Cecilia "Sis" Fent

Fent, Cecilia "Sis" Cathemer
95, of Mesa, Az passed away on May 3, 2013. Sis was born Feb. 6, 1918, in Florence, Arizona, at the Cathemer family ranch, to Louis and Margaret (nee McClellan) Cathemer. She was third of six siblings. Sis attended Florence High School, graduating in 1935. She worked as deputy treasurer for the Pinal County Treasury Dept. 1935-1950, then as Pinal County Treasurer until Jan. 1953. She was hired by the Clemans Cattle Company, in Coolidge, AZ, as Office Manager until 1970. While working in Coolidge, Sis met Philip Fent, a well-known classical guitarist who had played and toured with The Hal Kemp Orchestra. He'd moved to Coolidge for health reasons. They were married Sept. 13, 1942. Although they had no children, they were devoted to their many nieces and nephews & were happily married for 23 years until Phil's death in 1966. During their marriage, the Fents owned a farm, were partners in a liquor store in Eloy, AZ, and even owned and raced horses. Phil also became a well-respected artist, winning several awards for his paintings. They shared a passion for golf, both winning championships and many trophies. They bought a house in Coolidge several years before Phil's death. Sis moved to Mesa, AZ to accept a position with Valley National Bank as a Secretary on Sept. 1, 1971. She advanced rapidly & on 10/1/78 was named Branch Manager at the Apache Bush Highway Office. Upon her retirement in 1983, the bank proclaimed a "Cecilia C. Fent Day" to allow her many employees, co-workers, clients & friends the opportunity to thank and wish well a woman widely admired and loved. After retirement, Sis & companion Ed Rummel fulfilled their dream of building a beautiful cabin in Show Low, AZ, dubbed "The Dun Wurkin Retreat." They spent many happy summers there, until Ed's emphysema could no longer handle the altitude. Sis devotedly nursed him at home in Mesa until he died at age 85. She was always active, playing golf, bridge and taking long walks. She loved to entertain and to travel. She nearly always enjoyed good health, her only complaint being extremely hard of hearing. She even played her last 9 holes of golf at the age of 92, one year after breaking a hip! Sis is survived by sisters-in-law Olga Cathemer and LoRayne Van Wyk, nephews Tom Cathemer (Eva), Louis Cathemer (Angie), Larry Cathemer (Debbie), Lance Baker Fent (MaryVonne), Lawrence F. Fent (Darla), David and Scott Babbitt, nieces Shari Fent Pollard (Charles), Jayne Fent Henke (Otto), Suzy Cecilia Babbitt Caruth (Kinsey), and partner Ed Rummel's sons, Wylie Rummel (Eleanor), Steve Rummel, and grandson David R Rummel along with too many "Great nieces and newphews to count. Services will be Thursday, May 16, 2013 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 221 E. 8th St., Florence, AZ. For information contact the parish office at (520) 868-5940. Rosary at 9:45 am, Funeral Mass at 10:30 am, followed by burial at the Florence Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sunshine Acres Children's Home in Mesa, AZ, or to the Banner Alzheimer Clinic, Phx., AZ