BABB, MARY ANNE

of Phoenix, AZ passed away March 21, 2012 at the age of 81. Mary Anne was born in McCraken, KS one of eight children, and moved to Phoenix in 1944. She is a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, where she met her husband Milford, and graduated from Arizona State Uniersity with a BFA degree, specializing in oil painting. Mary Anne was married for 62 years, a devoted wife and homemaker, and was active in her church communities of St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Theresa. Her diverse interests prompted volunteer and leadership roles in Scouts, Hospice of the Valley, Scottsdale Artist’s League, and Scottsdale Garden Club. As an accomplished painter, Mary Anne’s work was displayed in local galleries and she enjoyed techiang art. Mary Anne is survived by her husband Bert Milford Babb, Jr., children Karen Babb, Kenneth Babb, Lynda (Babb) Crone, and Thomas Babb, grandchildren Byron Babb (deceased), Tara Dunlop, and Grant Crone, and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sister Dorothy Schmidt and brother Edward Legge. Visitation will be from 5-8pm, Monday, March 26, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road with vigil prayer at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, March 27, at 10am, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. A reception will follow. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley (602-530-6992) or St. Vincent DePaul (602-261-6814).