MASDEN, ELIZABETH A

The fabulous earthly adventure of Elizabeth A. Masden has ended with her peaceful passing after 103 years on February 16, 2013.  Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to Scottish immigrants James and Mary Law Turner on December 3, 1909, Beth moved with her family to Donna, Texas in while her teens.  With her first husband Leslie Wilkinson, she moved to the Panama Canal Zone where she raised her family and worked as a civilian employee of the US Army for 25 years.  While there she obtained her private pilot’s license and flew as a hobby for many years.  Retiring to Phoenix in 1965 she became an avid golfer, playing enthusiastically into her 90’s and ultimately winning 2 Gold Medals in the Arizona Senior Olympics.  She loved entertaining her family and friends, always ready to serve one of her (in)famous margaritas to any visitor.

Beth is survived by her daughter Betty Boetto, son John Wilkinson (Diane) of Anacortes, WA, granddaughters Patti Pullen (Chris) and JoDee Janson (Bob), great grandchildren Michael (Jolinda)Pullen, Shaffer Pullen, Elizabeth (David) Rex, and Jessica Janson  and many cherished nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, six siblings, three husbands and her son-in-law , Herb Boetto.  Her family would like to express its profound gratitude to Beth’s caregivers at Chris Ridge Village and the wonderful nurses and staff of Hospice of the Valley for their loving  care during her final days.

In keeping with Beth’s expressed wishes, no service will be held, no tears should be shed at her passing, but everyone she loved and all who loved her should raise a glass and toast her wonderful, full, long life.  We will miss her always.