Merle Olive Phillips

Aunt Merle was an amazing woman. She collected information and printed biographies of her parents families beginning in the late 40's and copywriting them in 1979 and 1884. She started with the year our ancestors entered this country - 1635 and 1840.

Merlre was an amazing person. She may have been small but she made a big impact!! She will always be remembered as a person that loved God and lived to tell others about Him. She also wanted everyone to know that age is just a number. At 111 she still had a sharp mind, rode a stationary bike 30 minutes a day and never let her aches and pains prevent her from living a full life. I will deeply miss my friend, she was definitely a part of my family. I asked her when my Mother died, Murrel...

During a break from college, 1962-1964, I boarded with Merle and Leonard. Both of them were wonderful Christian people, wholly transparent and without guile. During later years, after Leonard's death, Merle formed a relationship with my family in Wheaton, often playing Scrabble with my mother and younger brother. This couple was one of a kind and God's real saints.

I had the privilege of knowing and working with Merle for 23 years through our association with Buena Vista University. Merle was one of the few people I have met who genuinely care for other people more than themselves ... She lived the Golden Rule in everything she did. She had a heart of gold loving her God, neighbors and special causes more than anything. She was an inspiration to me and many and will be missed by more...

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.