Marilyn R. Phillips

Marilyn R. Phillips, age 83, passed from this life to her eternal home in heaven on May 13, 2023 after an eleven month battle with cancer. Marilyn formerly lived in Mt Pleasant, Iowa, the Twin Cities of Minnesota, and had lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado since 1999.

Marilyn was born on February 7, 1940 to William and Mildred Anderson in Rome, Iowa. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1958, attended Bethel College in St. Paul, MN for two years and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in education. She began her career as an elementary teacher and later became a special education teacher. In 1963 she married Dave Phillips and they shared a good life together for just short of 60 years.

Marilyn loved life and lived it to the fullest. She had the gift of hospitality and connected with people in a genuine and meaningful way. She loved nature and cared for God’s creation through beautiful gardens wherever she and Dave lived. She had the gift of mercy and reached out to those who were in a difficult situation. For thirty years she volunteered with Young Life, working with high school young people through Young Life clubs and the international student exchange program (Amicus). All who knew Marilyn were touched by her warmth, the sparkle in her eye, her love of fun and adventure, and her devotion to Jesus.

She is survived by her husband Dave, their three children, Jennifer (Tim) Bettenhausen of Edwards, CO, Robyn (Matt) Hudson of Monument, CO, and Jeremy (Jamie) Phillips of Denver CO and Kampala, Uganda. She and Dave were blessed with seven grandchildren: Will, Annika and Owen Bettenhausen; Dylan (Mariah) and Tyler Hudson; and Finn and Max Phillips. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers and sisters. In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by many relatives from her Iowa family. The family is grateful to UC Health and Pikes Peak Hospice for their care for Marilyn during her battle with cancer.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on July 6th at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 219 E. Bijou St., Colorado Springs, CO, 80903. Memorial gifts can be made to Young Life, Box 520, Colorado Springs, CO 80901, or the Get Set program at First Pres Church, or by donor’s choice. The service will be live-streamed and can be viewed at https://memorials.sardius.live