Phyllis M. Stickels

Phyllis M. Stickels, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at Lake Forest Hospital.  She lived independently in her own home and enjoyed an active full life until she passed.  She was born on April 20,1929 in Townsend, WI to Jennie and Walter Kilman. Her parents, and five loving siblings all preceded her in death. Phyllis moved to Grayslake at the age of 14, and was a lifelong resident. She graduated from the first class of Grayslake High School, and was the first Homecoming Queen – "Miss Football" 1948. She owned a business in town – "Bob's Delicatessen" with her first husband, Robert J. Hook. With Robert, she had two daughters; Debra (Hook) Claxton and Tamien (Hook) Lustig. Phyllis later married Milton Stickels, also of Grayslake, and together they enjoyed a very large combined family; which included Milton's beloved children: Steven Stickels, Douglas Stickels, David Stickels, Michael Stickels (deceased), and their families. Phyllis worked for many years at Rockenbach Chevrolet in Grayslake, and then later at Abbott Laboratories. She was a lifelong member of the Grayslake Exchangettes, the Grayslake Historical Society, an active bridge player, and a formidable Scrabble opponent.  She cared deeply for family and friends and brought joy to all who knew her. Phyllis is survived by her daughters; Debra (Hook) Claxton and husband Paul; Tamien (Hook) Lustig and husband Sheldon, and by her grandchildren: Katie (Claxton) Valdovinos & husband Mark of Brookfield, WI; Kevin Claxton of Los Angeles, CA; Erin Claxton of Chicago; and Emiline Lustig of Chicago; She also had two beloved great-grand-children; Cadence and Dane Valdovinos. A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 on Sunday, May 29 from 2-4 pm. There will be a brief eulogy at the conclusion of the visitation. Interment will be a private event at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family gratefully suggests a donation to the Grayslake IL Fire Protection District.