Carol Phillips

Carol Alexander Phillips passed away July 13, 2025 following an extended decline due to various health issues. She was blessed with support from her loving family, friends and many caregivers. Carol was born October 28th, 1939, the first of three girls born to James C. (Neil) and Orva B. (Stanford) Alexander of Chariton, Iowa. Her early ambitions were to follow in the footsteps of her parents, both teachers in the Chariton School District. Graduating from the Chariton High School in 1957, she continued her education at Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, receiving her BS in Education in 1961, and Masters in Education in 1966. She taught 4th grade in the Des Moines School system two years after receiving her undergraduate degree. Carol married Robert Dean Phillips in December, 1962. Upon completing her 1962-63 teaching contract with the Des Moines Schools, she joined Dean who was stationed with the US Army at Aschaffenburg, Germany. There she taught 4th grade at the Army base school for children of military families. Returning to the States following Dean's discharge, she taught in the Vinton, Iowa schools for one year after which they relocated to Marshalltown, Iowa...[more]

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1965 where Dean was employed. Their son, Robert Allen, was born in 1967 in Marshalltown. In 1969, Carol followed Dean to Iowa City where he accepted a position with an architectural engineering firm. Their daughter, Theresa Ann, was born in 1969 in Iowa City. Carol chose to stay home with Robert and Theresa until they were in school at which time she resumed her studies working toward her doctorate in early childhood and reading at the University of Iowa. The high point of her doctoral studies was a 4-week study tour in 1976 of early childhood facilities and programs in Japan, Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China. She completed her PhD in 1978 while in her first year of teaching at Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa. The family moved to Indianola that same year. In 1985, Carol resigned her position at Simpson College and accepted a position as Reading Consultant with the Iowa Department of Education. In 1991 Carol decided to get back into the classroom and accepted a position with Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa, as professor of the early childhood program. In 2001, Carol accepted the position of Director, Iowa State University Child Development Laboratory School, Ames, Iowa. She retired in 2006. Throughout her career, she was active in the Iowa chapter of the National Assn for the Education of Young Children, served as President for one term. In retirement she continued her love of education through extended involvement with the ISU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), serving on the Curriculum Committee, Long-Range Planning Committee and Board President. She also enjoyed being a "student" in numerous and varied classes. As a member of the Ames Historical Society, she enjoyed the role of School Marm of the Hoggatt one room school, leading a variety of sessions during the summers on Sunday afternoons. She was also heavily involved in the 150-foot move of the Hoggatt School located on the Meeker Elementary grounds to accommodate the construction of a new Meeker School. Other activities included membership in the Collegiate United Methodist Church handbell choir and occasionally presenting the Sunday children's sermon, PEO, AAUW, and League of Women Voters. Carol is survived by her husband of 62 years, R. Dean Phillips of Ames, Iowa; son Robert ( Maureen) Phillips of Foley, AL; and daughter Theresa (Mike) Malak of Middleton, WI Children of Robert and Maureen: Bailey Raub of Des Moines, IA; Robyn (Avery) Jellison of Foley, AL; Lucas Phillips of Silverhill, AL; and great grandchildren Rex Raub and Harper Jellison. Children of Theresa and Mike: Bill Malak of Lexington Park, MD; Cami Malak (Max Pickart) of Milwaukee, WI; Nina Malak of Middleton, WI Sisters: Helen Alexander of Durham, NC; and Elizabeth Alexander (Mark Tushnet) of Washington, DC Sister-in-law: Joan (Jeb) Nielsen of Britt, IA Uncle: Lorne (Norma) Alexander of Pocahontas, IA Many cousins, nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the loving care Carol received during the last few months of her life from Dr. Jennifer Killion of McFarland Medical Clinic, Director Laurie Yocum-Whipple and staff of the Sixty Forward Day Program, Nurse Kelly Kane and staff of Bickford Assisted Living, and the personnel of St. Croix Hospice. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Collegiate United Methodist Church (2622 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50014). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Collegiate United Methodist Church and Wesley Foundation, 2622 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010, or Ames History Museum, ATTN: Hoggatt School, 416 Douglas Avenue, Suite 101, Ames, Iowa 50010.