Willena Josephine Robertson

passed away Saturday, April 28, 2012. She was born to John and Alice Watts on June 14, 1917 in Cashion, Oklahoma, just decades after her grandparents established the family in the Oklahoma Territory by homesteading nearby in Taloga. Willena graduated from the Kansas State Teacher's College in 1939 and four years later she married her lifetime love, Donald Ralph Robertson, and the two moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1955. Willena went to work in the Mesa Parks and Recreation after school arts program and as the director of Arts and Crafts for the City of Mesa, founded the Art Barn and Rendezvous Park. The Art Barn educated both adults and children and was the precursor for the very successful Mesa Art Center no located on Main Street in Mesa. She retired from the city in 1978 after winning many awards and much recognition for her service. Willena was a longtime resident of Mesa and an original member of the Central Christian Church. Among her family, Willena was a much beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. The happy home she and Donald maintained will always be remembered for its outrageous theme cakes, mountains and crafting supplies, and overfed dogs. Those who were fortunate enough to have known the Robertson's will be comforted to know that Willena remained a sassy raconteur and prankster until her final days. She is survived by her daughters; Mary (Richard) Shindell and Sylvia Edwards, grandchildren; Matthew (Jeannette), Daniel, Patrick, Nicholas Shindell, Chris Robertson, and Amy (Jeff) Holcomb, and great grandchildren; Amber and Jacob Holcomb. Services are to be held on Friday, May 4, 2012 with a visitation beginning at 10:00am and service to follow at 11:00am at Resthaven Park Mortuary, www.resthavenpark.com, 4310 E. Southern Ave. in Phoenix, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the NAU Foundation: Robertson-Shindell Award for Studio Art Excellence or to the ASU Foundation: Rock/Paper/Scissors Award for Excellence in Printmaking. Arrangements are being held under the direction of Resthaven Park Mortuary & Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona.