Phyllis Laverne Giannell, 81, of 1328 Catherine Court and formerly of 820 Jefferson Street, died on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at Sunset Home. She is survived by her husband, Bernard ‘Ben’ Anthony Giannell. She was born Phyllis Laverne Reel on April 2, 1930, in Quincy, Ill., a daughter of Lewis Paul Reel and Edith M. Hand. On July 16, 1949, she married Robert ‘Bob’ Oscar Deters, who preceded her in death. Phyllis attended Notre Dame High School.

Phyllis had nine children, two of whom preceded her in death, Laura and Teresa. She worked at the soda fountain at the old Woolworth’s Department Store. She also worked as a sales clerk at Walgreens and at Block and Kuhl, the predecessor to Carson Pirie Scott. She was an active member of the St. Mary’s Altar Society until she and her children moved to Sacramento, Calif., and she married Ben Giannell on June 24, 1972, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Creative in arts and crafts, Phyllis made latch-hook rugs and ceramic pieces, sewed clothing, embroidered tablecloths, table runners and pillowcases, and completed numerous oil paintings.

In the more than 30 years she lived in Sacramento, Phyllis was involved in St. Paul’s Catholic Church, helping to run the church’s gift store, among other volunteer responsibilities. She and Ben enjoyed camping with their many friends. Ben and Phyllis moved back to Quincy in 2004 where they attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, donated to a number of local organizations, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Phyllis is much loved and will be missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, in-laws and many friends. In addition to her first husband and two daughters, Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Dorothy Reel and Kathleen Quinn, one grandson, Brandon Deters, and one granddaughter Kimberly Deters.

She is survived by her husband, Ben, and children Janice Wiemelt and her husband Don, of Quincy; Mary Keck and her husband Jim, of Spring, Texas; Roberta Feltes and her husband Fred, of Honolulu, Hawaii; Susanne Edwards and her husband Wells, of Springfield, Ill.; Cathy Nix and her husband Allen, of Wilton, Calif.; Richard Deters and his wife Mary, of Sacramento, Calif.; Barbara Deters and her husband Dan O’Grady of St. Louis, Mo.; Steven Giannell and his wife Bobbie, of Oceanside, Calif.; and Phillip Deters of Springfield, Ill.

Grandchildren surviving are Keith Wiemelt, Don Wiemelt Jr., Chris Wiemelt and his wife Misty, and Andrew Wiemelt; John Keck and his wife Patti; Matt Keck and his wife Kari; U.S. Army Capt. Charles Schumacher; Justin Nix, Carrisa Nix, and Rebecca Nix; Robert Deters; David Deters and his wife Nicole; Anthony Giannell and his wife Sydney, and Vincent Giannell; Daniel O’Grady and his wife Christina; Benjamin O’Grady and his wife Elaina; Daniel, Brian and Jason Deters.

Great-grandchildren surviving are Natalie Wiemelt, Guil Wiemelt, Trevor Wiemelt, Ethan Wiemelt and Eva Wiemelt; Kiley and Riley Keck; Leslie Keck; Issac Nix, Logan and Michael Deters. Also surviving are brothers- and sisters-in-law Robert Quinn, Richard and Jerry Deters, Al and Marilyn Giannell; and Audrey Noel.

Funeral services will be held by Msgr. Michael Kuse on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 10:00 AM in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1119 South 7th St., Quincy, IL 62301. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday morning at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church from 9:00 AM until the time of the services. Memorials may be made in honor of Phyllis Giannell to: Madonna House, Adams County Alzheimers Association, or Blessing Foundation for Hospice. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.