Phyllis Darlene Danner Snyder, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the age of 94, surrounded by her family at The Vistas in Bettendorf, Iowa. She was born Sunday, March 1, 1931, at Swan Lake, Mercer County, Illinois, to Orvie P. and Minnie Isabella Smith Fuller. Phyllis's life was a tapestry of dedication, joy, and unwavering love for her family.
Phyllis was a proud 1949 graduate of Reynolds High School, where she formed lifelong friendships and laid the foundation for her future endeavors. After graduation, she married Elmer Danner on May 29, 1949. He passed away in 1991. She later married Fred Snyder on September 25, 2005. He passed away in 2018. She always embraced the role of homemaker with grace and enthusiasm, creating a warm and welcoming home for all who entered.
Her life was a testament to the power of nurturing and the beauty of simple pleasures. Phyllis had a passion for sewing, a skill she wielded with precision and creativity. Her gardens were a riot of colors, reflecting her love for flowers and the tranquility she found in tending to her plants. Canning the bounty of her garden was both a hobby and an expression of her caring nature, ensuring that family and friends could enjoy the fruits of her labor throughout the year. Phyllis was also an active member of the Illinois City United Methodist Church.
An avid bowler, Phyllis enjoyed the camaraderie and friendly competition of the lanes. She had a special fondness for birds, often found watching and tending to them with a gentle and observant eye. Her love extended beyond nature to the community around her, cherishing her neighbors and friends, though her greatest love was undoubtedly for her family.
Phyllis's legacy is carried on by her loving children, Robert (Lynn) Danner of Illinois City, IL, Pam (Ron) Ziegler of Aledo, IL, and Cindy (Dennis Everson) Danner of Colona, IL. She was a cherished grandmother to Kimberly (Carleton “Hank”) Beckman of Illinois City, IL, Jeremy (Jennifer) Danner of Naperville, IL, Lisa (Zachary) Dail of Moline, IL, and Tyson Danner of Davenport, IA. Her great-grandchildren, Ashley (Matt) Brown, Allison Beckman, Lily Danner, Logan Caho, Bailey Galbraith, Diana Galbraith, Elizabeth Dail, and Amelia Dail, brought her immense joy, as did her great-great-grandchildren, Aubree, Carson, Destinee, and Henry. Phyllis also leaves behind her devoted daughter-in-law, Becky Danner of Illinois City, IL; her sister, Minnie Rhodes of Corydon, IA; and her sister-in-law, Sara Krueger of Muscatine, IA.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husbands; her son, Merle Danner; her granddaughter Shelly Danner Galbraith; her brothers Melvin, Warner, and Phillip; and her sisters Helen Curry, Nina Lake, Betty Reynolds, and Clara McKeown. Each of these individuals held a special place in her heart, and their memories remained with her throughout her life.
Those who knew Phyllis will remember her as a loving, spirited, and kind soul. She had the unique ability to make everyone feel special and loved, and her presence was a source of comfort and joy to many. Her spirit, characterized by generosity and warmth, will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her.
Phyllis’s life was a journey of love, laughter, and dedication. As we bid her farewell, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the countless ways she touched our lives. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the stories we share and the love we continue to give, following the example she set for us all.
Phyllis will be honored and remembered during her funeral service at 12:00 pm Friday, April 11, at Nichols Bewley Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Interment will follow the funeral service at the Illinois City Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Illinois City Cemetery.
Please share your love, memories and support with Phyllis’s family on her Memorial Tribute site at www.NicholsBewley.com.
Phyllis’s family would like to extend a special thank you to The Vistas of Bettendorf and their family of staff for all of their loving care.
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