Areta Ruth Phillips, 88, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, passed away on May 4, 2026. She was born June 28, 1937, in Waltonville, Illinois, to the late Marion and Helen (Hamilton) Newell. Areta married William Phillips on April 19, 1957, and he preceded her in death on November 26, 2014.
Areta is survived by her children, Bruce Phillips and wife, Cathy of Portland, Indiana, Julie Siddens and husband, Larry of Sierra Vista, Arizona, and Nancy Kuelker of Saint Louis, Missouri; grandchildren, Charissa Hambrock and husband, Travis, Stephanie Metz, and Natalie Kuelker; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Areta was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Michael Kuelker; and sisters, Mary Ann Lovin and Susie Rogers.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
