WALLACE, Jeff

Silver Creek Mortuary, Taylor, Arizona Jeff Wallace (March 27, 1953 - April 30, 2012) Mr. Jeff Wallace of Snowflake, age 59, went to be with the lord on the afternoon of April 30th 2012. Jeff put family and friends above all else. He was a devoted and loving husband and is survived by his wife Karen Ingersoll. Together they raised three wonderful children: Justin (31) and Andrea (28), both living in Oregon and Kristin (25), living in Colorado. They have three grandchildren, Brintley (11); Jaydin (10); and Jett born just two weeks ago. He has two brothers, Jay and John, his sister, Chris, and dear nephew, Zach. Growing up, Jeff had always been active in sports and at 18 Jeff enlisted as a Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne where he served in Panama and Southeast Asia. After leaving the service he lived in Ohio where he played College football and attained a degree in Physical Education. He moved to Arizona in 1974 to the wide open spaces of the southwest. While teaching in the Phoenix area he met and married the love of his life, Karen, after a chance meeting at the school. Working with and mentoring children in the child welfare system inspired him to establish the Arizona Corporation for Children’s Services, a non-profit network of group homes and shelters for at risk boys. In 2002, with a strong desire for a simpler and more spiritual life, he and Karen left their careers and headed to northeastern Arizona. They landed in Snowflake, built their own home and new lives together. While Karen began a career in Real Estate, Jeff found a calling in animal rescue. He was also passionate about personal freedoms and liberty. Though he left us too early, for those who knew and loved him, his sage wit, incredible intellect, and compassion will be forever remembered and sorely missed. He was fiercely loyal to his wife, his family and friends, and uncompromising in his faith. “For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever…” Psalm 117:2 Memorial services will be held May 7, 2012 at the Main Street LDS Chapel in Snowflake at 11:00 A.M. Graveside services will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix at 9:30 A.M. on Friday, May 11, 2012. Donations may be sent to the Humane Society or the Phoenix Rescue Mission in lieu of flowers. Arrangements by Silver Creek Mortuary Taylor, Arizona.