Mildred "Midge" Garza

Mildred "Midge" Garza, 78, of Bentonville, passed away on May 21, 2015. She was born on Feb. 28, 1937, in Houston, Texas, daughter of the late Thomas Clyde "T.C." and Roberta (Felty) Beeman. Midge attended Lon Morris College, where she met her first husband, Ronald Jerry Phillips. They were married for 18 years. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, she worked as a journalist in Dallas, where she met her current husband, Simon Garza. In Northwest Arkansas she was best known for the newspaper editorials she contributed. She will be remembered as a dedicated crusader for the protection of animals and participated in animal rescue operations nationwide. Survivors include husband, Simon Garza of the home; daughters, Cindy Phillips Acree of Bentonville, Susan Phillips Boevers (Jim) of Murray, Utah, Cathy Phillips Gilbreath (Bryden) of Bentonville; grandchildren, Cory, Justin, Eric, Nick, Tracy, Colin, Hope, Austin, Alec, Audrey; and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by stepchildren, Eric Reynolds, Diane Colangelo; and five step-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 in the Callison-Lough Funeral Home Chapel in Bentonville. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, in Bentonville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Willard Walker Hospice House, or to the animal charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are by Callison-Lough Funeral Home of Bentonville.