ARNTZEN, Mary Jean

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Sunday, April 27, 2003 Mary Jean Arntzen, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away April 14, 2003 in Prescott Valley, Arizona following a long illness. Born May 18, 1930 in Phoenix, AZ, Mary Jean is survived by her husband, Edward Gold Arntzen. She was the mother of three children; Michael Edward Arntzen, Daniel Lee (Heidi) Arntzen & Julie Ann (Tom) Aiani, all living in California. Mary Jean was grandmother to Katie and Mary Anne Arntzen, Kellie Baldonado, Christopher and Philip Arntzen. Mary Jean spent the first twenty years of her life living in Tucson, Arizona with her parents Thomas J. and Nan Elliott. After completing two years of college at the University of Arizona where she majored in Fine Arts, she married Ed Arntzen on August 24, 1950 in Tucson, Arizona. During her school years Mary Jean was active in music and theater. Mary Jean was a devoted wife, raised three children and worked for a ten-year period for the school system in Los Alamos, New Mexico as a library aide and substitute teacher. She was also active in Light Opera and Little Theatre. After the children made lives of their own, Mary Jean became active in Hospital Auxiliary, enjoying her home and traveling. In 1990 Mary Jean retired with Ed and moved to Dewey, Arizona where they spent time traveling, making new friends and and entertaining family and old friends. They really enjoyed the summer visits with grandchildren. In August 2000 Ed and Mary Jean celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with the whole family on a cruise. Mary Jean will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Her giving of love and friendship were unconditional. Life just won't be the same without her. A memorial service to celebrate Mary Jean's life will be held Saturday, May 10, 2003 at 2:00pm with Chaplain Elizabeth Harris officiating at Sunrise Funeral Home, 8167 E. Hwy 69, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Mary Jean's memory may be made to: YRMC Hospice, Restricted Fund, PO Box 26565, Prescott Valley, AZ 86312-6565. Arrangements entrusted to Sunrise Funeral Home and Crematory, Prescott Valley, Az. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.