TORONTO, Clara

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 05/13/2005 Clara Rogers Toronto, 85, died Tuesday May 10, 2005 in Show Low. Clara was born Feb. 1, 1920 in Pima. She graduated from Gila Junior College, where she was on the debate team, student body vice-president and personal secretary to the President of the college. She graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in business education in 1941. She and her husband, Robert Felt Toronto were married in the Mesa, Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Aug. 17, 1941. They lived in Tucson, Indio, CA and then moved to Snowflake in 1959. Clara earned an M.A. in Library Science in 1963. She was the first librarian at Snowflake Junior High School, teaching for 20 years. She was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in all the auxiliaries, after her husband passed away she was called to serve a family history mission in London, England 1996-1997. Music was an important part of her life. She was an accomplished pianist and organist. Clara is survived by two daughters, Linda (Ken) Cox of Riverton, Utah and Ruth (Jed) Flake of Snowflake; three sons, Roger (Sharman) Toronto of Pinetop, James (Diane) Toronto of Provo, Utah and Rick (Marilyn) Toronto of Mesa; one brother, Walter C. Rogers; two sisters, Garna Taylor and Chloe Hansen; 28 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Gladys Rogers, her husband, Robert Felt Toronto and her sister Della Denham. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14 at the Snowflake Main Street Chapel, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a visitation one hour prior to services at the church and from 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 13 at Owens Mortuary in Snowflake. Owens Mortuary of Snowflake handled arrangements. To send private condolences or to sign an online guest book visit http://www.owensmortuary.com.