Phyllis Meeks

Phyllis Meeks, 94, of Robinson, IL, passed away on November 2, 2026, in the comfort of her home. She was born on July 11, 1932, in Flat Rock, IL, the daughter of Marvin and Lola Weger. She grew up in rural Flat Rock, looking forward to visits from her cousins and packages from her older brothers. She never forgot how good it felt to be thought of, and she spent her life making sure others knew that feeling, too.

Family mattered to Phyllis from the beginning. So did her faith, which took root at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Flat Rock. Both would remain at the center of her life. She attended Flat Rock High School until it closed after her junior year, then graduated from Robinson High School in 1950. Ten years of secretarial work in Marathon's office followed, and she was proud to tell people that three generations of her family had worked there. For all that those years meant to her, the best part of her story was already underway.

It had started at the Flat Rock baseball field. Harold Meeks was playing ball when Jack and Vera Blankenbeker introduced them, and the two married on December 25, 1952. As their family grew to include Ron and Von, Phyllis traded her days in the office for days at home, giving her time and attention to the people she loved most. As the boys grew older, she took on a handful of other jobs. She greeted people at Burger Chef, watched over children during recesses at Lincoln Grade School, and helped in the high school library. She was fond of children and fond of the memories she made in those jobs. Her faith taught her to do her work as unto the Lord, and she carried that into whatever she was doing.

She also believed in taking care of what God had entrusted to her, and her home showed it. She kept things neat, knew where everything belonged, and could still spot a piece of lint on the carpet near the end of her life. She took the same care with herself, always well put-together and color-coordinated, even if it meant hours in Terre Haute hunting for the right accessories! Whether it was her home, her wardrobe, or her family, Phyllis appreciated what she had and took good care of it. Her family most of all.

Her face lit up when her loved ones came through the door, and she made sure they knew how glad she was to have them home. If they were coming for dinner, she knew what each person liked and made sure their favorites were waiting. Her mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, and meatloaf were hard to beat. Ron would say the same about her raisin sauce (though the rest of the family was content to let him enjoy it). There were always crescent rolls and "slime green" Jell-O salad, and family dinners called for the wedding china, the tablecloth, the whole works.

Once dinner was over, there was usually a reason to stay at the table. Rummikub, Canasta, and Aggravation were favorites, and Phyllis enjoyed the competition as much as the company. Scores were written down and kept, so nobody had to wonder who was ahead. With the great-grandchildren, she was happy to play Skip-Bo or Candy Land. When it was finally time to leave, she usually had a little something to send home with you. It might be treats, a dish towel, or something she'd spotted and thought you needed, often with a prayer card or personal note tucked alongside it. She wanted you to leave knowing you'd been thought of and prayed for. Both came naturally to a woman who loved Jesus the way Phyllis did.

Her faith gave shape to her days, beginning with the quiet of her mornings. She read Scripture, spent time in devotions, and prayed faithfully for others, continuing that familiar rhythm until just weeks before her passing. It gave shape to her weeks, too. Through much of her life, Highland Avenue Baptist Church was her church home. She sang in the choir there for several years and helped with Bible school and even "Backyard Bible School" when her boys were young. If the church doors were open, you could count on her being there. Whether she was reading her Bible, worshipping alongside her church family, or tending to the everyday needs of her household, Phyllis lived in the company of Jesus. Now, she is with Him face-to-face. The woman who made so many people feel the joy of being welcomed home has received that welcome herself. We can only imagine her Savior's smile. And there is comfort in knowing that this homecoming brings her back to Harold, too.

Her husband of more than 62 years, Harold Meeks, preceded her in death on January 24, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Loston Weger, Nelson Weger, Delmar Weger, Glenn Weger, and Wayne Weger; and her sister, Martha Marie Weger. She is survived by her two sons & daughters-in-law, Ron & Lissa Meeks (Saint Charles, MO) and Von & Kelly Meeks (Robinson, IL); her beloved grandchildren, Lydia Meeks, Kasey Meeks, and Jason Meeks; her great-grandchildren, Lyla and Reine; her special friend, Don Allison; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13th, at Highland Avenue Baptist Church. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Dwight McDaniel officiating. Burial will be in Tohill Cemetery, rural Flat Rock. Memorial contributions may be made to Highland Avenue Baptist Church, with envelopes available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is assisting the family at this time.