Phyllis Joan Eells Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Heaven received another angel Thursday August 21, 2014, when Phyllis Joan Baier Eells, age 84, of Hoopeston, IL, was called to join her beloved Lord. Phyllis was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 25, 1930, to Fred and Geraldine Smith Baier. One of her favorite memories growing up was spending time at the East Lynn farm with her Grandma Smith. On one of these visits, she met the love of her life Edson William Eells. Her children loved the story of how they met at a slumber party and her description of him when she first saw him. After graduating from High School in St. Louis, she attended The University of Illinois for two years until Edson asked her to marry him. They got married on October 8, 1950 (an anniversary they shared with their daughter Nancy). They moved to Hoopeston and enjoyed many years there, made many friends and had great memories. Phyllis is survived by her four children; Susan Elizabeth Eells of Mattoon, IL, Nancy Jo Eells Jenkins (Bill) of Cedar Park, TX, Scott Edson Eells (Megan) of Bloomington, IN, and Kevin Nye Eells of Hoopeston, IL; her brother Lyle Baier (Jo) of Columbia, MO; several grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and many other relatives. She was preceded in death and will now be reunited with her parents Fred and Geraldine Baier, her husband Edson Eells, her grandson Nathanial William Eells and her daughter-in-law Janet Rhea Egnew Eells. Phyllis was a devout Christian and Phyllis and Ed were very active in the Hoopeston United Methodist Church. They served as MYF leaders and had a positive effect on many youth. Many years later, some of those youth would bring their families to meet them. After Ed’s death, Phyllis remained active and served in many capacities on the church board as well as teaching Sunday school to her “older ladies.” She loved her ladies and always looked forward to meeting with them. At one point, she was called to Stephen’s ministry and enjoyed that as well. She liked to help others and found these were some ways she could do that and give back to her church community that she loved. When it became too difficult to get to church, members would bring church to her and that was always a high point of her week. Phyllis was also an active member of DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) and served in many officer positions including Regent. Phyllis loved to knit and entered some of her prize pieces in the State fair. She made several sweaters and baby blankets throughout the years for her family and friends. She was an avid reader and loved to do mind puzzles and games especially Mah Jong and she shared this love with her grandchildren when they came to visit. She loved her computer and spent many hours connecting with friends and family on Facebook especially in her later years when she couldn’t get out much. She also enjoyed watching QVC and jokingly one of her friends, upon hearing of Phyllis’ death said she will be missed by QVC. Phyllis was loved by many and will be greatly missed but we know she is in a better place. The family would like to thank Alpha Care and the many wonderful care givers Phyllis had throughout the years who became like family to her. They would also like to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes and I know Phyllis would like to thank all of her Facebook friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hoopeston United Methodist Church Appalachian Service Project (ASP) which her grandson Jacob Eells attended or a charity of your choice.

Phyllis Joan Eells

May 25, 1930 - August 21, 2014