Loretta E. Phillips died May 30, 2026, at the age of 95 in Peoria, IL. The first child of Dorrance and Eileen (Coziahr) Williamson, she was born in Galesburg, IL. She was formerly of Peoria Heights, Oak Park, and El Paso, IL.

Loretta attended Woodruff High School in Peoria, where she was a member of the Orchestra and the Student Council. She began her library work while in high school at the McClure Branch of the Peoria Public Library. She attended Bradley University after graduating and continued off and on until she received her B.S. in December 1978. She worked at the Peoria Heights Public Library from the mid-60s through 1981. Many in the Heights remember her as “their librarian,” especially her children’s friends. She loved Storytime and helping all the patrons.

In the early 1980s, Loretta and her daughter Lori moved to the western suburbs of Chicago, where she worked as a librarian while continuing her education at Northern IL University. She also completed additional training and became a family therapist and a massage therapist. She continued full-time library work at the Lisle Library, eventually transitioning to part-time work at the Westmont Public Library until the age of 83.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Loretta traveled with friends and her daughters across the USA. She enjoyed lighthouses, attending plays, puzzles, and of course, reading. She was rarely without a book.

Loretta married William E. (Bill) Phillips (deceased) in 1950; they were later divorced. She is survived by their 6 children, 4 grand-children and 3 great-grandchildren. Her children, their spouses and children are: George Phillips; Susan and Dennis Langellier and their children, Nathan and Kristen Langellier (children Evan and Gretchen); Joshua Langellier and Catlin Langellier (daughter Olympia Whalen); Meri Phillips; Barbara Phillips; Linda Moss (son Jesse Moss); Lori Phillips.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers John, Ronald and Robert and her sister Phyllis (Wayne, deceased) Root. She is survived by her brother James (Bernadine, deceased), and sisters-in-law Char (Robert) and Karen (Ronald), as well as many nieces and nephews and their families, and several cousins. Also surviving are sister-in-law Nancy Phillips Koelbel, a niece and two nephews and their families.

There will be no services. The children will follow Loretta’s wishes that her cremated remains be privately buried with her parents and baby brother Jackie at Linwood Cemetery in Galesburg, IL. Memorial donations may be made in Loretta’s name to the Peoria Heights Public Library, 816 E. Glen Ave., Peoria Heights, IL 61616

Arrangements are being handled by Affordable Funeral and Cremation Services. To share a memory visit www.peoriafuneral.com.