Barbara Elizabeth Magnuson

Born November 23, 1938, El Centro, California Died March 17, 2008, Cottonwood, Arizona The family of Barbara Elizabeth "Liz" Milstead Magnuson is sad to announce her unexpected passing on March 17th in Cottonwood, Arizona, at the age of 70. Liz is survived by her husband, Pehr Edward Magnuson. The couple, residents of Cornville, had just celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary March 12. In addition to Ed, Liz is survived by five children-Scott Magnuson (and wife, Roni), Kristin Magnuson, John Snow and Nelda McClaskey, Nicholas Snow and Felix Snow; five grandchildren, including John\u0027s daughter Aleiya Snow, and Scott\u0027s children, McKenzie, Emma, Risa and Gunner Magnuson. Liz is also survived by her younger brother, Col. Jay K. Milstead and wife Mary Lou, nieces Meredith Milstead and Julie Milstead Gucwa, Julie\u0027s husband Bill Gucwa, and their new baby Heston Douglas Gucwa; and she leaves an extended family of cousins whom she also cherished. Barbara Elizabeth Milstead was born November 23rd, 1938, in El Centro, California to Felix and Margaret Milstead, and was raised in Yuma, Arizona where she graduated from Yuma High School. In her high school years, Liz was a loyal member of Job\u0027s Daughters, a Masonic-sponsored youth organization for girls, the intent of which is to build character through moral and spiritual development; inspire loyalty to one\u0027s country and that country\u0027s flag, and respect for parents, guardians and elders. Liz clearly demonstrated these qualities throughout her life, and was always politically active as well. Upon graduating from Yuma High School, Liz attended the University of Arizona where she met and married U.S. Air Force Major John Lloyd Snow. The couple had three children and were divorced, leaving Liz with three young boys to raise while going back to school to complete her education, which she did by attending Arizona Western College in Yuma, and Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. During this period of her Life, Liz was an active member of the Flagstaff Hunt Club where she had a horse and enjoyed horseback riding. Upon graduating from NAU, Liz taught at Flagstaff Junior High School for a number of years before meeting and marrying Ed, at which time she joined him in working his business, Woody Mountain Campground. Together, Ed and Liz raised their five children and celebrated the usual family milestones, including dividing their retirement years between homes in Cornville; and in Dolores and Rico, Colorado, always participating in their communities. Among Liz\u0027s hobbies were sewing and quilting, she was a voracious reader, and she and Ed have always enjoyed having dogs as well as a cat here and there. Liz was a loving, generous, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to those who now miss you greatly, but celebrated having had her presence in their lives. She would be most thankful if she could at this time of her husband, Ed, for his generosity, humor, dedication and patience and for the 32 wonderful years they spent together. And, of course, she deeply loved all their children as only a mother could, and she loved being a grandmother as well. A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, May 9th at Westcott Funeral Home located at 1013 East Mingus Avenue, Cottonwood, Arizona, 86326. For directions, call the funeral home at (928) 634-9566. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Clarkdale-Verde Kiwanis Club, which will in turn use the funds in their outreach to underprivileged children. Donations may be mailed to Clarkdale-Verde Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 1311, Cottonwood, Arizona 86326.