Obituary of Marilyn H. Phillis

Marilyn Hughey Phillis, a loving mother and award-winning watermedia artist who traveled the country for decades teaching her craft to others, died in Northbrook, IL on December 29, 2022 at the age of 95. Born February 1, 1927 in Kent Ohio, she attended Kent Public Schools, and Kent State University before earning bachelor’s degrees in bacteriology and chemistry from The Ohio State University in 1949. After graduation, she worked for several years as an analytical chemist at Battelle Labs in Columbus, Ohio on national defense matters. Marilyn had a life-long passion for art and was a centerpiece of the Ohio arts community. A former president and founding member of the Ohio Watercolor Society and winner of its Jim Brower Lifetime Achievement Award, she was also an award-winning elected member of the American Watercolor Society. She painted for years and led workshops well into her 90’s, sharing her experience, creative talent and spiritual connection to her work with hundreds of students. She will be remembered for her deep creativity and generous spirit, having shared her work and her talents with so many students, colleagues and friends over the years. After leaving Columbus, Phillis lived in various places in Ohio including Toledo, Rocky River, and Piqua before moving to Wheeling, West Virginia In 1984, with her late husband, Richard. Marilyn earned a spot in Wheeling’s Hall of Fame by establishing herself as a nationally-renowned artist. She wrote a best-selling book, Watermedia Techniques for Releasing the Creative Spirit, won many awards for her paintings and has her art displayed in homes and establishments around the country. Marilyn is survived by her three children and their spouses, Diane and her husband Constantine of Riverwoods, IL, Hugh and his wife Mary of Nashua, NH and their children Nicole, Daniella, Andrea, Stephanie, Kendra and Hugh, and Randall and his wife Debra of Amherst, MA and their sons Michael and Zachary. She is also survived by her cousin Kathy Nelson of Carlsbad, CA. Her parents, Paul and Helen Hughey, and her brother Robert passed before her. A Memorial Service will be held at another date and location to be determined. Donations in Marilyn’s memory can be made to the Ohio Watercolor Society (ohiowatercolorsociety.org) or the American Watercolor Society (americanwatercolorsociety.org). To leave a condolence or for more information visit www.funerals.pro or call 847.537.6600.