Phyllis M. Matthews

Phyllis M. Fornoff Matthews, born November 13, 1934, in Ottawa, Illinois, joined her mother Genevieve (Barton) Basco, her father Vincent Basco, her sister Margaret Noeller, husband John Fornoff, and her grandson Jonathon Fornoff in peace in their heavenly home on June 12th, 2025. Phyllis married her first husband John Fornoff on May 16, 1964. Phyllis and John had two children, Kathleen Redmon (Brian) and Gregory Fornoff (Betsy) who brought into this world four grandchildren Jonathon Fornoff (in Heaven), Kathryn McMullin (Casey), Evy Redmon, and Juli Redmon, and one great granddaughter Charlotte McMullin. Phyllis married Jack Mathews on April 27, 2002 and became Bonus Mom to Jack and Bettys three sons Mark, Keith, and Craig (Linda). Phyllis and Jack and Jacks first wife Betty have three grandchildren. Brian Matthews (Susan), Kevin Matthews (Lee), and Jenna Matthews, they enjoy 4 great grandchildren Lila, Quinn, Amelia, and Theo. A testimony to Phyllis and Jack, they blended two families together into making one big family. As blended families know, this is not an easy accomplishment, but Phyllis and Jack did just that. Phyllis always said that Mark, Keith, and Craig were her sons, not her stepchildren. Greg and Kathy have felt blessed that they inherited three brothers.

Phyllis graduated from Pekin High School in 1952, St. Francis Medical Center Nursing School in 1955, and Bradley University in 1964. Phyllis was an RN at Pekin Hospital before having her children Kathleen and Gregory. Later Phyllis went back to work as an RN at Bradley University Health Center.

Phyllis was a member of Pekin Country Club where she was an avid golfer who also liked to play tennis. Phyllis loved to play Bridge with her friends at the club. She enjoyed time as well at Pekin Elks Emblem Club, the Pekin Moose Club with her father Vincent, and was a member of the American College Health Association.

Phyllis loved her family. Without question or hesitation, she said yes to any need of any family member. What was hers, was her familys. She loved with all her heart. Phyllis did not live for material items; she knew what was important; she lived for family. Anyone fortunate to meet her loved her. Caring, giving, fun, and her special smile made everyone feel welcome. She was affectionately called Mrs. Forn by her childrens friends; someone they loved dearly. We are all sad today as we miss her, but we are grateful and happy for her, as she begins her new life with God and her loved ones greeting her in Heaven. Mom, we are blessed to have had you as our mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend We love you, and we will forever pass on the gifts of your loyalty, values, and love until we get to hug and kiss you again in Heaven. Thank you, Mom; we love you.

A funeral service will be at 1:00 PM Friday, June 20, 2025 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory with Father Michael Andrejek officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM 1:00 PM Friday at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Lakeside Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place. Memphis, TN 38105.