Phyllis Jean Warford, age 79 of Marine, IL, died Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Highland Health Care Center in Highland, IL.

She was born on Tuesday, October 9, 1945, in Granite City, IL, the daughter of Edward and Helen (nee Utzinger) Gieszelmann.

Phyllis was born in Granite City, Illinois and grew up there. She graduated Granite City High School and then attended beautician school. She worked as a beautician for a while before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Phyllis also was a bank teller for American Heritage Bank in Granite City. When her children were raised, she became an over-the-road semi-truck driver for about 8 years and absolutely loved it. She moved to Highland in 2005 and worked at Safe-n-Secure storage for 13 years. Phyllis retired in 2012. In her retirement, she loved to craft, including diamond paintings and painting. She enjoyed reading and loved Celtic Thunder, a singing group. She collected memorabilia from the TV show "Firefly". Phyllis was fascinated by chess, but never played, though she loved collecting chess boards.

Survivors include:
Son - Scott M. (Michelle) Warford, Marine, IL
Daughter - Dawn Warford, Marine, IL
Grandchild - Ryan S. (Corey) Warford, West Plains, MO
Great Grandchild - Gabi Warford
Great Grandchild - Briggs T. Warford
Sister - Janet Goeller, Granite City, IL

She was preceded in death by:
Father - Edward L. Gieszelmann, died 10/11/2005
Mother - Helen M. Gieszelmann (nee Utzinger), died 1/7/2014
Brother - James B. Gieszelmann, died 6/2/2016

Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church in Marine, IL.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church in Marine, IL, with Fr. John P. Beveridge, Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.