Phyllis Jean Malkovich of Benton

Mrs. Phyllis Jean Malkovich, age 91, passed away at 5:59 a.m. Friday, July 12, 2019 at the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Phyllis was a lifelong resident of Benton, Illinois. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri on Oct. 2, 1927, and was raised on a farm south of Benton by her paternal grandparents, John and Rosa Marie (Schrade) Minier.

Phyllis graduated from Benton Township High School in 1944. She married Joseph (Joe) Malkovich on Dec. 10, 1946. They had six children during their marriage.

Phyllis spent much of her time as a wife, mother and homemaker, staying at home and caring for her family. Phyllis would sometimes work outside of the home as a waitress and cook to assist with the family's financial obligations.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Malkovich; two children, Jan Williams and Michael Malkovich; and a daughter-in-law, Diana Malkovich.

She is survived by four children, John Victor (Tracey) Malkovich, Mark (Apryl) Malkovich, Tony Malkovich and Tom Malkovich; son-in-law Guy Williams; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Phyllis requested to be cremated, through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Visitation services will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Private family graveside services will take place on Monday, July 15, 2019 in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance or the Salvation Army. These will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences to the family or to share memories of Phyllis, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com