Phyllis L. Monka, 89, of Merrill, Wis., died Friday, Dec. 27, at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, Wis.

Phyllis was born Jan. 21, 1935, in Two Rivers, Wis, daughter of Fred and Ida (Block) Gregor. She married Richard F. (Dick) Monka on Feb. 15, 1958, in Two Rivers. He preceded her in death on April 3, 2012.

Phyllis was a homemaker and had worked as a nurse’s aide at the former Holy Cross Hospital in Merrill. One of her favorites things to do was talk about her grandson, Ian, whom she adored.

She appreciated the arts and was talented in wood carving, caning chairs and painting. She enjoyed traveling to Massachusetts to visit her son, Greg, and spend time at Martha’s Vineyard.

Survivors include two children, Greg Monka, of Edgartown, and Stephanie (David) Springborn, of Merrill, Wis.; one grandson, Ian Springborn, of Chanhassen, Minn.; and one brother, Don (Joanne) Gregor of Ripon, Wis.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard (Dick) Monka; parents, Fred and Ida Gregor; and sister, MaryAnn Emond.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11 at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, 903 E. Third St., Merrill. Burial will take place at Merrill Memorial Park. Visitation will begin at a.m. on Jan. 11 at the funeral home.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the many professionals who helped Phyllis: Aspirus’ Merrill Medical Clinic, the Cardiology Clinic, the Regional Cancer Center – Radiation Oncology, the Wound and Hyperbaric Center, Interim Hospice and Bell Tower Residence.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society.