Phyllis Bartlow Obituary

WASHINGTON - Phyllis M. Bartlow of Little Rock, Ark., formerly of Washington, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010.

She was born in Harrisburg, Ill., to Emily Simmons and George Hudson Mugge on Aug. 4, 1923.

She earned her undergraduate degree in occupational therapy from the University of Illinois in 1946 as a member of the first OT class at U of I Medical School.

She began her career at the Menninger Clinic and also practiced at Columbus (Ohio) State Hospital and Palama Pediatric Hospital in Honolulu.

Phyllis married A. Kent Bartlow in 1951, and they resided in Ankara, Turkey, until Kent completed his military career. They had three children, Steven Boland, John Rand and Marilyn Simmons.

After Phyllis raised her children and completed her master's degree in special education, she worked at Zeller Center in Peoria, Ill. Subsequently, she taught occupational therapy at Illinois Central College for three years, the University of Central Arkansas for 10 years, and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, for two years.

Phyllis enjoyed painting, drawing, duplicate bridge and book clubs; collected antiques; and traveled the world.

She was active in church leadership functions; entertained international visitors as a board member of Arkansas Center for International Visitors; was a life member of Arkansas Audubon Assn.; and served on the board of Halberg Ecology Camp.

Phyllis was passionate about sharing with others, both socially and professionally, and was loved by many.

A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Little Rock, Sunday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m., with a reception following.

Contributions may be made to UUCLR; Arkansas Center for International Visitors; Halberg Ecology Camp and/or the Mother's and Children First Program.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star on Feb. 20, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Bartlow

7 Entries

Judy Luckhart

March 1, 2010

My deepest sympathy to Phyllis’ family and friends. Phyllis was my O.T. instructor almost 30 years ago and we have always remained in touch, for which I was grateful. Phyllis possessed a colorful sense of humor and a zest for life, education, art and friendship. She was a complex of attributes, and I will miss her lovely, jam-packed notes and conversations. She was a mentor to me and I hope to emulate her diligence and energy...I will continue to carry her spirit with me.

Judy Luckhart

March 1, 2010

My deepest sympathy to Phyllis’ family and friends. Phyllis was my O.T. instructor almost 30 years ago and thankfully we have always remained in touch, for which I was grateful. Phyllis possessed a complex of attributes, a colorful sense of humor and an insatiable resolve to embrace life, education and friendship. She was a mentor to me and I hope to emulate her character. I will miss her lovely, lengthy, jam-packed notes and conversations which inspired thought and laughter.

dore naunton

February 27, 2010

like so others have said, phyllis touched my life in so many ways. she was my OT teacher, and subsequently became my mentor and friend. she was an incredible person, and a role model.
my sympathy to her family and other friends.

February 22, 2010

My sympathy goes out to Phyllis' family for thier loss. I was one of Phyllis' students at UCA and she was a great instructor and very caring person. She inspired me to take my first job in child psychiatry. Phyllis will be missed by many.
Kathy Pire, OTR

February 22, 2010

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Steve,Debbie and family.
Phyllis was an exceptional woman with lots of spunk and vigor.For our very short time in LR,we had the pleasure of knowing her better and loving her zest for life. She brought back my enthusiasm for drawing again with trips to that mountain and all her art functions at the museum. She still brings a smile to my face and will for many years to come. We truly enjoyed her company! So very sorry for your loss of someone so special.
Becky and Doug Foster Ft. Myers, FL

Jeanenne Dallas

February 20, 2010

My condolences to the family. I was a student of Phyllis's when she was at UCA...in fact I was in the first class she taught there. She was a fun instructor and inspired my passion to work with people who have a mental illness. I would often visit her when I went home to LR (in fact, she lived on Belmont across the street from my childhood home) and she would visit me on her trips to St Louis. I was fortunate to talk to her twice in the past month, the last being this past Saturday. She and I talked about her accomplishments and I told her that I envied her zest for life and being able to go out on her own terms. She touched me by saying that she had my family picture I sent to her this past Xmas where she could see it and that she was proud of what I had accomplished in my OT career...she was always interested in what I was doing. She will be remembered as one of the people who I credit in my career.
She was a special person...I will miss her.
Jeanenne Dallas

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