united in marriage to Thomas Utz on October 7, 1961.

Phyllis is loved and survived by her husband, Tom Utz of Effingham; her four children: Keith Utz of Mattoon, Cheryl (Mike) Will of Effingham, Carrie (Mark) Spour of Sigel, and Karl (Carla) Utz of Effingham. She was an amazing grandmother to six grandchildren: Kyle (Jeff Street) Spour of St. Louis, MO, Christopher (Jessica) Spour of Altamont, Brandon (Temara) Spour of Toledo, Colby Utz of Effingham, Carson Utz of Effingham, and Connor Will of Effingham. She loved her six great-grandchildren, Harlan McConkey, Iris Spour, Thea Spour, Lena Spour, and Leti Spour all of Altamont and Norah Spour of Toledo. Phyllis had four siblings: Marlene Feuerborn of Effingham, Larry (Rosie) Sur of Bonita Springs, FL, Richard Sur (deceased), and Anita Claricoates of Bloomington.

Phyllis worked in children’s daycare for many years. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She also enjoyed camping and the outdoors, as well as sitting around a good campfire. She found joy in riding her bicycle and hiking.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her brother, Richard Sur.