Phyllis Ann (Altgilbers) McDonald
Phyllis Ann (Altgilbers) McDonald, wife of Richard James McDonald, peacefully passed on January 17, 2021, surrounded by her husband and children.
She was born to Edwin and Carrie Mae (Whelan) Altgilbers on August 8, 1931 in Quincy, IL. She attended St. John the Baptist School and Quincy Notre Dame High School, class of 1949. From a young age, Phyllis sang and entertained crowds of people until she had a family of her own to sing to and teach her wide repertoire of happy tunes.
Phyllis “Kealy” and Richard “Dick” married in 1951 and had 10 children. Together for 69 years, they enjoyed a life full of traveling, boating, house building, remodeling and decorating. They loved attending weddings and cleared the dance floor wherever they went. Gathering the entire McDonald crew together for celebrations at Summer Creek was the highlight of her and Dick’s life.
Above all things, Kealy loved with a wide-open heart. Her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus along with Dick and her family was palpable. She was showered with Love in return. Babies were always at ease in her arms. Her handwork in crochet, crafts, sewing and photography remain cherished gifts. She lived a beautiful life, an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Kealy led by example as a devoted Catholic. She passes that legacy on to her family of over 100 who carry her in their hearts.
CHILDREN
Michaeleen McDonald and her husband Kent Kamphaus of Springfield, IL; Richard “Tally” McDonald and his wife Gretchen (Kamphaus) of Quincy; Dominic McDonald and his wife Lisa (Hinton) of Quincy; Kim Hilgenbrinck and her husband Michael of Bloomington, IL; Damian McDonald and his wife Lisa (Robey) of Quincy; Christopher McDonald and his wife Lisa (Kohl) of Liberty, IL; Jennifer Shields and her husband Richard of Bloomington, IL: Gerese “Gerri” Elbe and her husband Michael of Quincy; and Blaise McDonald and his wife Wendy (Marshall) of Leawood, KS.
GRANDCHILDREN
Priya Mehra and her fiancé Sharath Srinivasaiah, Ravi Mehra and his wife Jenny Thangjitham, Jill and her husband Brent Borah, Jennifer and her husband Todd Pierce; Austin McDonald and his wife Lindsey; Shawn McDonald and his wife Jackie, Quinn McDonald, Aaron McDonald, Devin McDonald and his wife Charlene; Blaise Hilgenbrinck and his wife Krista, Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck; Mya Spector and her husband Dr. Matthew, Connor McDonald and his wife Dr. Alison Guest, Bryn Peters and her husband Tyler, Brie Matlach and her husband Daniel; Christopher McDonald and his wife Andrea, Keaton McDonald and his fiancé Melissa Hess, Brennan McDonald; Caroline Blair, Miles Blair and his wife Stephanie, Amanda Blair and her partner Jared Cook, Hayley Shields; Olivia Barry and her husband Justin, Harrison Elbe, Lincoln Elbe; Harper Ward and her husband Sam, and Jack McDonald.
GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN
Clayton, Carter, Connor, Owen; Sylvie Grace; Keegan, Kerigan, Briggs, Bristol, Dominic, Carter; Jiles, Haizley, Krimzyn, Cruze, Jensen; Bradley, Nicholas, Nora, Jon Connor, Cayson, Breckyn, Vaylea, Cyra, Lynus, Breya, Thayne, Augustine, Dietrich, Winston; Adalyn, Emma, Kellen, Thomas, Matthew; Henry, Charles, Margaret; Killian and Vera.
GREAT-GREAT GRANDCHILDREN
Lynnix and Bexsen.
Numerous nieces, nephews, her brother-in-law, Bill Mueller, and other relatives also survive along with their dear family friend, Fr. James Wheeler.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her infant son Jack McDonald, her infant granddaughter, Lizabeth Ann McDonald and siblings: Richard Altgilbers, his wife Dorothy, Jeanette Weeks, her husband Jerry, and Judy Mueller.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Catholic Parish of St. Peter with interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at St. Peter. Memorials may be made for Mass intentions to Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck. Memorials may also be made to “Up at Down Country” (an organization which supports children with Downs Syndrome).The memorials may be made through the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home, in charge of the arrangements.
My sympathy & prayers to each of you in your loss! Hold fond memories in your heart!
Our sympathy to a wonderful family!
So sorry for your loss of a beautiful, full of life lady/Mom! Michaeleen (Miki) , as I read about your mom….I totally see you! You are both amazing……even way back at St. John’s! ( Class of 1966)
Prayers for the entire McDonald family, at this very sad time!
We are so sorry to hear this news. So many memories of such great times. Uncle Dick and all the family have a huge hole to mend now. I love you all . I know there is a card game going in heaven and she has welcoming arms and a spot probably next to my dad.
Dear Family, I am praying for all of you, please accept a mass from me for the respose of your dear mothers soul. Requiem aeternum. Paul k. Geers Pres, Latin mass society of Quincy/historic St. Rose of lima Quincy.illinois
So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful family she raised!
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. McDonald. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. What a fine legacy she left in all of you, her wonderful family!
Tally and the entire family: Karen and I are so sorry for your loss. We know how important family is to all of you. Everyone should be so Blessed as the McDonalds. You truly enjoy each other, celebrate life’s blessings, and know how to have fun doing it! I will pray that God gives you the strength you need in the tough moments ahead and that HE will fill your hearts and souls with only the great memories you shared with your family’s matriarch. God Bless.
Sending love and prayers to the McDonald Family.
Our prayers and condolences to the entire family.
Dom and Damien, Sorry to hear this. I’ll be thinking of you. God Bless
Dear Tally, Gretchen, Austin and McDonald family,,
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Tally’s mother. She was the matriarch of a fine family. I wish I could have heard her singing that treated others..
I send my condolences, prayers and best wishes a: you cherish her memory.
My deepest sympathies to the family. She was a sweet lady and will be missed by so many. Prayers for peace during this difficult time.
Sorry for your loss. Wonderful memories of her . Her home was always opened for kids to play.
sorry for your loss she was a very nice lady.
I would like to think my Mom and Phyllis are back as best friends in heaven.
Our sincere condolences to the McDonald family. Phyllis was an inspiration to all who knew her, an amazing role model.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Phyllis. What wonderful example she was. Prayers for everyone.