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Martha Ellen Crookston

09/17/1938 - 01/27/2017
Service Date: 02/04/2017
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4525 E. Knox Road, Phoenix, Arizona

Martha Ellen “Marty” Mabry Crookston, 78, passed away peacefully at home in Tempe, AZ on January 27, 2017 surrounded by her family.

She was born in Childress, TX on September 17, 1938 to James Vance and Reba Irene Riddle Mabry. Marty lost her parents by the age of two and was raised by her grandmother, Nannie Nickell Riddle. She lived in Arizona most of her life and attended Phoenix Union High School and Phoenix College. Marty worked many retail and administrative jobs throughout her life, but the titles she loved most were devoted wife, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her life was spent in service to others and the Lord. Her Christ-like love for her family and friends was admired by all who knew her.

Marty is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Stephen Thomas Crookston; her four daughters: Nancy Ellen Skidmore (Brett), Terri Ann Crookston, Cindy Lynn Jimenez (Mario), and Stacy Jane Crookston; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and a large extended family.

Funeral services are Saturday, February 4, 2017, at 11:00 AM, preceded by visitation at 9:30 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4525 E. Knox Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044.

Condolences

  • Deborah Gilbreath

    Our thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. Marty will be missed. May God give each of you the strength you need in the days ahead of you. Love you all so very much. Gary and Deborah Gilbreath

  • Deborah Gilbreath

    All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you all so very much. Gary and Deborah Gilbreath

  • Take time for healing, your family here at Sears HR has you in our thoughts.

  • Marty had to have been one of the sweetest women I have every had the privilege of knowing. What a wonderful day it was in July many years ago that I finally got to meet my cousins from Arizona. My prayers and thoughts go out to each of you. So many wonderful and happy memories.
    Love to each of you.

  • Marty was such a sweet cousin and loved by all of us. Just proud of the years that we got to know her. She kept me updated on all of her family by email. Have spoken to Stacy and Terri in the last few days and have told them how I felt. My thoughts and prayers to all of you. Love to all, Linda

  • She was a lovely person. So soft spoken and calm. It was like being around an angel. ♡ Alan and I send our love.

  • Desiree Guthrie Coats

    Martha probably doesn’t know how much I enjoyed being in her presence when I was a little girl. Kind, doesn’t do her justice… She was really a gift in my life. The entire Crookston Family was an example of how a Christian home was supposed to be. Lovely memories of your home, cooking with your Mom and shopping at the gift store in Tempe. Sending love and prayers to all you girls and you too Mr. Crookston. Love, Desiree

  • John and Denice Rappleye

    We loved Aunt Martha very much and were so sad to hear of her passing. She was always so kind and cheerful to us. I will always remember her laugh.

  • David & Michele Derry

    Nancy, you always spoke so highly of your Mom and that she was such a gentle spirit. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family. I know she will be missed deeply by everyone. We love you and let us know how we can help. Love, David, Michele & Christopher

  • Bob & Dorcie Greco

    We were so sorry to hear about Marty’s passing. She was one of my favorite people. Always uplifting, always smiling, she will definitely be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

  • My love and prayers for you all. Steve, I am so sorry for our loss of Marty. So thankful for the time we spent with all of your family. Missed you all these past few years at the reunion. May God bless and comfort your whole family. Love, Betty

  • Having the blessing of Nancy and Cindy in my life, I can imagine their mother being a gentle and kind person with a tender heart. My love to you all. May you feel loved from above as well as from your extended family.

    Hugs,
    Brenda Barry

  • Sorry to hear about Martha, I hope that your family will find comfort in all the loving memories shared with Martha, and I hope you can find comfort from Revelation 21:3,4 which tells us of a time to look forward to when we will no longer experience the painful loss of death, May Jehovah God and his son Jesus Christ give your family comfort during this sad time.

  • Carolyn D Schneider

    My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Nancy- I’m only few doors away if you need anything or just need a hug. Love Carolyn and family.

  • Gordon & Janis Hall

    Dear Steve and family, We feel so blessed to have known you all. Your kindness and love reflect the Christlike and eternal attributes of your wife and mother. We just heard yesterday afternoon and are sorry we could not come to the service. We will be praying for you and send our heartfelt love. Gordon and Janis

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