Marvel H. Stradling of Pima Arizona, entered into eternity on Thursday, February 3, 2022. Marvel was born on March 28, 1934, in Thatcher, Arizona to Walter and Lola Harms with siblings Lorene, Callis, Carolyn, Pauline, Lynette, Lorin, and Stephen.
She was raised in Thatcher, and at 18 months of age was badly burned in a yard fire. Marvel was tough and overcame her injuries and continued on with life. While in high school she participated in plays and played the trombone in the band before graduating from Thatcher High School in May of 1952. On October 14, 1952, she married E. Dean Stradling, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. The young couple settled down in Casa Grande, Arizona where they would raise 5 of their children; Deana, Walter, Lani, Loa, and Doug, then moved to Virginia where Jared was born, and then on to Wyoming where Tristan was born. After Marvel’s divorce from Dean in September of 1990, she moved back to Thatcher, Arizona.
Marvel was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and spent much of her spare time in service to others and in her church doing Family History Research and writings. She loved doing yard work and was constantly out weeding her yard. If there was a weed anywhere she made sure it was pulled, either by herself or by her children. She was loving, caring, and service-oriented, always looking for others to serve.
Marvel leaves behind all of her children; Deana Richins, Walter (Carroll) Stradling, Lani (Jodi) Stradling, Loa (Chad) Benson, Doug (Gwen) Stradling, Jared (Candi) Stradling, and Tristan (Cheryl) Stradling, her siblings Lorene Crockett, Pauline Wallin, Lynette Layton, Lorin R. Harms, and Stephen Harms, 36 Grandchildren, and 66 Great-Grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents Walter & Lola Harms, and 3 siblings.
A viewing will be held on Friday, February 11, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Pima Chapel followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow services in the Thatcher Cemetery.
Marvel’s services will be streamed on Facebook Live. To watch, log on to your personal Facebook page, locate McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel, “like” our page, then 5 minutes prior to the funeral service starting it will pop-up at the top of the page.
Arrangements are being cared for by McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory located at 112 E. Main Street, Safford, AZ 85546, 928-428-1740, www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
