OTWELL, Lulu Emma

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, January 14, 2015 Lulu Emma Otwell, 99, passed away on Jan. 8, 2015, in Phoenix, Arizona. Lulu was born to Guy and Maude Rooker in Phoenix, where she was raised in the days when Camelback was a dirt road. She graduated from Madison Elementary School, then Phoenix Union High School in 1932, and continued her education at Phoenix College and Arizona State University, graduating in 1936 from ASU's first teachers college with a BA degree in education. She was a beloved teacher for nearly 40 years, retiring in 1977 from the Washington Elementary District. Lulu met her husband, William Fletcher Otwell, in Prescott, Arizona, while visiting him with his sister Rowena. They were married in 1948. Lulu and Bill enjoyed 46 years together raising their family, traveling and camping until Bill's death in 1994. Lulu was a lay speaker and an active lifelong member of Bethel United Methodist Church for 80 years until its closing, at which time she transferred membership to Crossroads United Methodist Church. Throughout her life, Lulu enjoyed her days gardening, painting, playing her piano, singing, sewing and volunteering her time to her church. She was a first-class grandmother who dropped everything when her grandsons came to visit. When they were young, she spent countless hours reading to them or joining them on the floor to play checkers and blocks with them. Lulu is survived by her son, William Otwell (Janet Markham) of Prescott; her daughter, Susan Smith (Dale) of Phoenix; four grandsons, Fletcher Otwell (Cathy Barber), Max Otwell, Travis Smith and Logan Smith (Stephanie Wilhardt); and two great-grandchildren, Catherine and Simon Smith. She is also survived by a sister, Mila Murlless; and a brother, Calvin Rooker (Peggy), all of Phoenix. She brought much joy to our lives and we will miss her loving spirit every day. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at Crossroads UMC, 7901 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, with a reception at the church following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crossroads UMC or United Methodist Outreach Ministries (UMOM) Day Centers. Information provided by survivors.