Phyllis Jean High, 96 of Taylorville, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Taylorville Care Center. She was born on November 1, 1928, in Springfield, the daughter of Lowell Morton and Katherine Frances (White) Brattain. She previously married Garol Edwin Gaylor and later married Ray F. High on August 25, 1963, in Taylorville and he preceded her in death on March 15, 2009. Phyllis worked for many years as a bookkeeper for Mueller Company. She was a long-time member of the Taylorville First Baptist Church where she taught 3rd grade Sunday School and served as the treasurer of the church until its closing and later joined Grace Baptist Church in Taylorville. Phyllis had a love of animals, especially her dog, Skipper, who was well known around town, and later loved her daily walks with her dogs Mollie and Petunia. She had a love for life and found joy in many areas including leaf parties in the fall, Christmas Eve sack races, or daily swims in her daughter’s pool. She enjoyed playing Free-Cell to keep her mind sharp; having played over 75,000 games. Countless Sunday evenings were spent playing pinocle with her sister while her young daughters ate pancakes and watched Disney in the basement. Phyllis and Ray especially enjoyed their trips with friends in the Shriners 3-wheelers. Traveling was another highlight of Phyllis’ life, including many trips to visit and help her daughter, Paula, move on many occasions, and in later years spending time on vacations in Myrtle Beach.
She is survived by her daughters: Paula Robinson (Herb) of North Richland Hills, Texas and Sandy Specha (Mike) of Taylorville; grandchildren: Heather Robinson, Christopher Robinson (Skyler), Katey Hubbard (Chad), Mallory Jordan Crites (Zac), Suzanne Pullen (Josh), and Leanne Bonitzer (Rick); great grandchildren: Caleb Christopher Robinson, Lizzie Rae Robinson, Ashton Gage Robinson, Georgia Skye Robinson, Joshua Kai Hubbard, Caden Brooks Hubbard, Gabriel Reef Hubbard, Jameson Banks Hubbard, Blake Beckley, Brianne Beckley, Brooke Bonitzer, Brady Bonitzer, Logan Bonitzer, Jordan Zachary Crites, and Zion Carter Crites; and siblings: Bob Buckler (Kerry) of Virginia and Bonnie Bruns of Taylorville. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister: Virginia Rigdon (Bob).
A visitation for Phyllis will take place from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at McClure Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Scott Parks officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Williams Syndrome Association or Ansar Shrine. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
