Martha Jane Pharis

Martha Jane Pharis, 86, of Manteno, died Tuesday (May 7, 2013) at her home. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. Friday until the 3 p.m. funeral service at the Manteno United Methodist Church, where she was a member. The Rev. Harvey Gaither will officiate. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Manteno. Memorials may be made to the Manteno United Methodist Church. Brown Funeral Home, Manteno, is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Pharis taught fourth grade in Manteno for 38 years. She was born Aug. 12, 1926, in Anna, the daughter of Donald W. and Veva Bishop Casper. Her husband Jerry Pharis, whom she married Nov. 27, 1948, in Anna, preceded her in death. She enjoyed playing cards and traveling. Surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Marcia Pharis, of Bartlett; one daughter and son-in-law, Melinda and Dave Fanning, of Crystal Lake; grandchildren, Nicholas Pharis, Zachary Fanning, Alexandria Fanning, Gabrielle Fanning, Michelle Arseneau and Kristin McCarthy; great-grandchildren, Alec, Cale and Connor Bollig, Katy and Madison Draper, Kennedy Arseneau and Nianna Nicole Pharis; sister and brother-in-law, Mildred and Jean Cunningham, of Jonesboro; and sister-in-law, Shirley Casper, of Carbondale. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, William Casper.