Virginia I. Phillips

Virginia (Merritt) Phillips daughter of Richard and Evelyn Merritt. “Vim” (for Virginia Irene Merritt) was born in Prescott, AZ on March 31, 1926. The eldest of 3 children (brothers William and Richard), she attended Lincoln Elementary and Prescott High School. Upon graduation she surprisingly enrolled at Antioch University in Yellow Springs, Ohio. It seems her mother had a friend who had a friend whose child went to Antioch, so off Vim went on the train to Ohio. She spent a year away from home at school and in NYC (mailing her laundry home to Prescott!). Reminiscing about her time in the Big Apple, she recounted buying meals (and sherry) from the automat, attending services at Trinity Church and walking through Morningside Park. After a year she came back to Arizona and attended the U of A in Tucson. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority which was next door to the Sigma Chi fraternity house where her future husband John Pierson Phillips (aka Tiger Jack) was a member. After graduation they married in Prescott and honeymooned in Mormon Lake where Ralph Phillips, Jack’s father, had a cabin. They settled in Phoenix where Jack joined the family law firm and Vim worked as an operator for AT&T. They had three children Ralph, Jay and Mary.

During this time Vim was an active congregant at All Saints Episcopal Church and a volunteer for many organizations. She was a member of Good Samaritan Hospital Auxillary, PEO, Junior League of Phoenix, Barrows Women’s Board, ARCS, Arizona Historical Foundation, Western Arts Associates and Board of Visitors. Vim was a notable cook and enjoyed preparing gourmet meals for family and friends. She enjoyed the company of others and led an active social life. Some of her favorite activities included needlepointing, reading, tennis, golf and “homemaking”. Vim and Jack were members of Phoenix Country Club, Paradise Valley Country Club, White Mountain Country Club and Valley Field Riding and Polo Club. They traveled extensively and particularly loved Mexico. They owned a home in Pinetop, AZ and spent many summers there. After Jack’s death, Vim continued enjoying an active lifestyle and moved into the Terraces of Phoenix where she remained involved with the community for many years. Vim was an upbeat woman with a warm heart and a good sense of humor, she will be missed by her friends and family.

Vim leaves her children, Ralph of Tucson, Jay (Leslie) Phoenix and Mary (Rob) Heath of Eastham, MA. Grandchildren Matthew (Kacey) Phillips of Phoenix, Tanner (Kelsey Hoidal) Phillips of Phoenix, Andrew Heath of Brooklyn, NY and Abby Heath of Brooklyn, NY and great grandchildren, Ford, Mila and Zoe.

Vim is predeceased by her parents Richard and Evelyn Merritt, her husband John Pierson Phillips and brothers William Merritt and Richard Merritt.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Barrow Neurological, 2910 N 3rd Ave. Suite 450, Phoenix, AZ 85013; Board of Visitors Memorial Fund, 7227 N 16th St. Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85020; or Ryan House, 110 W Muhammad Ali Way, Phoenix, AZ 85013.