Josephine Page

On September 25th, 2015, Josephine (Jo) Page entered into eternal peace. She was 89 years old. Jo was born on a farm in Blakesburg, Iowa on April 9th, 1926 to Rachel Tadlock Smith and Roscoe Smith. She grew up on the family farm where soy beans, corn, and alfalfa were grown. Everyday life included caring for crops, cows, pigs, and chickens. Her school years were also spent in Iowa where she was particularly proud of playing basketball at Moravia High School. As a young woman she left the farm and ventured west where she met a sailor (Bill Page) with whom she would marry and spend the next 68 years. Jo was a devoted wife and "stay at home" mom. After her children were old enough, she returned to school and earned her Masters in Education degree from the University of Arizona. She taught second grade at Sunrise Elementary School for most of her career (21 years) and made a huge difference in the lives of many, forging lifelong friendships along the way. Jo loved the desert and all it had to offer including cactus, quail, roadrunners, hummingbirds and the beautiful seasonal flowers. She especially loved the excitement and smell of a good summer rain. After retirement, Bill and Jo built their dream cabin in Alpine, Arizona where they would enjoy cool & relaxing summers. Whether she was in Tucson or in Alpine, Jo always made time for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She blessed them all with unconditional love, taught them how to be strong, and how to enjoy and make the best of life. The greatest pleasure in life was being surrounded by her family. Jo also enjoyed SHOPPING, playing bridge with friends, playing cards & games with family, working crossword puzzles, playing bingo, baking family recipes, cooking for her family, barbecuing in the yard, hiking in the desert, reading historical novels, and observing nature & wildlife. Her positive outlook, unforgettable smile, and loving nature will be deeply missed. Josephine was the youngest of 7 children. She is survived by her brother Forest (Bus) Smith, her husband William E. (Bill) Page Sr., her three children; Pamela Page, William E. (Eddy) Page Jr. (Becky), Brooke Walters (Donnie), 4 grandchildren; Daniel Shuler, JoLea Kendall, Amber Page, and Eric Page. She was also blessed with 5 great grandchildren Bronson, Cannon, Mavity, Ryken, and Chase. She joins in heaven loved ones who have passed before her including her grandson, Justin Stoler. Josephine's family would also like to extend deep gratitude to Leah Armstrong, the Cowles family and the staff at My Father's Retirement Ranch in Wickenburg for the love and care that was given to our mother in her time of need.