TELFORD, Grace

Grace Stanley Telford, passed from the earth on June 23, 2003. She was born in Aspermont, Texas, August 21, 1909 to John Malachai and Addie Mae Stanley. The family moved to Mesa AZ when Grace was 9 years old. She graduated from Mesa High School in 1927, then worked as a legal secretary for a Mesa attorney, M.J. Daugherty. She married William H. Telford, D.D.S.. a Mesa native, in 1933. Grace retired to become a homemaker and mother, and became active in church and community affairs. She was affiliated with First United Methodist Church of Mesa for 83 years, and was always active in what is now called United Methodist Women. She served that organization at every level, holding offices locally and in the Conference. She was a founding member of both the Mesa Junior Women's Club and the Desert Club of Mesa. As busy as she was, Grace found time to play bridge and to read voraciously. Her favorite activities, however, were knitting and baking, especially at Christmas when she baked her famous fruitcakes and cookies. Predeceased by her parents, husband, and three sisters, she is survived by her son, Dr. Wm. S. (Pat) of Mesa, her daughter, Erdene (Greg) McCleery of Yuma, six grandchildren: Barbara (Rev. Joe) Hunsaker, Randy McCleery of Avondale, Bryan McCleery of San Diego, California, Rev. Sharon (Al) Pajak of Flagstaff, W. Stan (Emily) Telford, Jr., of Elmhurst, Illinois, and Julie Harper of Gilbert. She also is survived by 5 great-grandchildren, and several nephews and nieces. Services will be held Monday, June 30, 2003, at Meldrum Mortuary. 52 N. McDonald, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation at the chapel one hour before. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to First United Methodist Church of Mesa, 15 E. 1st Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210, or Sunshine Acres Children's Home. 3405 N. Higley Rd. Mesa, 85215. Published in the Arizona Republic from 6/26/2003 - 6/27/2003.