Marianne Alford, 68, resident of Cottonwood, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2008. She was born March 15, 1940 in Passaic, New Jersey to Harry and Leona Housten. Marianne attended Rutherford High School; after which, she received her Associates Degree from Southwestern College. Not only on a professional level did Marianne work as an assistant for special needs high school children; but she also spent much her of personal time helping special need kids in such activities as the Special Olympics. Marianne was also a veteran of the United States Navy, and was very proud to have served her country during WWII as an E-3. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She will always be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother; and a very special friend. Marianne is preceded in death by her parents; she leaves behind her son, James Alford of Florida; her daughter Cynthia Vestal of Cottonwood; her brother Sam Housten with his wife, Elaine of California; two sisters, Faith Delavante of Texas, and Leona Stemple with her husband, Hart of Alabama; three grandchildren; her dear friend Juanita Drerup of New Mexico; and her former husband, Adrian Alford with his wife, Syble of Florida. A Graveside Inurnment will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 11:00am at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. Donations may be sent to the Marianne\u0027s family to help with expenses. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com