Phyllis Dea Brown, 75, passed away peacefully at her home in Maricopa, Arizona, on December 5, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Phyllis was born on February 18, 1949, in Urbana, Illinois, to Dale and Blossom Wright. She enjoyed her childhood on the family farm, where she developed a strong work ethic and invaluable life skills. Her mother taught her cooking, sewing, and homemaking, while her father and brothers introduced her to carpentry, painting, and a love for cars and animals. Phyllis attended Potomac public schools, participated in 4H, and enjoyed horseback riding.
In 1970, she married John Kuntz, and together they farmed and raised two children, Travis and Tricia. John preceded her in death.
At a class reunion, Phyllis reconnected with a longtime classmate, Bill Brown. After dating for several years, they married on January 2, 2000, in Maui, Hawaii. Phyllis joined Bill in his insurance agency, working as a secretary and bookkeeper. The couple traveled extensively, both in the U.S. and abroad. Phyllis loved gardening, canning, and caring for her yard and flowers. Summers were brightened by vacations with her children and grandchildren. Road trips with Bill, especially to watch their grandchildren’s school and sporting events, often included their golden retriever, Sebastian.
Phyllis loved the mountains and Western rodeos, which led her and Bill to spend winters in Arizona. They enjoyed attending car shows, golf events, and sharing her newfound passion for card-making with her dear friend and neighbor, Rosie.
Phyllis is survived by her devoted husband, William Brown; her children, Travis (Kristi) Kuntz of Monticello, IL, and Tricia (Bill) Eustice of Maricopa, AZ; her stepchildren, Jodi (Jeff) Cottrell of Avon, IN, Andrew Brown of Dwight, IL, and Lindsay (Mark) Lineberry of Highlands Ranch, CO; her siblings, Darrell (Carol) Wright of Naperville, IL, and Pat Erven of Auburn, WA; and her nine beloved grandchildren: Connor and Logan Kuntz; Kerbe and Miranda Cottrell; Natalia, Dominik, and Sky Brown; and Alston and Noelle Lineberry. She also leaves behind cherished aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends from Hubbard Trail.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Blossom and Dale Wright; her brother, Kenny Wright; sister-in-law, Rita (Shultz) Wright; brother-in-law, Ray Erven; and her first husband, John Kuntz.
Phyllis was a devoted wife, sister, aunt, mother, and Grammy. Her grace, work ethic, and courage inspired all who knew her. Her love and smile will be deeply missed.
Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert, AZ
