Phyllis Diane Offret

Phyllis Diane Offret, 72, Nevada, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011, at her home in Nevada. She was born on Feb. 5, 1939, in Mason City, Iowa, to Vincenzo James DiMarco and Kunchetta Cecelia Abbate DiMarco.

Phyllis exemplified the role of wife, mother, friend, sister, aunt and grandma. She was accomplished and talented in many arenas such as: Gardening, cooking, personalized custom candle making, scrap-booking, and was an avid bird watcher (loved those humming birds.) She took pride in everything she did. She poured a lot of love into her rose garden (which was loved by all) and her vegetable garden. She lived and enjoyed life to the fullest on a small 65-acre farm located south of Nevada. Although life was somewhat challenging, you wouldn't have guessed it from all the laughter and cheer radiating from the kitchen. Some of the fondest memories shared by the kids were the lessons learned. Her constant care and concern for our welfare, ability to maintain a good sense of humor, and she had a very contagious laugh. She had the ability to remain calm during any adversity. She had a great love for her children and grandchildren, and was always willing to play games. The family enjoyed sing-a-longs with her singing along with Dad. She taught us to love and gave us the ability to work hard. She owned and operated two restaurants in Utah; Phyl's Corner and Top Hat prior to moving to Nevada in 1973. She was employed at Nevada Medical Lodge, a cook at Cottey College, and was employed at Nevada Regional Medical Center serving in numerous departments. She was a graduate of Mason City High School in 1957.

Phyllis Diane Offret is survived by her husband, Farrel A. Offret; eight children, Tammy Covey and husband, Ed, Huntington, Ark., Laurence (Bud) Lage and wife, Jeanette, Carthage, Mo., Jim Lage, Joplin, Mo., Teresa Milliken and husband, Mark, Kansas City, Mo., Michael Starnes and wife, Torn, Henderson, Nev., Genia Unsworth and husband, Rod, Salem, Utah, Tracie Starnes, West Point, Utah, and Kristie Lycett, Bountiful, Utah; 18 grandchildren, Willis Covey, Jarvis Covey, Wynonna Lage, Luke Lage, Lacey Wood, Mark Johnson, Scot Johnson, Nathan Unsworth, Lacey Unsworth, Katelyn Unsworth, Crista Unsworth, Alyssa Unsworth, Danielle Starnes, Craig Smith, Brooke Nielson, Joshua Lycett and Jessice Lycett; her mother, Kunchetta (Kay) DiMarco, Palatine, Ill.; one sister, Tina Warr, Wheeling, Ill.; one brother, Allan DiMarco of North Carolina; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Phyllis is preceded in death by her father, Vincenzo (Jim) DiMarco; two brothers, Richard DiMarco and Jim DiMarco; and one granddaughter, Tasha Dawn Norris.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Wednesday, Feb. 23, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the family farm located at 22810 S. BB Highway, Nevada.

Those who wish may contribute in her memory to the Vernon County Cancer Relief c/o Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com