Phyllis Schlafly, one of America's most polarizing figures, dies at 92
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Christian Examiner) – Phyllis Schlafly, a conservative icon whom the New York Times called "one of the most polarizing figures in American public life," died Monday, Sept. 5. She was 92.
The tireless pro-life spokeswoman and grassroots advocate was a mother of six, an accomplished author, a radio show commentator, and the head of Eagle Forum – a conservative interest group she founded in 1972.
A statement on the Eagle Forum website said she died in the presence of her family at her home in St. Louis.
An iconic American leader whose "Her joy in life was evident to all through her smile and wit," the statement reads. Her "love for America was surpassed only by her love of God and her family."
"Phyllis Schlafly spent an astounding 70 years in public service of her fellow Americans. Her focus from her earliest days until her final ones was protecting the family, which she understood as the building block of life. She recognized America as the greatest political embodiment of those values.
"From military superiority and defense to immigration and trade; from unborn life to the nuclear family and parenthood, Phyllis Schlafly was a courageous and articulate voice for common sense and traditional values," the statement continued.
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said in social media via a tweet late Monday: "Phyllis Schlafly will be remembered for her courageous leadership in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds."
A full statement on the FRC website reads:
"Phyllis Schlafly will be remembered for her courageous leadership in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. With the political establishment, the media, and academia all arrayed against her, she organized a grassroots movement that not only stopped the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) but became the foundation for the pro-life, pro-family movement we have today.
"I have little doubt that the political and cultural landscape of America today would have long ago been devoid of true conservatism if not for her leadership. She never surrendered her principles and she never gave in to intimidation.
"Her love for God and this country drove her to fight for the Constitutional principles that founded this nation. We honor Phyllis for the lessons that she taught us all. I'm proud to have stood alongside her for faith, family and freedom," concluded Perkins.
Schlafly was preceded in death by her husband Fred and is survived by six children, 16 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements were pending Monday night, according to Eagle Forum, and a contact person is listed as Ryan Hite at 314-721-1213 or ryan@eagleforum.org.