STEINMANN, Phyllis

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona February 23, 2003 Phyllis Rhoades Steinmann, 84, passed away on February 12, 2003 in Scottsdale, AZ. She was born on Nov. 26, 1918 in Cedar Grove, LA to Frank Leslie and Ruth Heatherington Rhoades. She served in the Waves in WWII as a weather observer. Phyllis received her master degree in mathematics from the University of Iowa in 1946. On August 29, 1949 she married Wilbur L. Steinmann in Iowa City. They later moved to Scottsdale, AZ in 1959. She taught math in high school and college until her retirement in 1984. As a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a women's teacher sorority, she conceived the idea of WINGS (Wise Investment in Next Generation of Students). WINGS is a program that supported the education of a group of children from kindergarten through college. Phyllis' life long passion was helping people overcoming math anxiety. She invented an algebra teaching tool, which is being used in many institutions. In addition to education she had a passion for wild flowers, birds and sewing. Her generosity included helping many people emotionally and financially to reach their goals. She is survived by her son, Frank (Mahnaz), her daughter, Ruth Lee Parks and grandchildren, Desiree, Matthew and Sheena. Memorial Contributions may be made to UNOM New Day Centers, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness, 3320 E. Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ 85008 and/or Scottsdale United Methodist Church, 4140 N. Miller Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251. Arrangements by Messinger Indian School Mortuary. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.