Phyllis Joan (Martin) Slunaker, age 91 of Olney, Illinois passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at The Anchor Memory Facility in Marion, Illinois.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Free Methodist Church,
223 West Cherry Street, in Olney, Illinois with visitation for 1 hour prior to services at the church.
Burial will be held following the service at the Richland Cemetery in Calhoun, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the Free Methodist Church Mission Department. Arrangements are under the care of Meyer Funeral Home in Olney. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.

Phyllis was a caring person and a friend to many. She enjoyed crafting, painting, traveling, jigsaw puzzles and family genealogy. She looked forward to family gatherings, cards and visits from friends.

Phyllis is survived by three sons: J. Tony Litherland (Lucrecia) from Millsboro, DE, Richard W. Litherland (Brenda Hill) from Robertsville, MO, and Perry L. Sager (Ann) from Mt. Vernon, IL; two daughters: Kristine K. Constable (Mark) from Carterville, IL and Dawn C. Davis (Roger) from Nashville, TN.
Also surviving are 14 grandchildren: Eric (Stephanie) Litherland, Heidi Cox, Raquel (Eric) Kuhlman, Kelly (Josh) Grantham, Patrick (Katie) Litherland, Sean (Jenny) Litherland and Kasey (Tony) Smith, Sandra (Paul) Cowan, Haley (Josh) Boswell, Danielle (Mark) Olson, Ben (Erin) Hinkle, Shannon (Dylan) Sievers, Nicholas (Krista) Sager Mollee Sager (Kai Canogullari).
Phyllis was also blessed with 31 greatgrandchildren with another on the way, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is sister-in-law Audrey Martin from Harrisburg, IL.
Surviving in Colorado are 4 stepchildren: Phyllis (Charlie) Snyder from Silt, Dennis (Loretta) Slunaker from Fairplay, Willis Slunaker from Platteville and Diane (Phil) Schaub from Mesa; stepdaughter-in-law Becky Slunaker from Tucson, AZ, along with numerous step grandchildren, greats, nieces and nephews.

Phyllis Joan Martin was born on July 27, 1934 in Wapella, IL. She was the youngest of five children born to Nicholas Carl (N.C.) and Mary E. (Cullison) Martin. The family moved back to Olney from Wisconsin in 1948. Phyllis began her work history in Olney in 1951 at The Dime Store on Main St. She was 17. Much later she worked for different families, Burgin Manor and then became Activities Director at
The Senior Citizens Center, worked in Dietary at RMH and volunteered for years with the Auxiliary at Carle Richland. During these working years, she used her talents and imagination to decorate, craft and organize skits and parties. She had a knack for livening up any event.
In 1981, Phyllis married Wayne Slunaker from Colorado, and they celebrated almost 25 years of marriage. Their life together was a blessing to the family. He preceded her in death in 2006.
Phyllis was an active and lifelong member of the Olney Free Methodist Church where work for missions was close to her heart. Phyllis enjoyed traveling. She visited many of the fifty states and traveled to Spain, Canada, Mexico and Argentina. She and Wayne also journeyed to Switzerland which was one of the great highlights of their life together.

Following a fall and surgery in the fall of 2022, Phyllis was suddenly left without a short-term memory.
She spent her last years in Marion, IL at The Anchor Memory Care where she talked a lot about Jesus, told funny stories from long ago and often tried to help the other residents if they were anxious. The family would like to thank the staff at The Anchor in Marion, IL for their wonderful care. Thanks to Gina Homan at the Dept. on Aging in Herrin, IL for her ongoing assistance. Thanks to the amazing Hospice of Southern Illinois. Also, to Dr. Garrett in West Salem and his staff for many years of service to mom and Wayne. Additionally, thanks to Williams' Brothers Pharmacy, Helia Care and Brookstone in Olney. Our heartfelt thanks to mom's neighbors and friends who offered prayers and lent support through the years. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, Clifford R. Martin and first wife Evalee; sisters and brothers-in-law, W.W. and Bertha D. Kroening, Lewis E. and Lois M. Gillespie, Robert L. and Gaile M. Herrin; stepson, Fred A. Sluanker. As Phyllis' life on this earth ends, we are joyful that we will one day be reunited in heaven, where "…there will be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying." Revelation 21:4. This is part of the hope we carry through the forgiveness and saving power of Jesus Christ.