Florence L Lentz

Florence Louise Lentz, 95, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2013. Florence was born in Albany, New York to Dr. Bruno and Louise Schuster. She moved with her mother to Phoenix in 1937 where she met and married her beloved Johnny (John A. Lentz) after a whirlwind courtship. During their 53 years together, they spent many happy years in Ajo, AZ where her husband was employed by Phelps Dodge Mining Company. During this time, she was actively involved within the community, a wonderful wife and hostess and a loving mother to her two sons, John and Richard. She was an accomplished pianist and a member of the Ajo Music Club. After additional years spent in Morenci and Douglas, she and John retired to Phoenix where they enjoyed travel, entertaining, boating on Lake Powell and spending long summers at their cabin in Munds Park. Florence was a member of Chapter D, P.E.O. and of W.A.I.M.E. and a volunteer at the Phoenix zoo and St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Florence is predeceased by her husband John, her son Richard, her brother Edward Schuster, and brother-in-law Malcom Lentz. She is survived by her son John Edward Lentz and his wife Wilma; granddaughters Lori Minor (Gary) and Lynn Swafford; 3 great-grandchildren (Lucas Swafford, Bradley Minor and Jamie Minor); one great-grandchild (Emma); three nieces (Lisa Lentz-French, Sharon von Lentz and Louise Ottavi) and a nephew (Dr. Michael Schuster).

Two very important women in her life were her caregivers, June Vivion and Jeannie Stoddard, who helped to provide her with a wonderful quality of life during her 15 years in assisted living and nursing care at the Forum of Desert Harbor in Peoria. Although afflicted with Parkinsons and diabetes in her later years, Florence had a zest for life and loved being able to get out in her handicapped van to go to lunch, attend the opera, plays, ball games, horse races, family get-togethers and picnics. She traveled widely but her favorite trips were the three she made to Africa with the Phoenix Zoo. She loved animals and people. She will be remembered as a wonderful hostess, loyal and generous to family and to her many friends and to the many who care for her during her later years. She was a beautiful woman who was always dressed to the nines, with hair, nails and make-up to perfection. She will be missed.

No services are planned at this time. Donations may be made to the Hospice of the Valley, the Humane Society, or a charity of choice.