It’s sobering to realize Iowa is not as sheltered or unique as other cities around the country when a wife and mother is senselessly slain.

Friends of Phyllis Davis, who was killed last year, have decided to establish community improvement funds in Des Moines and a scholarship in her name at Iowa State.

In memory of this businesswoman and ISU alum, this is a prime example of doing something good in the face of a terrible moment.

It also shows that, at times, Iowa and Des Moines really aren’t protected from crimes that are prevalent in larger cities in other states.

One would hope that people living elsewhere will see the example we are setting when stray gun fire kills an innocent woman, and pool their own resources for the greater good of their communities.

It only takes something like this to happen once to help us wake up to a violence problem that may already exist. It’s just too bad the cost was so high.

Phyllis Davis will be remembered in the scholarship that was established for a long time. We hope the students who receive this scholarship from year to year will also remember the history of Davis’ life and how it was given for its existence.