Lita Joan Phillips

Lita Joan Phillips, 61, of Carterville, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with the Revs. Lauren Padgett and R.H. Chitwood officiating. Burial will be in Willowrest Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will begin after 4:00 p.m., Friday, December 19, 2025, at the funeral home. *Due to Christmas in Carterville downtown, you will need to use alternate routes to access the funeral home for visitation.

Lita was born on July 3, 1964, in Herrin, to Kenneth Raymond and Barbara Loudene (Tippy) Phillips.

She is survived by her son, Kenneth (Misty) Stout; daughter, JoAnna (Ian) Williams; grandchildren, Logan Williams and Liam Stout; brothers, Danny (Bessie Jean) Phillips, and Mark (Tammy) Phillips; nieces, Amber Phillips, and Sarah Ahls-Phillips; aunts, Shirley White and Lita (Larry) Padgett; close friend, Kevin Galloway; and several cousins and dear friends.

Lita was preceded in death by her parents.

She was the head cook at Carterville Intermediate School for more than 35 years, where she was known for her dedication and the care she put into every meal. Lita was deeply loved by the students, and she returned that love wholeheartedly.

Lita was a longtime member of Crainville Baptist Church.

She enjoyed camping, attending concerts, watching horse racing, and spending time working on diamond art and crafts. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she especially loved the color purple.

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