Phyllis E Roberts

Phyllis Elaine Parkhurst was born on September 22, 1937, in Eagleville, MO, to David and Graceland Parkhurst. She was the oldest of seven siblings and a natural caretaker within the family. She grew up on various farms in a small rural community and attended a country school. Extended family was important, and she spent childhood surrounded by a large group of cousins. Though Phyllis preferred indoor chores to farm work, she told stories of caring for baby farm animals and always had a tender spot for baby lambs. Money was often scarce, but togetherness was abundant.

During a high school class trip to Kansas City, Phyllis and two girlfriends left their names and addresses in the hotel dresser. As fate would have it, a group of young soldiers enroute to Korea occupied the room the very next night, and Phyllis’s name was retrieved by Bill Roberts, of Sparta, WI. Bill wrote Phyllis, and their cross-continental letters spanned two years of war. Though never meeting in person, Bill returned from Korea with a diamond for his sweetheart, and the two wasted no further time. They eloped and were married on January 4, 1955.

Bill and Phyllis welcomed three children: Gayla Ann, David William, and Sonja Rae. Though Phyllis often referred to Missouri as “down home,” Sparta, WI became their beloved home for all their 67 years together. They valued stability, duty, and traditional values. Their dramatic and romantic beginning was grounded by hard work, dedication, and love. As a young wife, Phyllis pulled triple duty earning income, raising children, and keeping the home. She was an active mom, volunteering as room mother for classrooms, and serving as a Brownie leader, and Cub Scout den mother.

Her strengths and skills fit perfectly and diversely within the workforce: her industrious spirit in factories, her abundant sensitivity, love, and attention in numerous childcare positions, daycares (both in-home and in the community) and The Wisconsin Child Center, her nurturing heart at the hospital, her compassion in Monroe County Social Services, her warmth, approachability, and eye for decorating with Home Interiors, and her endless sense of fun and flair for style at Kohl’s jewelry counter. No matter the position, Phyllis’s love of people drove her purpose and made her mark on the work.

Phyllis was a woman of strong faith and an active member of various congregations over the years. She cared about her neighborhoods and made efforts to truly know and appreciate everyone she met.

Phyllis was a young grandma and active in the lives of her five grandchildren and 8 great grandboys. She was there for every milestone and celebrated their life experiences, big and small. She knew their strengths and understood their struggles. She walked beside them, always.

Phyllis cared for her home as she cared for her family. She made things pretty. She planted flowers and kept a meticulous yard. She played games with friends and enjoyed long, unhurried conversations in the yard.

In later years, Phyllis and Bill spent their days on the porch swing and under their gazebo. They held hands. Phyllis was the pillar and gently modeled the best ways to partner, mother, and live.

Phyllis entered Rolling Hills assisted living in February of 2024. She was brave in leaving her beloved home and embraced her new environment with optimism. Not surprisingly, Phyllis made fast friends with residents and staff, her room becoming a natural meeting place for socialization.

Phyllis spent her final days with her family by her side, kissing her soft face and absorbing the beauty of her clear blue eyes. Phyllis left our physical world on Tuesday, June 3rd. We imagine she was joyfully welcomed by her parents, husband, Bill, of 67 years, and siblings Dixie (in infancy), Jean Reneau, Glen Parkhurst, and Rita Ann Kinserdahl.

She will be missed and continued to be loved by her children: Gayla (Bob) Holzem of Baraboo, David Roberts of Sparta, Sonja (Todd) Penner of Madison, grandchildren Emily (Jason) Moll, Betsy (Clayton) McCaulley, Andy (Holly) Roberts, Jenny Roberts, and Bobby Penner, great grandchildren William, Benny, Ikey, Charlie, and Henry Moll, and John, Davey, and Joey McCaulley, sisters Vickie (Bob) Long (Wilton) and Reva Jo Parkhurst (Sparta), and sister-in-law Josie Parkhurst (Janesville). She faithfully appreciated all of life’s blessings, and with love and recognition of what we had, we grieve our tremendous loss.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation in Sparta, with Chaplain Priscilla Hemmersbach officiating.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M., Tuesday, June 10, 2025, and on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. – 11:00A.M. at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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