Marjorie Ruth Cannady

Marjorie Ruth Cannady, 79, loving wife of 55+ years, mother of 3, grandmother of 8, great-grandmother of 3, and favorite aunt to a good number of nieces and nephews, passed away at home in Chandler, AZ, on April 15th, 2023, after several years of declining health.

Margie, as she was known since childhood, was born in Bonne Terre, MO, January 16th, 1944, to Leonard and Glenda Spickelmier, the fourth of six children. Glenda was suffering badly with asthma, so at the recommendation of their doctor the family moved to the drier climate of Colorado when Margie was about 6 months old.

After graduating from high school in Denver and then completing one year of college in Kansas, Margie was back home in Denver, working as a bookkeeper for an electrical contracting company, and once again attending the church her family had long gone to. There she became friends with a young woman from out of state by the name of Suzanne, they soon became fast friends and decided to get an apartment together. A Denver University student by the name of Larry Cannady was a friend from Suzanne’s hometown and was asked to help her move, and that evening met Margie during dinner at Suzanne’s older sister’s home. Larry found himself instantly smitten with Margie, and although it took him a couple of months to get up the courage to call her for a date, within a few months of that first date they were engaged.

Relationships do have their ups and downs, and Larry had a summer job in Farmington, NM, and a few months into the engagement Margie tried to give the ring back - but Larry refused to take it back! Larry knew this was the woman for him! And some months later they were married on December 16, 1967. After Larry graduated from college in June 1968, they moved to the Phoenix area.

Larry was called to military service in February 1969. During the three years in the Army, the two were stationed first in Alabama and then Alaska, and their first child was born several months after their return to Phoenix.

Margie had several different jobs prior to their first child being born, but her real career was her family and friends. She was always such a compassionate and generous person and was very giving of herself to others – family and friends alike.

She waited for their children to enter high school, and then she decided to go back to part-time work in a variety of jobs. She would do this until she became a grandmother and then once again, she would delight in making family her primary focus. She was so happy to have those grandbabies in her arms!

Neither Margie nor Larry grew up camping, however, it somewhat “accidentally” (long story) became a big part of their life together during their two years in Alaska. A few years after their return to Arizona, while their children were still quite young, they began making regular camping trips to favorite places such as the Mogollon Rim, the White Mountains, and southwestern Colorado. These trips were a big part of raising their children and grandchildren, while forming close relationships with several other camping families from their church and making friends from other parts of the country.

Margie had a huge impact on so many lives. During the kids’ elementary school years she was involved with the PTO at their school. You saw this woman at her very best as she participated in activities at her church. She loved teaching children’s Sunday school and being the secretary for AWANA, a children’s Bible and activity club, and Margie became a “mom” to numerous young girls. Through those various activities and attending ladies’ Bible studies, she was a friend and mentor to many other younger moms. She was known, and will be remembered for her kindness, caring, and compassion. She was loved by many, many people from Alaska to Arizona and a number of other states from coast to coast!

Margie was preceded in death by her parents, older brothers Danny and James, and son Cory Scott Cannady. She is survived by husband Larry, son Jeff (Suzi) Cannady of Snowflake, AZ, daughter Heather (Paul) Gonzales and their daughters Ella and Emma, and grandson Alex (Erin) Cannady and their children Adeline and Liam, granddaughter Samantha (Colton) Marshall and their son Harrison, granddaughters Kory, Kelley, and Jessica Cannady, and grandson Jacob Cannady, all of the Phoenix area. Margie’s memory will also be cherished by her 3 sisters in the Denver area and their families.

We are so very thankful for the gift of Margie’s life, and that her struggles are now over. Margie is at peace now, and we know she is now rejoicing with her Lord in Heaven. One so special; Margie will live on in the hearts of many here on earth.

A Memorial Service will be planned in the coming months.