November 13, 1942 — August 21, 2015
Winifred (Winnie) Mable Elder, 72, of Elfrida Arizona, went home to be with the Lord on August 21st 2015. Winnie was born November 13, 1942 in Knox, Indiana to Harry F Davis Sr and Grace Arlene Graves Davis. Winnie was married to Dennis Doyle Elder Sr on October 9, 1957 in Hamlet, Indiana. They enjoyed 57 years together as husband and wife.
Winnie is survived by her husband Dennis Doyle Elder Sr , daughters Brenda Bieber in Elfrida, Arizona., Denise Aabye in Tucson, Arizona, Sandra Divan and husband Chuck in St. George, son Dennis Elder Jr.in Tucson, Arizona. and daughter Joyce McGinnis and husband Ira in St. George. Winnie had one brother Harry F Davis. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Winnie was a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS) Church and attended the Elfrida, Arizona ward.
Mom was in her element when she was planting roses, gardening and cooking. She had a love for all of God’s creatures. She had a special love for her dogs, cats and most of the neighborhood strays. She recently took in a sweet little dove/pigeon that was one legged. That bird could hear her exit the door to the house and would hop along till it reached her. For most of her life she and her husband were in the farming and agricultural business. Mom called many places home, but she loved Willcox, Arizona. the most. Mom enjoyed preparing hot and homemade meals that would bring joy, hugs and smiles to those that came together. Her hot rolls and pot roast will be missed, but not as much as mom will and is missed.
A special thank you to those who were there with her during her final days and this journey we call life. The family would like to thank Amanda and Gary from Valor Hospice Care in Sierra Vista, Arizona.
The memorial service was held at the LDS Church in Elfrida, Arizona following her death. Interment will take place at Whitewater Cemetery which is also known as Elfrida Cemetery at a later date.
This was part of a letter that was written to be read during her memorial service.
This morning take a moment to look around you. Look at the faces of those sitting around you. You see, this is a different place than when you walked into this morning. And those of you who came into this place this morning are different, because you just stepped into a new season.
Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verses 1-8:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.”
These verses picture human experience as a tapestry woven of times. There is indeed a time for everything and a season for every activity under Heaven.
Mom, you have run the race, you have fought the good fight, you have finished the course, you have accomplished everything He sent you to earth to do. Your work, Mom, is done. Mom, you’re free to go home.
Mom, you have loved Grandma and Grandpa, Dad and all of us kids. Your have loved so many and we love you too. Mom, you are free to go home now.