Mildred Sabin, a resident of Safford, entered into life eternal early Friday morning, December 3, 2021, at the Tucson Medical Center Hospice Peppi’s House, following a decline in health. Mildred was 77.
Mildred Ann Cooksley was born on July 24, 1944, to Walter James Cooksley and Lenna Frances Bouldin. She was the second child born to this union. Mildred graduated from Miami High School, Miami, Arizona then attended Grand Canyon College where she received her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. She then taught for the next 41 years her longest stays at Benson Union (21 years), Clifton (8) and Thatcher (6). She also spent time teaching English as a Second Language in both Clifton and Safford. After retiring, she continued to substitute Due to her health, she finally stopped working.
Mildred married Francisco Valdez Gamez on November 7, 1970, in Naco, Sonora, Mexico. That had one child, Jennifer Marie Gamez. Mildred was widowed in August of 1979. Shortly after this loss Mildred and her daughter moved to Pomerene, Arizona, across the street from her second husband’s mother. On August 10,1984, Mildred married Lawrence Dean Sabin in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lawrence introduced 7 adult children to Mildred and her daughter. Mildred and Lawrence were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple in April of 1998.
Mildred enjoyed visiting with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren any time. Her adventures included road trips, books and following sports. Mildred had talents that included a lifelong love of music. She could play the piano, organ and clarinet. Other talents/ hobbies she enjoyed during her life are leather craft, sewing, art and bowling.
Mildred is survived by: her children, Jennifer Sabin (Eric), of Duncan, Brian Sabin (Barbara), of Safford, Clifford Sabin (Bonnie), of Oregon, Gregory Sabin (Aleja), of Duncan, Claudia Pace (Daniel), of Safford, John Millsap, of Pima, Marianne Clonts (Dan), of Safford; and her sister, Lillian Frances Nowinsky (Steve), of Benson; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mildred is predeceased by: her parents, Walter James Cooksley and Lenna Frances; her first husband, Francisco V. Gamez, her second husband, Lawrence Dean Sabin and daughter Deanna Jane Millsap.
Mildred will be remembered for her enormous capacity to love and care for all who crossed her path. Her ease to give of her talents and abilities to her students with unfailing determination to see each child or adult succeed. Her ready smile and willing hugs to any who needed one or both.
Funeral services for Millie were conducted Monday morning, December 13, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., at the Solomonville Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Bishop Cord Clonts of the Solomonville Ward. Concluding services followed in the Safford Cemetery.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfunerlhome.com
Arrangements were entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
