Phyllis A. Wolf

PHYLLIS A. WOLF, age 73, of Maple Park, passed away suddenly Sunday morning, August 26, 2012. BORN: She was born February 24, 1939, in Anoka, MN, the daughter of Roland L. and Irene R. (McDonald) Sanderson. EARLY YEARS:The family moved to Sugar Grove, IL, when Phyllis was only nine. Her father worked as a farm hand on a local farm that became the Aurora Airport in 1960. EDUCATION: Phyllis attended Sugar Grove Elementary School and graduated from Elburn High School in 1957.MARRIAGE: Phyllis found a dancing partner for life when she was only in 4th grade. Rex Wolf and Phyllis had their first dance lined up as square dancing partners. Friendship became something more when they reached their junior year of high school, eventually becoming the Homecoming King and Queen a year later. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: On March 15, 1958, they were united in marriage at the Sugar Grove Methodist Church. They began their new life together in Aurora for a time. Phyllis worked as an operator for Illinois Bell while Rex worked as a truck mechanic for International Harvester. In 1960, they moved back to Sugar Grove to live on the farm where she spent her growing up years. Farming acres became runways for the airport, with Rex tending to both over the years. In 1983, Rex and Phyllis picked up their belongings and made the move to Maple Park where they continued to make their home and raise Buffalo. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:Phyllis had a strong work ethic and a heart that was full of love for her family. When she wasn’t at home raising her children, she spent many years the Stop-N-Go in Sugar Grove where everybody knew her name, and she in turn fondly remembered theirs. When it closed, Phyllis went to work at The Bank of Sugar Grove, now Old Second, until her retirement in 2002.MEMBERSHIPS: Phyllis was a member of the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church and served on the Sugar Grove Library Board for many years. She also was a member and volunteered at the Sugar Grove American Legion. LIFE NOTES: Phyllis was more than an avid reader. Her trips to the library numbered in the thousands. Her copies of Gone with the Wind were well worn, as was her copy of the movie. Romance novels were also a favorite along with classic country music, westerns and her beloved Elvis. Her constant companion (other than Rex) was her dog Charlie– who only allowed Phyllis to pet him. Charlie was found wandering in Bliss Woods and became her "four legged fierce protector" for many years. She enjoyed bowling leagues and loved to not only watch but participate in local tractor pulls. The Booster Barn at Kaneland became a second home while her children played in sports with her ever present cow bell rang encouragement on every play. She also coached girls’ softball while her daughters played. Phyllis was a whiz in the kitchen often utilizing her spoons and spatulas not only for cooking but also for "correction" when the children misbehaved. She never met a stranger and became close friends with many in her community. Her heart was happiest when surrounded by her family especially her grandchildren. "Back to School Weenie Roasts", riding the golf cart around the Buffalo Farm, and day long Christmas celebrations, are only a few of the thousands of wonderful unforgettable memories she made with each and every one. She now lives on in their hearts and her legacy will never be forgotten. SURVIVORS: She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Rex Wolf;Four children: Lisa (Tony Lampros) Landes, Dan Wolf, Lynda (Tim) Fillipp and Denise (Larry) Secor;Ten grandchildren:Daniel Landes, Heather Lampros,Haley Lampros, Andrew (Katelyn) Fillip and their son, Ben,Tyler Fillipp, Timothy Fillipp, Kaelyn Fillipp, Haley Secor, Sophey Secor and Joseph Secor;Three sisters:Joyce Matalone,Shirley (Donald) Hinds and Sharon Sanderson;Many nieces, nephews, cousins, a community of friends and special loving caregivers, Elaine, Kim and Michelle. PRECEDED:She is preceded in death by her parents, Roland and Irene Sanderson, and one grandson, Joseph Daniel Wolf.VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, August 30, 2012, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral to celebrate her life will begin at 10 a.m., also at the funeral home, Friday, August 31, 2012. Interment will follow at Kaneville Cemetery. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in her name to benefit her favorite charities. Checks may be made to the "Phyllis Wolf Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com where you can also find her full life story.

VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, August 30, 2012, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral to celebrate her life will begin at 10 a.m., also at the funeral home, Friday, August 31, 2012.

Interment will follow at Kaneville Cemetery.