Elizabeth Henderson

Funeral services for Elizabeth Henderson were held on October 30, 2021, at the Chapel of Chimes, Phoenix, AZ, with Chaplain Danny Thompson officiating. Burial was at Rest Haven Memorial Park, Glendale, AZ, beside her husband. Hansen Mortuary in Phoenix, AZ, was in charge of arrangements.

Pall bearers were granddaughters: Nicole Baca, Crystal Cassan, Erica Crise, Jennifer Henderson, Cassie LaMere, Kim Witcombe, Angel Woodmansee, and Krystina Woodruff. Elizabeth M. Henderson, 97, was born July 3, 1924, to Minnie C. Gruhn Rezac and Wm. S. Rezac at Gregory, SD, and passed away October 12, 2021, at Flagstaff, AZ.

She spent her childhood years on her parents’ farm south of Gregory, SD. Among her chores were gathering eggs and herding cattle, and keeping her distance from an ornery bull.

In 1935, the family, which increased to an additional two brothers and a sister, moved to Phoenix, AZ. Jobs were scarce, and they traveled to California working in the peach yards sorting the fruit. Returning to Phoenix, Elizabeth graduated the eighth grade from Alahambra School.

The family then moved to Benicia, CA, and Elizabeth worked in the fish and tomato canneries while attending school and graduating at age 16 from Benicia High School. She began working for Sperry Rand, now Kellogg’s.

Elizabeth and “Dub” (J. W.) were married April 17, 1945, at Phoenix, AZ, and enjoyed 63 years of marriage. They had five children, a daughter and four sons, which includes twins. After her family was grown, Elizabeth worked for Manzanita School System, retiring in 1986. She made many friends, including teachers and students.

Elizabeth began a new project making “character” baby quilts for the grandchildren, always including a small butterfly in the corner as her signature.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by husband Dub, daughter Dawn, grandson J.R. Henderson, parents Minnie and Bill, in-laws Estelle (Spurlin) and Jim Henderson, and brothers Woodrow and Wayne.

She is survived by sons Ross, Gary, Randy and Robin; 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, her sister Carolina Rezac, and aunt Mildred Gruhn, nieces, nephews and cousins.