Obituary of Phyllis R. Hombaker

Phyllis R. Hombaker passed away peacefully at home in Waukegan, IL on June 25, 2016 at age 84. Phyllis R. Hombaker nee Myers is survived by her two sons, Robert L. Hombaker (Darlene Agena-Hombaker) of Round Lake Beach, and William Kurt Hombaker (Tammara A. Hombaker) of Antioch, IL., four grandchildren, Jon M. Bevans of Round Lake Beach, Stephan K. Hombaker of Chicago, Christopher E. Hombaker of Antioch, Markus L. Hombaker of Antioch, and finally, one great grandchild, Angel Marie DiMeo, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Hombaker in 2014. Phyllis was born on November 5, 1931 to Gerald and Veta Myers in rural Humansville, MO. She achieved a bachelor’s degree in education from the Southwest Missouri State University. Phyllis took a position as an educator in Farmer City, Illinois where she met her future husband, Robert L. Hombaker. They were married on May 30, 1960 at the Sacred Heart church in Farmer’s City, Illinois and celebrated 54 years of marriage as a couple, partners and best friends. They moved to Waukegan, Illinois shortly after and both celebrated fulfilling careers as educators, with Robert teaching at Greenwood Elementary School and Phyllis teaching at McCall Elementary School until their retirement in 1987. Phyllis was a dedicated educator with avid interest in reading and english. Her love for family, reading, education, cooking and canning highlighted her bright life. Phyllis was a dedicated Roman Catholic, belonging to the Our Lady of Humility parish serving many roles including participating in assisting with funeral luncheons. Among her numerous associations, Phyllis was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Beta Upsilon Chapter, a life member of the Illinois Education Association, Friends of the Waukegan Library and Illinois Retired Teachers Association. Visitation will be held at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL from 5pm until 8pm on Thursday, June 30, 2016. Funeral services will be at Our Lady of Humility Church 10655 W Wadsworth Rd., Zion, IL on July 1, 2016 at 10am, with a reception to follow at the Hayes Room at Our Lady of Humility Church. Deacon Mike Mercure will participate in the ceremony at Phyllis’ wishes. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Phyllis’ life. Given Phyllis’ love for nature and education, flowers or donations to your local library in her honor would be welcome. Condolences can be sent to Congdon Funeral Home. The family would like to thank Phyllis’ wonderful neighbors that she viewed as friends, Rich and Jo Anne Beaulieu, and Jessica Koepsel for her service in companionship and escorts to and from her appointments.