Anita Ruth Phillips died peacefully on Nov. 29, 2015, at the age of 82 years. Ruth was the beloved and precious wife of E.M. "Hot" Phillips, whom she married on Feb. 3, 1951, and lived happily in New Madrid. Loving mother of two sons Edwin and Susan Phillips of Novi, Mich., and Mark and Theresa Phillips of St. Louis; and three daughters Linda Akins of New Madrid, Susan Phillips and Brigid Enochs of Lexington, Ky., and Laurie and Don Brittain of New Madrid. Loving grandmother of three granddaughters, Lauren Mark of Chicago, Ashley and Greg Landers of St. Louis, and Betsy Brittain of St. Louis; and three grandsons Luke Phillips, Adam Phillip, and Kevin Phillips of St. Louis. Other survivors include: two sisters, Betty Clark and Joan Smith of New Madrid; and two brothers, James "Buck" Wescoat of Mascoutah, Ill., and John Wescoat of New Madrid. She was born April 3, 1933, in New Madrid County, to the late Siebert O'Bannon Wescoat and Alice Lewis Wescoat. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Virgie "Lady" Lawfield, Shirley Hector and Judy Richard; and one brother, Virgil "White" Wescoat. Ruth, a woman of beauty, strength and spirit, never met a stranger and was a true conversationalist, but to her family she was better known for her patience, encouragement, support and love. Ruth always made sure her home was a haven for all her children and friends growing up in the neighborhood, and her grandchildren thereafter, with a fully-stocked kitchen, plenty of candy (including sugar-free), and the aroma of a home cooked dinner in the oven. But Ruth's big heart didn't stop there, she was known to anonymously "adopt a family" and provide presents for local children at Christmas. In her younger years, Ruth was an avid bridge player, quilting extraordinaire and a talented painter. Each season, she loved to see the trees change colors in the fall and always appreciated a beautiful sunset. Among many cherished memories, Ruth will be remembered for playing the organ while singing along at Christmas, making the best homemade pineapple sherbet in the summer and never leaving the house without lipstick. Above all, Ruth (better known as "Ma") was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and treasured every moment spent with family and the memories made along the way. Visitation to celebrate a life beautifully lived will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid, and the rosary ceremony will be at 7 p.m. Joyous services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Immaculate Conception Church in New Madrid and burial will immediately follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Don Brittain, Luke Phillips, Adam Phillips, Kevin Phillips, Mike Alford and Greg Landers. --- Memorial donations may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., or New Madrid County Memorial Library.