Roxie Jane Elliott

Roxie was born December 21, 1932 in Bellaire, Ohio to William Paul Sr. and Melaine LaRoche. She was proceeded in passing by her brothers William Paul Jr. and Richard Lyle LaRoche. She remained lifelong friends with her brother’s wives Nancy LaRoche and Marge LaRoche and their families.

Roxie is survived by sons Terry L. Elliott, Michael W. Elliott, Kevin M. Elliott, and Michael’s wife Robin D. Elliott.

Roxie has five grandchildren. Four of her grandchildren are Kevin Elliott’s children: Nicholas Campbell (wife Dana), Jennifer Sims (husband Josh), Kevin Elliott Jr., and William Elliott. One of her grandchildren is Michael Elliott’s child through marriage to Robin, Cindy Sabo (husband Joe).

Roxie has six great grandchildren. Three of her great grandchildren are Jennifer Sims’ children; Roy Brannon IV, Ayden Brannon, and Layney Brannon. One of her great grandchildren is William Elliott’s child, Emily Engle. Two of her great grandchildren are Cindy Sabo’s children: Christina Sabo, and Res Sabo.

Roxie has one great, great, grandchild, Christina’s Sabo’s daughter, Ariel Schmanke.

Roxie grew up in Bellaire, OH, attending Gravel Hill Elementary and Bellaire High School. After graduating from high school, she moved to Columbus, OH and attended Ohio State University for two years, majoring in Home Economics. She studied French at Ohio State and was the top rated French speaking student in Ohio during that time. Roxie faithfully attended her high school class reunions for many years.

In 1955 Roxie married Carl T. Elliott and over the next four years they had their three sons.

In 1965, Roxie and family moved from Columbus to Phoenix, AZ in order for Roxie to find relief from allergies and asthma. In 1966, the family built a home in the small community of New River, some 30 miles north of Phoenix. In 1970, the family moved to the city of Glendale, just west of Phoenix, since two of the three boys were now attending high school and New River did not have high school.

Roxie was a home-maker from the time Terry was born until her divorce from Carl in 1980. She then went to work in the restaurant industry, remaining in Glendale until 2003. In 2003, she moved to Tucson, AZ to be closer to family after her longtime companion, Steve Padilla, passed away. Roxie then dated Elmer Horton for a number of years. She remained in Tucson until her passing.

Roxie loved to dance. She was a member of a dance studio during the 1980’s and competed in ballroom dance contests in Phoenix and Tucson. After moving to Tucson, Roxie became best friends with Robin’s mother, Juanita Russell, who introduced her to the Singles and Friends club. Roxie attended every Saturday night dance held at the club for the next decade.

The other activity Roxie enjoyed immensely was dining out; with Mexican and Italian food at the top of her list. And, as she put it, “I never met a piece of cheesecake I didn’t like.” She also enjoyed arts & crafts and playing cards, and, of course, family gatherings.

Unfortunately, around 2009 Roxie began to show signs of dementia. Over the next four years her

dementia progressed into Alzheimer’s. Roxie lived with her granddaughter, Cindy Sabo, and family from August of 2014 until she moved into an assisted living facility in October of 2015.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Roxie’s name to the Alzheimer Association, Desert Southwest Chapter, 520-322-6601 (www.alz.org/dsw).

Viewing will be held Thursday, June 29, 2017, 5-8 pm at East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery (5801 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712). Services will be held at 10 am Friday, June 30th, 2017 at East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery.