Phyllis Jean Eggenweiler

The family of Phyllis J. Eggenweiler sadly announces her death on December 1, 2024, in her home at the age of 93. She was an extraordinary woman known for her kindness, wit, and resilience, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. As a faithful Christian, we take solace in her passing on the first day of Advent and know she has joyfully returned home to Jesus.

Phyllis started life in Onawa, IA, as Phyllis Dale, coming to Las Vegas as a young woman in 1956. She was a legal secretary to legendary Nevada attorneys such as Richard Bryan, Carl Christensen, and John Mowbray. She began working for Howard Hughes upon his arrival in town, where she met her husband of nearly 50 years, John Eggenweiler, who was a former LAPD detective, an employee of Hughes, and later Chief of Security for the MGM. The two often shared many remarkable stories about the early days of Las Vegas. Together, they enjoyed time with family and friends, and traversed the Oregon coast in their camper.

Later in life, Phyllis became a successful entrepreneur with her Home Interiors business, at one time supervising a sales force of over 100 people. She loved her team and was inspired by their commitment to caring for their families. Phyllis was a gifted, wise mentor; we carry many of her teachings. She held her friendships dear, was an avid reader and traveler, and her love was reflected in a life well lived. She was a skillful decorator who did so stylishly in her own and others’ homes. Phyllis was an elegantly beautiful woman in every aspect of her life.

Phyllis was predeceased by her loving husband, John, and son David D.Johnson. She is survived by her son John (Ana) Bertza of Las Vegas NV; grandchildren Griffin (Melissa) Johnson of Spanish Fork, UT, and Meredith (Kyle) Lierk of Palo Alto, CA; great-grandchildren Ryker Johnson and Nico Johnson of Spanish Fork, UT; sister Donna Mumford of Farmington, NM; daughter-in-law Susan L.Johnson of Las Vegas, NV; step-daughter Jeanne (Ben) Finley of Huntington Beach, CA; step-granddaughters Laura Sanbrano (Armando) of Huntington Beach, CA, and Quinnie Nguyen of Las Vegas, NV; and step-great children Alaina Sanbrano of Huntington Beach, CA and Georgie Nguyen of Las Vegas, NV.

Rest in peace, our beloved Mom, Grandma, and GranGran. Our lives have been greatly blessed and enriched by your loving presence. Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled, and we will forever be grateful for our time with you.