Phyllis M. (Young) Selzer

Ms. Phyllis M. Selzer - September 3, 1924- August 26, 2023  

Ms. Phyllis M. Selzer, 98 of Kincaid passed from this life Saturday, August 26, 2023 at home.   

Phyllis was born in Waukegan, Illinois on September 3, 1924, to Louis and Anna Young. She passed away peacefully at home on August 26, 2023.  

Phyllis married her High School sweetheart Richard J. Selzer on July 11, 1942, in Monticello, Missouri. On this trip of 350 miles, they went through 11 flat tires on their Model A!  

During WWII, Phyllis worked for Western Union. She then raised 5 children. A wonderful, loving, devoted Mother. Once the children were grown, she took an office position at the Kincaid Power Plant. Her husband also worked there. They made lasting friendships in that building.  

Phyllis spent her free time traveling with Richard. As the family grew, many of these travels included their grandchildren. She loved gardening. She took pride in her fruits, vegetables and flowers. She canned vegetables and made jams and jellies for all.  

She was an excellent seamstress. Sewing clothing and costumes, alterations and craft projects. She was also an avid quilter. She not only blanketed the family in her creations, but a lot of love was shared with the surrounding communities through the hundreds of quilts she donated. Phyllis was a firm believer in passing on kindness, she not only spoke of it but put it into action. One organization she worked with was “Project Linus”, there is a good chance if your family has experienced a hardship, home loss or sick child, you received a quilt.  She loved going to garage sales and would often buy coats to donate. She inspired her family by also showing all of us that we could do it too. She sewed and made quilts into her mid to late 90’s.  

Phyllis loved to read novels and complete crossword puzzles. You could always find either of the two near her favorite chair.  

Phyllis was so loved by her husband Richard. She had a special relationship with each of her children. She was able to see Grandchildren grow into adults, while having a unique relationship with each one. In the age of computers, she still received and sent handwritten letters to friends and family. She shared stories from a time we can only imagine and made anyone in her company feel welcome.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Brother: Arnold Young, son: James Selzer, and daughter: Phyllis Watson. She is survived by her daughter: Sandra Simmons (Tom Jonak), son: Raymond Selzer (Yvonne) and son: Louis Selzer (Connie Anderson). 3 “Special Nieces”, 11 Grandchildren, 17 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great, Great Grandchildren.  

Although she was immensely loved, it was her wish not to have a funeral. Mastersons Funeral Home will be assisting with cremation services, however. In lieu of flowers or memorials it was her request that donations be made to the Midland Volunteer Fire Department in Kincaid or to Project Linus-Central Illinois Chapter.  

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