Phyllis J. White, 97 of Sterling, IL, died Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison, IL.
She was born on December 3, 1928, in Pine Creek Township in Ogle County, the daughter of Henry R. and Dorothea (Palmer) Rhodes, Sr. She married Charles M. White on July 7, 1950, in Nashville, TN. He died April 10, 2008. Phyllis had worked as a Dental Receptionist for several years, retiring from Dr. Kubiak’s office. When her sons were growing up, Phyllis served as a Den Mother with Troop 305 at Lincoln School in Sterling. She had enjoyed crocheting, knitting, gardening, and canning.
Survivors include her son, Charles (Mary) White II of Sterling; nine grandchildren, Charles Jason (Carrie) White III, Tony (Mary) White, Kimberly (Jeff) Ricketts, Josh (Darla) White, Stephanie Childress, Heather Jo West, Keegan White, Emily White, and Mallory White; 16 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Jeffrey White in 2018; five brothers; three sisters.
Visitation will be Wednesday January 7, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30, at the McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory in Rock Falls, IL.
The Funeral will follow at 10:30 a.m., with Reverend Dalmus Meeks officiating.
Burial will conclude at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Dixon, IL.
A memorial has been established to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.