Eleanor J. Perry passed suddenly Saturday, June 13, 2020 at her home in Waddell, Arizona at the age of 97. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend to all who knew her. She was born December 16, 1922 in Los Angeles, California and with her family, moved back to Tucson when she was five years old. She is part of the Pioneers of Tucson and cherished the rich heritage that is hers as a fourth generation Tucsonan. Her father along with his brothers and sister, homesteaded property southwest of Tucson, the La Sierrita Ranch. She grew up both on the ranch and in Tucson, graduating in 1939 from Tucson High School. She married William J. Perry on June 16, 1945 and followed her husband to his hometown of Dothan, Alabama. Together they began their new life together where Ellie embraced their membership at Grandview Baptist Church before she and Bill returned to Tucson to help care for her aging mother. Because of her love of Jesus Christ, her life was filled with service to God and service to mankind. She volunteered as a Candy Striper at Tucson Medical Center, Brownie leader, Sunday school teacher, Girls Auxiliary leader, and was active in both adult and children’s choir at Emmanuel Baptist church in Tucson for many years.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband Lieutenant Col. William J. Perry and is survived by her daughter, Cindy Perry Voigt (Bill), her grandson, Matthew Voigt, granddaughter, Emily Voigt (Hayden), sister, Mary Alice Slade, 3 nieces, 5 nephews and others who adopted her as their mother (Shelley Brooks Manning, Anahi Olivan de Minan).
An epiphany she shared recently as her daughter, niece, and nephews surprised her with a birthday party was that it’s not ever about the accolades of the world but rather God’s love manifested in the hearts and lives of those she has known throughout her many years here on earth. Her legacy continues in the lives and hearts of all who have had the privilege to know her.
A Memorial Service for Ellie will be held on:
Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. at King of Kings Presbyterian Church, 3095 N. 140th Avenue, Goodyear, AZ 85395. An announcement at church will be made regarding luncheon following the service.
King of Kings Presbyterian Church Statement RE: COVID-19: "Dear Family and Friends, We are in unchartered waters these days with Covid-19 Pandemic and we are keenly aware of the need for each individual to make decisions regarding the relentless virus. We understand that some of you may wish you could attend but simply do not feel safe gathering even when guidelines are in place. We are proceeding with our plans in faith and are at peace whichever way the wind blows. We know you love Ellie and she knows you love her."
King of Kings Presbyterian Church Social Distancing Guidelines: "We as a church are again meeting in-person and following the CDC guidelines with regards to social distancing and sanitation. We encourage everyone to continue with this practice using whatever guidelines are in place on July 11, 2020. To aid this process, currently we have closed every other pew and various non-essential parts of the building. Restrooms will be available. Guests are welcome to bring their own water."
Donations to Ellie’s favorite charity can be made to: Navigators at: navgift.org/answers.
To sign the guestbook online, to share memories, and send condolences and well-wishes to the family, please visit www.suprisefuneralcare.com.
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