Jane Blair Wyatt, 77, of Safford entered into eternal life, January 24, 2016 after a nearly year-long battle with leukemia. Jane was born March 24, 1938 in Safford to Wilmoth and Oscar Blair with her two siblings, Joe Blair and Maxine Blair Bean. Jane graduated as valedictorian from Safford High School in 1956. She furthered her education, graduating from the University of Arizona in 1959, then receiving her Masters of Science in 1961 and her PhD in Food Science in 1966 from Oregon State University. She earned “Honors” with each degree.
Jane was not the type to flaunt her degrees and accomplishments; known affectionately throughout the valley as the “Chili Lady”. For many years she worked with her brother harvesting and roasting locally grown green chilies. She started her career as a college professor and research scientist, worked for 10 years in Mexico teaching and later became an entrepreneur. When she wasn’t working with her chili business, you could find Jane down at the track with her brother watching their horses’ race.
Jane is survived by her sister and son, Justin (Melissa) Wyatt and daughter, Jennifer (Daryl) McCloskey and four beautiful grandchildren, Regan, Kortney, Jessica and Kelly.
A viewing will be held on Friday, January 29, 2016 from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Caldwell Funeral Chapel and again on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mt. Graham Chapel with the funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers family requests donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Attn: Memorials, 3877 N. 7th St. Suite 300, Phoenix, AZ 85014 or at lls.org.
Services are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.