Phyllis Lorene Surdey, forever beautiful bride to Cecil "Frank", of Manhattan, IL, passed away peacefully at age 84 on Monday, July 24, 2017 at Joliet Area Community Hospice Home, with her loving family at her side. She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Cecil Surdey, her children; Lynda (Roger) Bradley, Kathy (Lynn) Wehrmann and John (Sheree) Surdey, her sister Verdella (Chandler) May, her brothers Leon Mowrer, Lee (Judy) Mowrer, Kirk (Linda) Mowrer, and Ronald Mowrer, her grandchildren; Carrie (Paul) Chellios, Daniel Delaney, Heather Palmer, Chuck (Matt) Surdey, Tommy Gilmore, Joshua (Megan) Paul, Joe Wehrmann, Vanessa Johnson, and Andy Chamberlin, her great grandchildren; Brandton, Rebecca, Aydan, Griffin, Kaleb, Serena, Calista, Nathan, Kody, Spencer, Brody, Mia, Ava, and Anna Marie, her sister-in-law, Judy Mowrer, numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends. Preceded in death by her parents, Leon Mowrer and Agnes Helmlinger, her sister Loretta Vining, and her brother Jim Mowrer. Phyllis was born on January 11, 1933 in Decatur, IN. She spent many years raising her children and taking care of her husband and home. Later she was employed by Braun Sales in New Lenox followed by Crest Industries also in New Lenox where she was lovingly nick named, "Rocky". Phyllis reluctantly retired from Crest Industries because of health reasons. It has been said that if Phyllis's health held up, she would still be working today. She enjoyed flowers and could be found taking care of her many flowers all over her yard. Phyllis was loved deeply by her husband Cecil, the two united on August 26, 1950, their love for one another was a wonderful example to follow. She adored her three children and being a mom was her number one priority. She was a doting grandmother and great grandmother and was very proud of all of them. Visitation for Phyllis will be on Friday, July 28, 2017 from 4-8:00 P.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M., Saturday, July 29, 2017 also at the funeral home. Interment Manhattan Center Cemetery, Manhattan. Memorials in Phyllis's name to St. Jude's Children Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or to Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 would be most appreciated.
