Reta Pearl Cotey Graham

1919 in Lindsay, Ontario, Canada and entered into God's presence on October 14, 2014 in Peoria, Arizona. She

was the daughter of Mabel and Charles Cotey; one of 11 children. Reta and her husband, Ross, with their four

daughters, relocated to Arizona in 1957 where she worked extensively in retail sales and retired from co-

ownership of DeMarco's Gift Shop in Terminal 2 at Sky Harbor Airport. Not one to sit and ponder retirement, Reta

turned her energy to ministry for the homeless, the Phoenix Museum of History, world travel and politics - she

was a proud Republican. Reta loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also adored her four

legged "babies" - Sparky, Barkley and Ozzie who were her faithful companions. The family wishes to thank her

trusted caregivers, Debbie and Jackie, for their excellent care during the past few years.

Reta was predeceased by her husband, Ross, and 10 siblings. She is survived by her four daughters: Barbara

Merritt, Rosalind White, Kathleen (Schuyler) Schuff, and Louise (Murray) Trager; ten grandchildren: Karen (Kevin)

Brown, Kellee (Richard) Shepherd, Kimberly (Rob) Thornton, Aimee (Jeff) Upton, Whitney White, Patricia White,

Francine Schuff, Christopher (Connie) Compton, Andrea (Yaki) Saunders, and Charles Compton; nine great-

grandchildren: Cameron and Melissa Thornton, Jordyn, Kolby and Karsyn Upton, Cole Anderson, Brandon and

Cristen Compton and Elijah Saunders. Reta is also survived by many nieces and nephews in Canada, including her

beloved nephews John Pearson (Mary O'Reilly) and Joe Holmes (Diane). Special friends Cliff Anthony, Chuck

Compton and Richard White treasure her memory.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 25, West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 W. Northern

Ave in Glendale with reception following at the home of Jeff and Aimee Upton. In lieu of flowers, donations can

be made to Central Arizona Shelter Services, Hospice of Arizona or the Banner Alzheimer's Institute. Mother liked

to say she was a "real gem" and it was absolutely true. We miss your sweet smile, strong spirit and will hold you

forever in our hearts.

Arrangements under the direction of West Resthaven Funeral Home, Glendale, AZ.