On February 3, 2008, our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Phyllis Applegarth, passed away at age 90.  Phyllis graduated from high school in 1934 and then from Occidental College and Columbia University Teacher's College.

During World War II, Phyllis served as a Chaplain's Assistant in the Coast Guard SPARS, playing piano hymns for many religious services.  Phyllis married John (Jack) Applegarth in 1948 in Los Angeles, California.  In 1952, Jack began teaching biology at California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo.

Phyllis has been an active member of the SLO League of Women Voters, Democratic Party, Mothers for Peace, Cal Poly Women's Club, and Unitarian Universalists.  Phyllis had great compassion for mankind and was dedicated to preserving the natural world.  After they retired, Phyllis and Jack moved to a 16-acre farm in Curtin, Oregon.  As gardeners, Phyllis and Jack grew harvests of fruits and vegetables, sharing the bounty with family and friends.

When Jack passed away in 1995, Phyllis moved back to San Luis Obispo to be with family and friends.  She lived at the Palms and Sydney Creek, where she especially enjoyed musical performances, sing-alongs, and family visits.  Survivors include her children, Alfred (Susan) and Charles Applegarth of San Luis Obispo, Jack's son, John Applegarth of Eugene, Oregon, Susan (Tom) Clawson of Salt Lake City, Utah, Margaret (Jeffrey) Popkin of Bakersfield, California; and 10 grandchildren.  Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Wendell Walker (SPHS '25), and her husband.

The San Luis Obispo Tribune, February 24, 2008