Phyllis M. (Mcroberts) West

PHYLLIS M. WEST

Phyllis M. West (nee McRoberts), a long-time neighborhood and education advocate, died at her home in Indianapolis on July 29, 2021 at the age of 89. The widow of former City-County Councilman Stephen R. West, she was born on September 24, 1931, to Thomas Lowell McRoberts and Evelyn Goad McRoberts in Evansville, Indiana.

Following her childhood in Sullivan, Indiana, West attended Asbury College in Wilmore, KY, and graduated in 1953 with BA degrees in Biology and Chemistry. She immediately relocated to Indianapolis, working as a medical technician at Methodist Hospital before entering Butler University as a master’s candidate. Her MA in Education was completed in 1957, which led to employment as a first-grade teacher for the Indianapolis Public School system.

Upon her marriage in 1960, she opted to retire from active teaching to concentrate on issues of family and community service. West dove into civic life through service on a number of committees at First Congregational Church of Indianapolis and as a troop leader for Girl Scouts of America. Later, she served as chair of the Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association and as president of the Parent-Teacher Association at Indianapolis Public School #86 and Shortridge High School.  Following service in these capacities, West was tapped by the Indianapolis Public School Board to assist in an evaluation and rating of all high schools in the Indianapolis Public School system. She rounded out her commitment to improving public schools in her adopted hometown by founding and chairing the Coalition of Indianapolis Task Groups for Youth (CITY), a non-profit watchdog organization that monitored activities of the school board and promoted progressive change for the Indianapolis schools.

West’s civic participation also included membership in the Indianapolis Women’s Club, and service as a regular speaker for the Panel of American Women series and as a Symphoguide for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she served as president of The West Foundation, on the board of St. Richards Episcopal School and on various committees for Japan International Christian University and North United Methodist Church, of which she was a member.

West held other memberships at the Columbia Club and Woodstock Country Club.  In honor of her accomplishments, she was honored by the Mercy Foundation (Spirit of Africa Award) and the Wishard Health Foundation (Indiana Public Health Award). She is survived by her daughter, Emily Allison West.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The West Foundation. A calling will be held on August 20, from 3-6 p.m. at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Boulevard, West Drive in Indianapolis.  A memorial service will follow on August 21 at 3 p.m. at North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian Street in Indianapolis.