Marta and Phillip Nelson, residents of Thatcher, entered into eternal life, parted in life by five days. Marta passed through the veil on Saturday evening, August 28, 2021, at the Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix and took the hand of her beloved companion Phillip on Thursday evening, September 2, 2021, following his passing at the Montecito Post Acute Care and Rehabilitation in Mesa.
Marta was born on November 23, 1953, the second of two daughters born to Martin Leslie and Sally Jane Pinson. Phillip was born on December 19, 1951, the fifth of seven children, in Willcox, Arizona to Jay and Marjorie Sue Nelson.
Phillip and Marta met on the school bus in high school and from that day forward they seemed to be inseparable. They were later married in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They moved around a bit and finally settled in the Gila Valley over 40 years ago.
Phillip loved math, science and technology and had several different careers that involved all of his passions. He retired as a high school math teacher from Thatcher High School. His hobbies included anything electronic related, building computers, solar panels, as well as his green house. He could grow the best tomatoes.
Marta worked for and recently retired from Eastern Arizona College. Her hobbies included baking, cooking, reading, and quilting. She had a quiet demeanor but you knew when the line had been crossed when she would raise that one eyebrow at you. She enjoyed going to dinner with close friends and cherished those friendships.
They both loved music and loved when everyone was together playing music and singing. They loved having all the grandkids around and always made each one of them feel special.
Marta and Phillip leave to mourn: their daughters, Jennifer Gardner (Randall), Melissa Price (Justin), Kathy McKane (Ryan), Kari Gunnett (David); a son, Jeremy; ten grandchildren; Marta’s sister, Patricia Meyers; Phillip’s brothers and sister, Ron, Paul, Bob, Don and Glenna Clonts. Marta and Phillip were predeceased by: their parents, Martin and Sally Pinson and Jay and Marjorie Sue Nelson; and Phillip’s sister, Dorothy Johnston.
Funeral services for Marta and Phillip will be conducted Saturday morning, September 11, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., at the Thatcher Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Bishop Jeff Jorgensen of the Thatcher Second Ward. Concluding services will follow in the Hubbard Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday morning, September 11, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., at the Thatcher Stake Center Relief Society Room of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Those who would like to attend the services via Facebook Live can join on Vining Funeral Home’s Facebook page, Saturday morning, September 11, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. (MST).
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
