Patricia Marie Beecroft, 90, of Sun Lakes, AZ and previously Roll, AZ, passed to the next part of life on November 25, 2019. She was born March 22, 1929 in Jerome, AZ to Earl and Angeline (Shea) Dohner. Patricia’s father was one of the first dentists in northern Arizona. Her birth mother died at an early age and Marguerite O’Keefe married Earl and became the mother to Patricia and her sister Kathryn. Growing up she lived in various places in Arizona including Williams, and Wagon Wheel where she loved riding her white horse Silver, and Phoenix. She graduated from the University of Arizona with a master’s degree in animal science where she met Douglas, the love of her life, who also had graduated from the University of Arizona. Married in 1953, they never spoke a cross word to each other for the 66 years of their married life together.
Patricia and Doug started their life together by moving to Roll, AZ. Some of the time they had a farm, another time a dairy. A large part of the time they had a cattle ranch in the unbelievably rugged countryside of Burro Creek which got the family outdoors and helped build character and memories for the kids. But Pat’s calling was to teach and coach. She taught 7th & 8th grade science and math for 35 years at Mohawk Valley School. She touched and inspired multiple generations in the Mohawk Valley. In 2005 she was inducted into the Educational Foundation Yuma County Hall of Fame, awarded the Teacher of the Year award for her years of dedication to the education of others. She made a lifelong impact on her family and others that knew her.
It was heart-wrenching for them to move in 2011 from the community and people they loved in the Mohawk Valley area to Sun Lakes, but they needed and wanted to be closer to family in their later years. Always one to make lemonade out of lemons, everywhere Patricia lived she was the influence of love and made everyone feel better no matter the circumstances. Everyone that knew her loved her. Even Heaven will be better because of her.
Patricia is survived by her husband, Douglas of Sun Lakes, Arizona; three children Earl & Charles, of Gilbert and Diane of Casa Grande and each of their spouses Sherrie, Cathie, and Brian respectively; six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Kathryn and a grandson.
There is no funeral as she remains alive in our hearts. A small private graveside service at National Memorial Cemetery will be held on 12/9 at 1 p.m.
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