Phyla Marie Wood, (5/18/16 to 9/26/88) daughter of Ralph and Winifred Wood of Claremont, Class of 1934.  Phyla attended Chaffey Jr. College ('36 grad) and then went on to Pomona College. She married Paul Owen in 1937 and both eagerly moved to NY City to further their dreams as musical artists.

Phyla played piano, organ and was an accomplished soprano, her ultimate dream to be an opera singer. They remained in New York during which time they had their son, John Bedford (class of '58). Phyla was among the first of Fred Waring's Choral Group at this time. After divorce, she returned with John to Claremont in '41, whereupon she married Robert Bedford and had three more children, Roberta, Philip, and Paula. 

Phyla was a musical force in the Pomona Valley area from the time she started singing, until the Bedford family moved to Palm Springs in 1958. She was soprano soloist at Pomona’s Trinity Methodist Church, Pilgrim Congregational Church and the Presbyterian Church. She sang in independent operetta productions, for weddings, and funerals.  In addition, she composed many songs and hymns. In fact, she wrote a song for not only her high school graduation, but for her junior high graduation as well (at age of 15).

Music remained the love of her life until her death at 72 years.
 
Phyla was president of the Pomona Valley Musicians' Club for many years and annually performed as soloist in The Messiah.