PAGE, Josephine (Jo)

Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory, Wickenburg, Arizona Josephine Page April 9, 1926 - September 25, 2015 Josephine Page, age 89, passed away September 25, 2015 in Wickenburg, Arizona. She was born April 9, 1926 in Blakeburg, Iowa to Roscoe Smith and Rachel Tadlock Smith. Josephine graduated from the University of Arizona with a Masters Degree in Elementary Education. She was a school teacher for 21 years. Josephine taught second grade. She and husband William had been living in Tucson until recently when they moved to Wickenburg to be near family. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, sewing, baking and bridge and her greatest treasure in life was her family. She is survived by her husband Bill of Wickenburg and Daughters: Pamela of Scottsdale, Brooke Walters of Wickenburg and William Page, Jr. of Tucson. Services will be held at a later date. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Friday, October 9, 2015 Josephine Page On Sept. 25, 2015, Josephine (Jo) Page entered into eternal peace. Jo was born on a farm in Blakesburg, Iowa, on April 9, 1926. She grew up on the family farm where soy beans, corn and alfalfa were grown. Everyday life included caring for crops, cows, pigs and chickens. Her school years were also spent in Iowa where she was particularly proud of playing basketball at Moravia High School. As a young woman she left the farm and ventured west where she met a sailor (Bill Page) with whom she would marry and spend the next 68 years. 
Jo was a devoted wife and stay-at-home mom. After her children were old enough, she returned to school and earned her masters in education degree from the University of Arizona. She taught second grade at Sunrise Elementary School for most of her career and made a huge difference in the lives of many, forging lifelong friendships along the way. 
Jo loved the desert and all it had to offer, including cactus, quail, roadrunners, hummingbirds and the beautiful seasonal flowers. She especially loved the excitement and smell of a good summer rain. After retirement, Bill and Jo built their dream cabin in Alpine, Ariz., where they would enjoy cool, relaxing summers. 
 Whether she was in Tucson or in Alpine, Jo always made time for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She blessed them all with unconditional love, taught them how to be strong, and how to enjoy and make the best of life. The greatest pleasure in life was being surrounded by her family. Jo also enjoyed playing bridge with friends, playing cards and games with family, working crossword puzzles, playing bingo, baking family recipes, cooking for her family, barbecuing in the yard, hiking in the desert, reading historical novels and observing nature and wildlife. 
Her positive outlook, unforgettable smile and loving nature will be deeply missed.
 Josephine was the youngest of nine children. She is survived by her brother Forest (Bus) Smith; her husband William E. (Bill) Page Sr.; her three children; Pamela Page, William E. (Eddy) Page Jr. (Becky), Brooke Walters (Donnie); four grandchildren, Daniel Shuler, JoLea Kendall, Amber Page and Eric Page. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren Bronson, Cannon, Mavity, Ryken and Chase. She joins in heaven loved ones who have passed before her including her grandson, Justin Stoler.
 Josephine’s family would also like to extend deep gratitude to the Cowles family and staff at My Father’s Retirement Ranch in Wickenburg for the love and care that was given to our mother in her time of need. A celebration of Josephine’s life will be held from 1- 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Highlands Clubhouse in Oro Valley, 332 W. Matterhorn Street-Oro Valley, Az. Online condolences can be shared at www.wickenburgfuneralhome.com