WILKINS, Rozelda

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ April 19, 2007 Our dear mother, Rozelda Butler Wilkins, died Monday, April 16, 2007, at her home in Eagar. Rozelda was born in Eagar April 2, 1924. She graduated from Round Valley High School and attended Gila Junior College in Thatcher. She married her high school sweetheart, Byron Wilkins, June 25, 1947, in the Mesa LDS Temple. They lived a short time in Nutrioso, then moved to Eagar where they lived the remainder of their lives. They both loved the White Mountains and, in their later years, were often seen "going for an afternoon drive" up to the mountains. Rozelda was a wonderful mother whose first thought was for her seven children. Rozelda was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission in the Eastern Central States Mission. She served in many different positions in her ward and stake. She loved to play the piano and organ and to accompany Byron when he was asked to sing in public. She was called often to help with music in church services. She loved to garden and took pride in each year's yield. She spent many hours canning and preserving fruits and vegetables for her family. She loved to quilt and cook for her family and anyone else that happened by. Rozelda is survived by sons Dean (Helen) Wilkins, Dennis (Janet) Wilkins, Orson (Sherrie) Wilkins and Chester (Annette) Wilkins; daughters Elaine (Don) Cash, Naurine (Keith) Cook and Carla (Alan) Sherrow; 28 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren. A first visitation was held April 19 at Burnham Mortuary in Eagar, and the second visitation will be held Friday, April 20, at 10 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Funeral services are to be held Friday, April 20, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center in Eagar. Interment will follow at the Nutrioso Cemetery. Burnham Mortuary in Eagar handled the arrangements.