EDWARDS, Laurabell

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ September 17, 2007 Laurabell Edwards died Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, in Snowflake at the age of 88. She was born June 10, 1919, in Bisbee, where she lived most of her life, to the late John and Hattie (Murray) Sabin. She graduated from Bisbee High School then attended the University of Arizona in Tucson for three years where she studied English. On Feb. 15, 1942, she married Robert Brown Edwards Jr. with whom she enjoyed 53 wonderful years of marriage. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Mesa Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She worked as a nurse's assistant at the Copper Queen Hospital in Bisbee for several years. However, her greatest joy came from raising seven children. She was a devoted wife and mother, who would go out of her way to take care of her family. She was also a talented artist and painted many oil and watercolor paintings. She loved to cook, and was well known for her cinnamon-roll baking as she shared them with family and friends, particularly during holiday seasons. Laurabell was faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served the church in many positions throughout her life. She is survived by her daughters, Jane Ann Ewing (Richard) of McKinney, Texas, and Lynda Cotton of Portland, Ore.; sons Dave Edwards (Louise) of South Jordan, Utah, Ron Edwards (Penny Stone) of Rome, N.Y., Alan Edwards Sr. (Linda) of Denver, Colo., and John Edwards (Darrlyn) of Eagar; 19 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Brown Edwards Jr. in 1995; son Robert Brown Edwards III in 1998; two brothers, Chesley Sabin and James Sabin; two sisters, Vecia Sabin and Chloe Hatcher. Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007, at the Fairmont Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tucson with a visitation one hour prior. Interment followed at the Binghampton Cemetery in Tucson. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book visit www.owensmortuary.com.