Phyllis J. Peterson, 97, of Peoria, formerly of Morton, passed away at OSF Medical Center on Monday, May 11, 2026. Phyllis was born on January 17, 1929, in Peoria, the daughter of the late Elbert and Pearl (Schult) Reynolds. Phyllis attended Peoria High School, and while in high school she met Donald Peterson, Phyllis and Donald married on March 20, 1948. They happily shared 76 years of marriage until he passed on April 15, 2024. She attended Bradley University, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Phyllis worked for many years at Illinois Bell later becoming AT&T as a draftsman until she retired. Outside of her work Phyllis was a talented artist, she painted many beautiful paintings and gave her paintings to friends and family over the years. She loved to travel and go on adventures with her husband. Their favorite destinations were Colorado and Branson, MO. She was a member of Telephone Pioneers, Morton Art Guild, and First United Methodist Church in Peoria. Phyllis was a loving mother to Mark Peterson who passed away in 2013.

Phyllis is survived by her niece Kasandra (Roy) Howarter of Stow, OH, and other nieces and nephews: Susan, Rev. Charles, and Jeff, her cousins Robert Reider, Christine (Rockton) Hitt, Susan (Ben) Mallory, and Carol (Chris) Benson.

In addition to her parents, her beloved husband, and son, Phyllis was preceded in death by her brother Russell Reynolds, her nephew Dale, her dear cousin Joan Reider, and her best friend Miriam Sommer-Vinton.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 17, at 11 am at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff at Proctor Place in Peoria, where Phyllis and Don made their home for nearly 20 years where they made many friends and received the best care.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Proctor Place in Peoria.

Please visit Phyllis's online obituary at www.deitersfuneralhome.com