Phyllis J. Muhling, age 93, a resident of Bartlett, IL, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on Friday, January 12, 2024.  She was born November 1,1930 in Royal Oak, Michigan to George and Julia Eazer.

Most people know Phyllis was an accomplished pianist. She and Sam got together when he asked her to accompany him singing for a mutual friend's wedding. They agreed that she would finish college prior to their marriage. She completed her degree in Elementary Ed at Wayne State in MI, and they married in 1957.  Phyllis taught piano, directed children's choirs, played for countless church services, weddings, and funerals, and provided classical and sacred music programs in nursing homes. She was an active member of The Bartlett International Chorus for several years as their accompanist, including a trip to Taiwan in 2010 when she was 80 years old!

Phyllis was so much more than a musician. She was a passionate reader – from fiction to theology. She was a patient and thoughtful listener, often sharing scripture and prayer in her responses. She loved cooking, which has influenced three generations of food lovers so far, and she valued investing in relationships by entertaining frequently in their home. Her children and many friends were blessed by her wisdom drawn from her deep dependence on Jesus and time studying the Bible. In the late 1990s, before there were bloggers, Phyllis shared theological insights, book reviews, encouragement (and sometimes recipes!) to everyone in her email contacts.

Phyllis's deep internal life was punctuated by her delightful sense of humor – sometimes wry, sometimes sassy, often unexpected. Some friends might be surprised to know she was Sam's partner in "high" adventure. Early in their relationship, she encouraged him to get his pilot's license and willingly went great distances with him, even over miles of ocean, in a single engine plane. Sam loved his many life adventures with Phyllis – "My Babes," he called her – and after her passing said, "She was the finest person I have ever known."

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Samuel Muhling of Bartlett, IL; her children, Lori (Jeff) McKearney of Cody, WY; Karen (Doug) Curzon of Ellison Bay, WI; Kent (Yuko) Muhling of Sendai, Japan; Allene Slagle of Sister Bay, WI; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service
11:00am • Saturday • March 9, 2024
The Village Church of Bartlett
601 W Bartlett Rd, Bartlett, IL

Memorial gifts may be directed to SIM USA , Phyllis' and Sam's preferred international mission agency.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.