Remembering Merle Phillips
Merle Olive Garton Phillips, age 111, passed away on Aug. 18, 2018. She was Buena Vista's oldest known alum and outstanding friend of the University.
Merle Olive Garton Phillips, age 111, passed away on Aug. 18, 2018. She was Buena Vista's oldest known alum.
Merle was born April 2, 1907 in Kingston, Ark. Her family moved to Iowa after her father’s death when she was four months old. Merle had 11 brothers and sisters. All have preceded her in death. She loved to read as a child and continued her entire life. Her mother restricted her to 2 books a week. She grew up on a farm surrounded by family.
Merle graduated from High School in 1926. She graduated from Buena Vista College with two Bachelor’s Degree in Math, Psychology and Education in 1930. She received her Master’s from the University of Iowa in Social Welfare in 1933.
Merle married Leonard Phillips on May 26, 1937. Leonard died of Leukemia, February 13, 1968 in Wheaton, Ill. Together they hitchhiked across America on their vacations, creating many memories. Merle and Leonard delighted in “tricking” each other particularly on April Fool’s Day. Once Merle put cardboard in his sandwich for lunch, another time she put cotton inside candy as a “treat”. Leonard’s collection of butterflies were donated to Buena Vista University along with financial support to build the Bell Tower.
Merle wrote 11 books, all were autobiographical and contain stories of her life experiences. Her last book was "Beautiful Peebles".
On Aug. 25, BVU observed the passing of Merle Phillips with the playing of the Schaller Memorial Chapel bells.