Phyllis Johnson Rames peacefully passed away, surrounded by family, on the morning of January 19, 2025. Phyllis was born on September 28, 1928, in Elmhurst, Illinois to Dr. Richard George Johnson and Laura Evelyn Johnson. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Speech from the University of South Dakota and a Master of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of Illinois. While at the University of South Dakota she met and later married Donald H. Rames. In 1956 they settled in Vandalia, Illinois where he started his medical practice, and they raised their four children.
Phyllis’ accomplishments exemplify dedication to her family, the church, and the community. Her contributions are too many to list but to name a few: Founder of Vandalia Meals on Wheels, Evergreen Outreach, Operation Outing, GEM volunteers, and Vandalia Correctional Center Bible Study. She also co-founded Friends of the Evans Public Library, Friends and Families of Fayette County Hospital, and Our Place. Additionally, she served on numerous state and local boards, with a particular passion for service to First United Methodist Church of Vandalia. Because of her extensive involvement and devotion to serving others, she received many awards including the American Healthcare National Volunteer Award, the Illinois Healthcare Volunteer of the Year Award, and the Governor’s Hometown Award. In 2003 she was inducted into the Illinois Senior Hall of Fame. Public speaking was one of Phyllis’ many gifts. She presented to church groups, healthcare organizations, senior centers and women’s clubs as well as many other social groups.
A natural-born teacher, Phyllis taught English and French at St. Elmo High School and English Composition at Greenville University. One of her most impactful experiences was teaching English Composition at John Graham Prison in Hillsboro, Illinois.
Amazingly, Phyl found time to nurture some of her favorite interests. She could often be found on the tennis courts, usually playing, but sometimes teaching. She also squeezed in time for her growing love of golf and travel…. All this without missing any of her children’s many activities.
Although her accomplishments were many, her greatest joy in life was her children and grandchildren. She is survived by daughter, Ann Rames Duncan of Coppell, TX, son, Richard D. Rames, MD (Sue) of Ladue, MO, and daughter, Mary Rames Orr (Mike) of Brentwood, TN. Lovingly known as Gerr, her grandchildren include Katherine Rames, Sarah Edgren (Tyler), Laura Murphy (Luke), Mary Bester (Christiaan), David Rexroat (Rachel), Andrew Rexroat (Paige), Lindsay Robertson (Derek), Richard Rames Jr., MD (Jenn), Douglas Rames (Kelsey), Alexandra Rames, Michael Orr (Casey), Christopher Orr (Stellena), Andrea Sanders (Kennan), and Sam Orr (Jill). Gerr is also survived by twenty-three great grandchildren, with more on the way!
Phyllis is survived by one sister, Barbara Brothers of Sturgis, MI. She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Dr. Donald H. Rames, son, Dr. Douglas Rames and his wife, Betsy. Also preceding her in death are her parents and her brother, Dr. Richard Johnson. Undoubtedly, Phyllis was warmly welcomed into Heaven by these family members as well as her beloved Shih Tzu, Dolly.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church of Vandalia with a reception immediately following. The service will be live-steamed for those who cannot attend. In lieu of flowers, the Rames family requests that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church of Vandalia, 127 N. Fourth Street, Vandalia, IL 62471. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com.
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