Phyllis Ruppel

Phyllis A. Ruppel, age 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at home with her loving family by her side. She is survived by her children, John (Deb) Ruppel Jr and Sherry (Jason) Whetsel, grandchildren Michael Bebar, Emily Bebar (fiancé Matt Obzera), Devin Bebar (fiancé Hannah Cook), CJ Bebar, John Ruppel III, Kaitlyn Pass and Harper Ruppel, and great granddaughter Madilyn Bebar. Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Francis Spiewak and her devoted husband of 47 years, John Ruppel Sr.

Phyllis grew up in the Harvey area, attended Bremen High School and moved to Green Garden area 50 years ago and remained here until her passing.

Phyllis and her husband owned and operated 3 Way Drywall in Mokena and John's Antique Auto, where they restored Ford Model A's. They started a Ford Model A Club and remained close friends with many of the car club members.

Phyllis enjoyed knitting and reading, was an avid watcher of The Game Show Network and was Hallmark Movie Channel devotee.

Phyllis's greatest joys in her life were her grandchildren. She never missed a game or activity that her grandkids had, whether it was baseball, basketball, lacrosse or volleyball, a school play or band and choir concert and always watched the livestream of a horse show competition. She loved baking with the grandkids at Christmastime and putting up her village. Recently, her favorite part of her day was her daily FaceTime call when her great granddaughter was eating dinner or taking a bath.

Phyllis had been looking forward to becoming an octogenarian this August and to attending her first grandchild's wedding next summer before becoming ill this past winter.

She will be missed immensely but her family is at peace knowing she is reunited with the love of her life.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Lightways Hospice of Joliet for their kind and compassionate care of Phyllis.

In lieu of a wake and funeral, there will be a Celebration of Life for Phyllis to be held on a future date.