Dorothy A. Phillips

Dorothy Ann Yates was born January 16, 1933 in Dallas, Texas. She was an only child, who was well loved by her parents, Floyd and Fay Yates. Although her family was not of great means, she was given many opportunities that most children of her era were not. They traveled to Detroit by train, where a new car was purchased at the factory, and continued from there to the 1939 World's Fair in New York City. A beloved aunt sent her car and driver to carry Dorothy, her mother, and two other family members to Long Beach, California. She visited Colorado, The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and many other places. She went to Glorieta (church camp in New Mexico) with her youth group from Gaston Avenue Baptist Church.
Dorothy's growing up years were filled with extended family, friends, church, and music. She loved taking lessons, playing the piano, and later playing the organ as well. After high school, she headed to Baylor University in Waco, Texas, to continue her music education, graduating with a major in piano performance, and a minor in organ performance. While still at Baylor, she met the love of her life, Harry Phillips, who was stationed at Connelly Air Force Base in Waco.
After meeting on a blind date, they discovered many shared interests. Both were accomplished pianists, both had a deep and abiding faith, both appreciated time with family and friends. They grew closer over time, but he was about to be sent to Korea. He left Waco to visit family, but word has it that she called to insist he see her before he left the country, which her father found too bold, and maybe even scandalous. Apparently it was the right thing to do, though, because they became engaged shortly afterwards. She has always maintained that it was a 2-part proposal: Will you marry me AND move to Colorado?
While Harry spent his year abroad, they wrote to each other daily, and married upon his return. In the meantime, she began teaching class piano in the Dallas public schools. He finished his Air Force commitment in Fort Worth, Texas, and then they moved to Denver, to continue his education. Dorothy became a class piano teacher in Denver Public Schools, working there until 1957. When she called her boss to let him know she wouldn't be returning the following year (because she was pregnant), she recommended Harry as her replacement. He got the job, which started his career with Denver Public Schools.
During this time she and Harry were raising their two girls, Denise and Lisa. They were very loving and involved parents, always signing them up for lessons, or taking them to cultural events, but they also continued to set aside time for themselves, their church, and their friends. They established a piano studio in their home, which they filled with music and musicians of all ages. They loved playing duets, and later two-piano duos, both for their own enjoyment and for the pleasure of others. As the girls matured musically, this expanded into two-piano eight-hand quartets.
For over 45 Years, Dorothy taught piano and organ students in the home. Additionally, she served as organist, first at Holiday Hills and then at Simpson Methodist, a role she absolutely loved. Had not Harry finally convinced her to retire from that job so they could travel, Dorothy would still be there!
After a time, the grandchildren came-Eric, Kevin, Mark, Gabriel, and Nathaniel, followed by great grandchildren Bridget, Ari, Malcolm, Lincoln, Elliott, and Harrison. As much as Dorothy had loved being a mother, becoming a grandmother may have been even more precious.
Over the years, Dorothy collected a few things, but mostly she collected friends. She was drawn to people of all types, including a few who were, shall we say, outrageous and opinionated. They were such a contrast to her quiet and much more gentle ways. Perhaps this was her way of vicariously stepping out of her comfort zone. She was generous with her time, and with her hugs. She was always ready to welcome others into their home. She was first to invite guests for the night when a visiting choir or youth group came to the church. Several relatives spent extended time in their home, while making their transitions to the Denver area.
She loved humor. While her forte was not telling jokes (she often got lost in the telling, or forgot the punchline), she appreciated hearing them, and loved to laugh.
Dorothy had her quirks. She liked weird food and unusual food combinations (Harry was warned by her friends before they married). She noticed wedding rings. She might not notice what someone was wearing, but she most certainly noticed whether they had a wedding ring or not. Perhaps this was due to not having an engagement ring before Harry left for Korea. She was caught by a grandchild hiding chocolates in her underwear drawer, supposedly keeping them from Harry to protect his health.
There were heartbreaking times, especially the unfolding of Lisa's mental illness and the death of their grandson, Nathaniel. Their ability to share the grief and reach out to others led to a much better understanding of her illness and of the suffering of others. A hallmark of their 70 year legacy together is a true compassion for others.
In the end, both her body and her mind failed her, but her gentleness and kindness, and even humor remained intact. We will always be grateful for her many caregivers, as her needs increased. The whole family will miss her, more than words can say.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 27th at 10:00 a.m. at Simpson United Methodist Church, 6001 Wolff Street, Arvada, CO. Dorothy will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery with a private graveside for her family.
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