Esther Phialmlee

Esther L. Phialmlee, age 78, of Savanna, Illinois, died Sunday, July 29, 2007 at Big Meadows Nursing Home, Savanna. Cremation Rites will be accorded. A Graveside Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at Savanna Township Cemetery with Reverend Robert Hamilton of Community United Church of Christ, Savanna, officiating. Memorials may be given to West Carroll Sports Boosters in Esther’s honor.

Esther was born on July 21, 1929, the daughter of David and Isabelle (Shelley) Aitken in Hanover, Illinois. She attended Hanover Schools. On March 3, 1948 Esther married Robert “Barney” Phialmlee, Sr., in Savanna. Barney died on February 24, 2002.
Esther worked for many years in all facets of the restaurant business, but loved her most recent job as the Weight Master for the Wendling Quarry near Mt. Carroll. In her spare time Esther loved watching sports, the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Horse and Dog Racing. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.
Esther is survived by a son, Robert (Cheryl) Phialmlee, Jr. of Savanna; four daughters, Janet Phialmlee of Westchester, Pennsylvania, Sandy (Michael) Themas of Chillicothe, Illinois, Vicky (Karl) Rettenberger of Prairie Du Sak, Wisconsin, and Jody (Danny) Prowant of Savanna; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother Pete (JoAnn) Aitken of Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.
Esther is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Robert “Barney” Phialmlee; four sisters, Rosie Reed, Annabelle McLees, Maxine Hebeler, Harriet Chrest; two brothers Virgil and David Aitken; and one great grand son Ethan Johnigk.