UDALL, Gwendolyn (Gwen) Vivian

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 02/17/2012 Gwendolyn Vivian Pace Udall In spite of many obstacles not of her own making, including being a premature baby, an orphan, the Great Depression, and World War II, Gwendolyn Pace Udall lived a remarkably long, productive life until she died Friday, Feb. 10, 2012, at the age of 93 in Mesa. She was born in Snowflake June 11, 1918, to James Byrum Pace and Adeline Savage. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, R. Keith Udall; nine siblings: Wilson, Lydia, Glen, Ruth, Marian, Mary Magdalene, Paul, James Byrum Jr., and Lincoln; two grandchildren: Cindy and Jordan Goodman; and three great grandchildren, Jennifer and Amber Hafen and Timothy K. Grant. Gwen is survived by her seven children, 39 grandchildren, 121 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Her children are Adeline (Ted) Romoser, R.K. (Sylvia) Udall, Tim (Vangie) Udall, Barry (Risa) Udall, Kristin (Bill) Bell, Helen Udall, and Karma (Ken) Whiting. By the time Gwen was 14, she had lost her parents but had the blessing of living with older siblings in Snowflake, Phoenix with Glen, Salt Lake City, Utah with Wilson and St. Johns with Maggie. She married in the Mesa Arizona Temple at the young age of 18 and somehow managed to put herself through college in Flagstaff, earning a degree in education in just three years. She taught in the classroom for 29 years, signing contracts in Picacho Peak, Moccasin, Fredonia and St. Johns, while becoming a master teacher in the process. Gwen was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicating many years of service to her church callings and serving missions to Oklahoma and Toronto, Canada and was an accomplished pianist. Being of a caring, considerate nature, she strengthened family and extended family ties as well as forming enduring relationships with many people from various walks of life. Her letter writing capabilities and prodigious memory allowed her to keep track of everyone and everything, long before modern day networking was the norm. She provided much of the background information and related pictures used to "flesh out" the life stories of her parents and siblings, giving future generations priceless family histories. As so many can testify, Gwen lost herself in giving service to others, being most generous with her time, means, testimony and emotional support. In essence, she put people first. Loving family, students, friends and others will remember her unconditional love. She will be missed. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Downtown Chapel, St. Johns, with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Perpetual Education Fund. Leave an online condolence at www.burnhammortuary.com Burnham Mortuaryof St. Johns handled arrangements.
Posted by Sharla on February 17, 2012

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