Phyllis J. Weikart Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Age 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 11, 2016 at the Saline Evangelical Home—The Redies Center. She was born on April 22, 1931 in Poughkeepsie, NY, the daughter of Randall P. and Dorothy Vail Saxton. On August 24, 1957 in Shelton, CT, she married David P. Weikart. He preceded her in death on December 9, 2003. Phyllis received her bachelor’s degree from Beaver College in 1952 and her master’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1957. Phyllis was Associate Professor Emeritus in the School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan. The School honored her with the Lifetime Achievement award in 2004. She was also a visiting Associate Professor for the Hart School of Music in Hartford, CT. Early in her career, Phyllis was involved with women’s field hockey at both the local and US levels. She started and coached the first women’s field hockey team at the University of Michigan. She was herself a top US goalie, playing on the US international touring and Great Lakes Regional, and Ann Arbor teams. She served as President for the women’s Unites States Field Hockey Association for 5 years. In 1979, Phyllis was inducted into Michigan Amateur Sports Hall of Fame. In addition to her role in teaching sport skills and physical education, she created and directed the University of Michigan Adult Lifestyle Program. She was also the creator of "Fitness Over Fifty," an exercise program for older adults. Phyllis developed "Education through Movement: Building the Foundation" certification program for school educators. She was the first Director/Developer and then Senior Advisor to the Movement and Music Division of High Scope Educational Research Foundation. In 2010, High Scope awarded her a Lifetime achievement award, dedicated to the “lifetime of teaching children and adults the value of movement and music and its impact on education.” She has authored numerous books, videos and CDs on movement, music, and International folk dance. She holds a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Michigan Dance Council. Her most recent honor was bestowed in 2014 when she was inducted into the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association (ECMMA) Hall of Honor. Phyllis’ life’s work centered around creating and refining a process approach to teaching, which ensured that everyone would be successful. She was an astute observer of learners. She intuitively knew how to meet students where they were, and how to teach others this process. Her ultimate goal was to provide the most exciting, inviting educational environment that anyone could ever hope to experience. Sharing the Education through Movement program, Phyllis changed every person she encountered for the better. Her influence will continue for generations to come. Survivors include Phyllis and David’s children: Cynthia (Dale) Embry, Catherine (Mark) Yeckel, Jennifer (Vince) Danko, and Gretchen. Other survivors include their grandchildren Brian and Steven (Sara) Embry, Zachary, Jacob, Nathan, and Allison Danko, and her brother Richard (Janice) Saxton. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Gathering will take place on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:00 P.M. at Clinton United Methodist Church 10900 Tecumseh-Clinton Hwy, Clinton, MI 49236 with Rev. Orval Willimann officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Brecon Village Wellness Program, Development Office, 200 Brecon Drive, Saline, MI 48176 and envelopes will be available at the service. To sign Phyllis’ guestbook, to leave a memory, or for more information please visit www.rbfhsaline.com

Tributes

Phyllis J. Weikart

April 22, 1931 - March 11, 2016