Margaret Madeline Weldon

Margaret Madeline Neely Weldon, 85, of Cottonwood, went to be with the Lord, March 25, 2007. Margret died at home with her family by her side. She was born December 31, 1921 to Clyde and Minnie Mae Neely in La Pryor, Texas. Margaret was preceded in death just four weeks ago by her beloved husband Calvin Weldon, who died on February 25, 2007. Margaret\u0027s family moved from Texas to Gilbert, AZ in 1924, where her father homesteaded land to farm. Her family\u0027s decendants continue to farm and ranch in the Gilbert area to this day. Margaret attended Kindergarten through 12th grade in Gilbert. She graduated Validvictorian of her Senior Class. She attended Redlands University for three years, but left before graduation to care for her mother wno was losing her battle with breast cancer. In keeping with the Neely Family Pioneer tradition, Margaret took flying lessons as a young woman in the 1940\u0027s. After Margaret left the family farm, she took a secretarial job at Allison Steel in Phoenix, where she met and married the love of her life Calvin. They were married on May 30, 1951, and enjoyed 56 years of marriage. Margaret and Calvin moved to Sedona, AZ, in 1961 and operated their own real estate office for almost 30 years. In her spare time, Margaret devoted her life to the Baptist Church. She played the piano, organ and sang in the choir. She was one of the most talented \u0027Altos\u0027 in the Verde Valley. After her love for the Lord, her family always came first. She instilled in all she knew a love and knowledge of flowers, plants, music and her Christian faith. Margaret leaves behind two sons: Calvin Reed Weldon (Patricia) of Sun City, AZ; Craig Neely Weldon (Elaine) of Phoenix, AZ; two daughters: Gail Elaine Mc Cracken (Roy) of Cottonwood, AZ; Deborah June Newland (Michael)of Chandler; a sister: June Inez Neely Morrison of Gilbert; 10 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held in Margaret\u0027s honor on Friday, March 30th at 11:00 A.M. at the First Southern Baptist Church in Cottonwood. Donations may be made in Margaret\u0027s name to the First Southern Baptist Church, 1020 Camino Real, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 or to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28204. An Online guestbook is available at WWW.westcottfuneralhome.net