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Laron DeWitt Obituary
Laron Waldo DeWitt, 94, born March 28, 1916 passed away in his Mesa home on Sunday, May 16th. Waldo's wife of 70 years, Nancy Mildred Beals, proceeded him in death on January 17, 2009. They are survived by five children, Laron (Sally), Dilles (Sharon), Darlene Brinkerhoff (the late Troy O.Brinkerhoff ), Sterling (Carol), and Danny (Lisa). Their son Mitchell passed away in 1992. The DeWitt's have 21 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren. Waldo was a principled man who served his family, church and community. Waldo was true to his testimony of Jesus Christ as a servant in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as a home teacher, a high councilor and a bishop of three wards. For a livelihood he worked construction, was a dairy farmer, a cattle rancher, and was Manager of the Maricopa County Auto Licensing. Politics was a highlight in Waldo's achievements. He was elected as a state representative to the legislature for four terms and as State Tax Commissioner for 12 years. Nancy and Waldo's hospitality in opening their home in generous service to those in need was unsurpassed. He was a master gardener sharing his harvest with everyone and took pride in maintaining his yard of beautiful flowers. Their home, built over 100 years ago, has become a landmark in northwest Mesa. A gathering to celebrate Waldo's life will be held in the family home beginning at 7:00 on Friday, May 21st. Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 22nd at 2:00 p.m. with a viewing one hour prior. It will be held in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel, behind the family home at 848 North Westwood.
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Memories and Condolences
for Laron DeWitt
Morris Cooper
June 6, 2010
Many great years of working together, Jim and Waldo trying to bring order to the world bet they are working together up there now, a good man doing good things. I send my love
Patsy DeWitt-Stanford
May 29, 2010
When we would come to visit I always noticed that my dad (Paul DeWitt) and Waldo always ended up in the garden, deep in conversation...I guess that farming is just in the DeWitt blood! My Dad loved Waldo like a brother. I bet that all the DeWitt men are on the other side, milking cows, eating corn and grinning from ear to ear!
Gayle DeWitt
May 22, 2010
Some of my favorite family memories revolve around Waldo DeWitt. He is my dad's (Wallace DeWitt) first cousin, and they were close all their lives. I can see them now on the other side remembering all their fun times together. Waldo was a character--no doubt about it. He could tell a story like no other and have you rolling on the floor laughing. He looked so much like my grandfather Elijah DeWitt and was so much a part of our family. He had great integrity, common sense and a loving way with people. He was generous and hospitable and an all-round wonderful human being. We all loved him.
Kym Deloney
May 22, 2010
A great man that touched my life, and he probably never knew it. Didn't learn about his passing until now.
Sharon Mulleneaux Setzer
May 22, 2010
I'm sorry to hear of Waldo's death - he was a really great person. He and Nancy were friends of my parents for many years. My sympathy goes out to the whole family.
Michael Lee DeWitt
May 22, 2010
In life you have heroe's most are sport figures
Love Michael Lee DeWitt Holbrook, Az.
Floyd Williams
May 21, 2010
sorry to hear about Waldo he was my Bishop and a very good Friend of my family a very good man.
az
Patty Phillips
May 21, 2010
DeWitt Family-
I will always cherish my time as part of your family. I remember your dads great sense of humor. He will never be forgotten.
Tommy Sowards
May 20, 2010
Your Dad is a great man that I learned much from. I remember many trips up to the ranch and even one down to Nogales. He needed no microphone when he spoke in church and everyone enjoyed listening to him. His example of his love for all, his hard work ethic and his faithfulness in the gospel unto the end will be just a few of many his legacies. I feel honored to have known him and your mother as well.
Melissa LaSure
May 20, 2010
DeWitt family,
You may remember best me by my maiden name, Melissa Pitts. I am married and live near Tucson.
My heart and prayers are with you as you go through the sorrow of passing...
Growing up with your family is something I will always treasure. Living down the street, playmates and friends, memories that are forever embossed in my mind. I like to look through those memories frequently. :-)
I enjoyed cleaning house for Nancy, who was meticulous and cheerful, popping her gum and smiling as we went through the chores for the day. Being around Waldo and Nancy in their home, I can account for the love and devotion the two had for each other. They were an inspirational couple to myself and to many. True Love.
Through the reassurance of our teachings, we all know they are together again. I know you will miss them and will for awhile... It's not easy hearing this, but I still miss my parents and it's been 26 years for Mom and 15 years for Dad.
I believe you are strong because of Waldo and Nancy and I know you find comfort.
Hugs and Love to your family.
Bernald Porter
May 20, 2010
DeWitt family -
I was his financial ward clerk when he was Bishop of the Mesa 14th Ward (I believe that is correct). I was a young married student at ASU, and took accounting from Arthur Beals.
Your father and mother were perfect examples to all of us. He was a dear friend of my father's brother, William S. Porter, and a friend of my dad as well (Lorin Donald Porter, from Heber, Arizona).
May the many memories he helped create during his lifetime find root in your hearts and bring clear recollection to your minds of his nature, goodness and wonderful humor. He always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. We all loved him.
May 20, 2010
Uncle Waldo's sense of humor was second to none! He was always a gentleman's gentleman. I have some fantastic memories of time spent with the family at the ranch at Bloody Basin and at family gatherings. I can only imagine the reunion going on right now with his loved ones on the other side. Happy Trails Uncle Waldo!
Alan DeWitt
Taylor, Ariz
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