Phyllis Jean Karnes

November 12, 1937- June 25, 2023

June 25, 2023, Phyllis Jean Hill Karnes 85, of Kankakee IL , was peacefully lifted up from this earthly world by angels at home with her beloved husband James (Jim) Karnes by her side. Phyllis and Jim were married for 67 years! They were truly best friends, unequivocally cared for each other and loved to talk and laugh together.

Phyllis loved her children and family deeply. Phyllis was an incredible cook and would feed anyone that needed a meal. She taught her family to cook and passed down unforgettable recipes. Phyllis also was a talented artist; she loved to draw and paint on a variety of mediums. While living in the deserts of AZ she would collect desert rocks and paint them, if you knew Phyllis you had one of her rocks! She also loved to go thrift shopping and had a very good eye and would upcycle the treasures she found to sell.

Phyllis grew up in Kankakee, IL and was the second oldest of 6 sisters and 4 brothers. Phyllis meant Jim at her very first job and were married in 1955. In 1965 they moved to San Diego, CA where they lived for 30 years and raised their 4 children. When they retired, they spent 15 years traveling across America together in their travel trailer. After their adventures they settled in Yuma, AZ where they lived for 10 years. The last 2 years of Phyllis’s life was spent living with her son Jeff and daughter in law Abby in Wilmington NC. During Phyllis’s decline in health, she was steadfast in her kindness towards others and will truly me missed by all who knew her.

Phyllis is survived by her devoted husband James Karnes of 68 years, children Steven Karnes (Debbie Karnes), Jeff Karnes (Abby Karnes), Penny Lund (Bruce Lund ), Jennifer McCoy. Grandchildren, Katie Salas, Hanah Saucedo, Brandon and Ruby Karnes, Gary and Cory McCoy, Great Grandchildren, Joaquin, Aurora, and Avalon Saucedo, and several nieces and nephews.

God Bless You Phyllis you will always be the best Nana!