Phyllis Ann McMillen-O’Rourke, 81, of De Soto died June 10, 2024. Ms. O’Rourke attended the West St. Louis County School District through 10th grade. Along with being a homemaker, she worked for more than 40 years. She worked for Port-a-Crib in Ellisville, was a floral shop designer in Ballwin, retired from H&R Electronics in High Ridge as a laborer and worked at Paramount Hat Factory in Advance as a laborer. She was a member of the Lutheran Church since 1954. She was a regular supporter of local emergency responder associations and other charitable organizations. She was known for her love of the arts. She was a talented cook and a self-taught pianist. She loved to dance, play harmless pranks and create arts and crafts designs. She liked listening to gospel and bluegrass music and especially enjoyed the works of Jerry Lee Lewis. Most importantly, she loved spending time with her family. Some of her favorite moments were a vacation to Jamaica in 2013 with immediate family and friends and to Ireland in 2014 with the O’Rourke clan. She will be remembered for her strength, determination and big heart. Born May 16, 1943, she was the daughter of the late James McMillen, Lillie Mae (Matlock) Kallmbah and Carl Kallmbah.
She is survived by four children: Cindy (Rick) Edmiston, Betty (Tim) Hill, Shari (Jeffrey) Dinkins and Robert (Lynnie) O’Rourke Jr.; four siblings: Bonnie Leuthauser, Clifford (Butch) Kallmbah, Gladene (Scott) Budd-Beaver and Tammy (Steve) Conger; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by two siblings: sibling James Lee McMillen and Carlene Leuthauser.
Visitation is scheduled from 11 a.m. until a funeral service at 1 p.m. Friday, June 14, at Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6300 Hwy. 30, in Cedar Hill. Memorials may be made to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill Mortuary.