HILLSBORO - Phyllis K. Burmaster, 76, of Tomah, went to be with her Lord and Saviour, on Saturday, July 20, 2013, at home with her husband and children at her side.

Phyllis was born May 14, 1937, in Carlock, IL to John and Grace Byrd. She was raised in Danvers, IL and married Gerald (Jerry) L. Burmaster there on Sept. 30, 1953. They moved to Hillsboro, Wl in 1966, living there until 2003, when they moved to Tomah.

Phyllis worked for 40 years at Meca Sportswear, in Hillsboro, Ontario, and Tomah, Wl.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Jerry, of Tomah; one son, Daryl (Mary) of Hillsboro; two daughters, Kathy (Stuart) Drinkwine of Tomah and Kris Dresdow of Holmen; 10 grandchildren: Chuck (Linda) Burmaster, Rebecca (Jason) Oetzman, Paxton (Kathy) Burmaster, Derrick (Nicole) Drinkwine, Chris (Megan) Drinkwine, Dominick Drinkwine, R.J. Dresdow, Guthrie (Kay) Thurston, Anna (Zane) Bender, and Kaila Burmaster; 9 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters: Millie Koehler, Jackie (Don) Wickenhauser, Shirley (Gordy) Reynolds, and one brother: Larry (Sara) Byrd.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Marty; and one brother, John.

Phyllis leaves behind a legacy that is best described in Proverbs 31:20, “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” She always enjoyed giving to those less fortunate than herself, especially children. She set a great example of how loving and generous a person should be.

Funeral Services and a celebration of Phyllis’ life will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Hillsboro.  Burial will be in the Mount Vernon Cemetery in Hillsboro.  Friends and family are invited to a visitation from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 24 at Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro and may call at the Church on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, it was Phyllis’ wish that memorials be given to First Congregational Church, Hillsboro.  For online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com