Mallie White

Mallie M. White, 85, of Tilton, IL went home to her Savior, Wednesday, October 21, 2015, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL. Mallie was born, August 9, 1930, in Harrisbury, IL to Elijah Ewell and Vera (Walker) Phelps. She married Russell C. White of Indianola, IL June 11, 1947. Russell preceded her in death, September 14, 2007. Russell and Mallie had one daughter, H. Michelle "Micki" Harned, who preceded her parents in death in 1986. Mallie is survived by two brothers, Bob (Paula) Ewell of Danville, IL and Larry Phelps of Palm Bay, Florida. She is also survived by two sisters, Phyllis Veach of Maroa, IL and Linda (Virgil) Murphy of Tilton, IL. Mallie is also survived by her nephew sand nieces. Mallie was dearly loved by her family and all who knew her. Mallie began working at age 15 at the Danville Bus Station Caf as a waitress. She later worked at S.S. Kresege where she met the love of her life, Russell. After moving to Southern California in 1955, Mallie continued to work until she and Russ returned to Tilton in 1996. Mallie then worked for WITY Radio station before moving on to work for Ross Hearing Center until her retirement at age 81. Mallie was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, Danville, IL where she taught Sunday School and Bible School. Mallie traveled with Russ for many years with Lay Renewal Ministries of California and later was a team member of the "Experiencing God" Ministries. Mallie served the Lord faithfully, especially loving her work with children's ministries for Lay Renewal and "Experiencing God". And the children loved her. Mallie served as an interpreter for the deaf in her church in California and provided housing in her home for many years to Asian university students studying in the United States. Mallie loved people and people loved her. But in her quiet time she enjoyed studying her Bible lessons, doing New York Times crosswords and she loved to entertain friends in her home. Mallie served the local community for several years as "Mrs. Santa", along with her husband Russ as "Santa" in the Downtown Danville, Inc. Christmas parades and for the Danville AMBUCS children and adult Christmas parties. She was a past recipient of the Downtown Danville, Inc. Volunteer of the Year Award. A celebration of Mallie's life will be held at Faith Baptist Church, 920 Warrington, Danville, Friday, October 30, at 11 am. Visitation will be at 10 am prior to services. Pastor George Myers will officiate.