ABBOTT, Salli Ann

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Thursday, October 20, 2011 - Salli Ann Abbott, beloved Grandmother, Mother and Wife passed away peacefully on Oct. 4, 2011 in Flagstaff, Ariz., with her family by her side. Salli was born on June 14, 1935 in Los Angeles, Calif. to Irma and Francis Simon. She graduated from Phoenix College in 1955 and went on to attend Arizona State University, where she graduated in 1958 with a degree in Elementary Education. It was in college that Salli met her husband of 49 years, Chuck Abbott, and they soon moved to Lake Havasu City in 1966. Chuck and Salli were true Havasu pioneers, opening Lake Havasu City’s first furniture and floor coverings store, “Abbott’s Interiors.” While Chuck managed the store, Salli pursued her true passion: teaching first grade students at Smoketree Elementary. Salli was an educator in the Lake Havasu Unified School District for over 18 years and finished her career at Starline Elementary, relishing every moment. Her dedication to her students and fellow colleagues earned her the “Teacher of the Year” award in 1991. One of Salli’s greatest pleasures was encountering former students, now grown with families of their own, who would often recount the wisdom and kindness with which Salli had taught them as children. Salli Abbott will be remembered as a dedicated teacher who took pride in her profession and who devoted her time and energies to every student she touched throughout the course of her teaching career. Besides being a wonderful teacher, Salli was a remarkable wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be forever missed and loved by all who knew her. Salli is survived by her husband Chuck Abbott, son Erik Abbott, daughters Denise Cosmos and Deone Abbott, daughter-in-law Alison Abbott and granddaughters Savannah Abbott, Jessica and Amanda Cosmos. In lieu of flowers, it is that family’s wish that donations be made to Western Arizona Humane Society of Lake Havasu City.