Lovie Ludena “Dena” Phillips was born on Jan. 13, 1952, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to Charles Henry and Pearl Mae (Palmer) Digges. She passed away on Dec. 30, 2024, in Houston, Missouri, at the age of 72.
She was united in marriage to Samuel J. Phillips on Aug. 9, 1970, at the Palace Church. Together they were blessed with two children, John and Shawna.
Dena grew up in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where she graduated from high school. Throughout her life, she worked a few different jobs before eventually becoming an office manager at F.U.N. Incorporated where she worked for several years until her health led her to retire.
A devoted Christian, Dena was saved and baptized at a young age. She attended L.I.F.E. Church in Rolla, Missouri for many years until she became unable to do so. Her faith shined through in all she did, and in her final days, she lovingly reminded her family of the importance of making it to Heaven.
Dena found joy in fishing, crocheting, reading and spending time with her family and her beloved dog, Wiggles.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Pearl Digges; her husband, Sam Phillips; her sister, Norma Jean; her brothers, Charles Jr., Jerry, Gordon and Melvin and a brother-in-law, Jack.
Dena is survived by her son John Phillips and wife Rachel; her daughter, Shawna Foster and husband Jerem, all of Houston, Missouri; grandchildren, Tyler, Kayla, Austin, Janessa, Jadasyn, Shaniah, Caden and Joseph; great grandchildren, Kinsley, Audi, Rylan, Kaelyn, Kase, Hyde and Bronx as well as her sister, Sonja Roach of Poplar Bluff.
Dena was the kindest and sweetest woman, and it has been said often through the years that she lived up to her name, Lovie. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her but after battling many illnesses for several years, we find comfort knowing she is now pain free, rejoicing with Jesus and reunited with the love of her life.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at New Life Ministries with Pastor Judy Routh officiating. Interment will be in the Palace Cemetery.
Services are under the care of Bradford Funeral Home and online condolences may be left at www.bradfordfuneralhome.net.