Schlafly, Phyllis Stewart 92, died peacefully in her home of cancer at 3:15 p.m. on September 5, 2016, surrounded by family members.
Born August 14, 1924 in St. Louis, she observed her birthday on August 15 throughout her life. Phyllis was educated at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, graduated from Washington University in 1944 and earned an M.A. from Harvard University in 1945. Later in life she earned a J.D. in 1978 and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2008, both from Washington University. She was the widow of John Fred Schlafly Jr. (1909-1993), her husband of 44 years and the father of their six children, all born in Alton, Ill. In 1994 she moved to Ladue, where she resided until her death.
Phyllis was nationally known as a writer, speaker, political activist and conservative leader. She was the author or co-author of 27 books including the best-selling A Choice Not an Echo. She wrote and published a monthly newsletter for 50 years and a syndicated weekly newspaper column for 40 years. She delivered a 3-minute radio commentary every weekday for 33 years, was featured on thousands of radio and television programs, and was widely sought as a public speaker. Phyllis was best known for having led the successful campaign to defeat the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution.
Phyllis is survived by her six children: John F. Schlafly of Alton, Ill., Dr. Bruce (Jeanne) Schlafly of Des Peres; Dr. Roger Schlafly of Scotts Valley, California; Liza (Joseph) Forshaw of Ladue; Andrew (Catherine) Schlafly of Far Hills, N.J.; and Anne (Tom) Cori of Ladue; as well as 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Bruce Stewart (1878-1955) and Odile Dodge Stewart (1896-1987), and by her sister, Odile Stewart Mecker (1930-2015).
The family would like to thank Phyllis's primary care physician, Dr. J. Collins Corder, and all the other medical specialists who cared for her; the dedicated caregivers of Caring Professionals; the loyal staff at the Eagle Forum offices; and Phyllis's devoted friend Kathleen Sullivan, for their excellent service to Phyllis in her final years.
Services: Visitation will be held 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 9 at Kriegshauser West Mortuary, 9450 Olive, St. Louis, MO 63132.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 10 at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell, followed by a private burial.
Memorial donations are appreciated to St. Michael's Abbey, 19292 El Toro Road, Silverado, CA 92676; the Carmel of St. Joseph, 9150 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63124; Eagle Forum Education & Legal Defense Fund, 7800 Bonhomme, St. Louis, MO 63105; or the charity of your choice.