Susan Marie Phillips, 65, of Pontoosuc, Illinois, passed away at 3:12 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at her home.
Sue was born November 13, 1960 in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of Ralph and Evelyn (Fisher) Ludington.
Sue grew up in Cameron, Illinois and later graduated high school in Flanagan, Illinois. Earlier in life, she worked at florists, restaurants, pubs, bakeries and owned a tanning salon for a number of years. She went on to work at Methode in Carthage, Illinois.
She enjoyed boating and living on the river, and especially loved her dogs. She loved her family and friends and hosted many family get-togethers over the years. Her favorite pastime was cheering on (and sometimes lamenting over) her beloved Chicago Cubs.
Survivors include one daughter: Jamie Ferguson of Gladstone, Illinois; seven siblings: LuAnn Brakeville of Little York, Illinois, Mary (Paul) Carolan of Tempe, Arizona, Stephanie Knoedler of Cadet, Missouri, Cindy McNeely of Mesa, Arizona, Amanda (Jon) Williams of Abilene, Texas, Scott (Nichol) Ludington of Stronghurst and Ron (Leslie) Ludington Sr. of Stronghurst; step-mother: Becky Ludington of Stronghurst, Illinois; special friend: Jim Schenck of Niota, Illinois; her foster parents: Larry and Jan Brinkman of Normal, Illinois; in-laws: Katrina Ludington Harris of Wheeler, Texas and Ron Tutwiler of Dallas City, Illinois; 24 nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and great-nephews and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She also leaves behind her two beloved pups: Happy and Nikolai.
She was preceded in death by her son: Nicholas Ferguson, her parents, her fiancé: Patrick Powers; one sister: Valerie Tutwiler; three brothers: Mark, Ralph and Charles Ludington; two brothers-in-law: Neal McNeely and Jim Brakeville Sr.
Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. A time and place will be announced.
A memorial fund has been established for the family. Memorials may sent to: Susan Phillips Memorial Fund, c/o Banks & Beals Funeral Home, P.O. Box 70, Dallas City, IL 62330; or given later at the Celebration of Life.
Sue will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Go Cubs! To leave a condolence for the family, please visit Susan’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
