Donald Don Edward Cutlip

Donald Edward Cutlip, 82, was called home to the Lord on Sept 14, 2015 while at the Bee Hive Homes and living with Alzheimer's. His wife was at his side. For two and a half years he has been under the constant care of the dedicated ladies at The Beehive Homes and the medical attention received from Hospice Compasses. The family expresses sincere gratitude for the faithfulness of both.

Don was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 11, 1932 to parents Herbert Cutlip and Helen Sidwell Cutlip. Later during his youth the family moved to Houston, Texas. While there Don graduated from Lamar High School in 1950 and went on to the University of Houston for two years. When a Navy recruitment team was at the University, Don decided to enlist. He went on to get his wings and spent four years indulging in his then favorite pastime, flying. Don had a slight break in his routine while he was at Miramar Naval Air Station. He met Mary Ellen Finch from Yuma, teaching in San Diego, on a blind date. A year later on April 14, 1957, they were married at First Presbyterian Church in Yuma.

After marriage and being discharged from the Navy, they moved back to Houston. Don wanted to continue his schooling and get into the Navy Reserves. Yes, flying jets was in his blood and that way he could continue to fly at least once a month. While in Houston, 3 children were born. Along with family life, school, and reserves, Don got introduced into his father's profession, Equitable Life Insurance and eventually earned his CLU Certification. While working with insurance and driving to appointments, he realized that the traffic in Houston was becoming unbearable. So due to this and the fact that he had finished his 20 years in the Navy and the Reserves, Don felt a move to Yuma would be in order.

In August of 1974, the family arrived in hot Yuma after leaving humid Houston. Mary Ellen's parents, AI and Jeanette Finch, were anxious to greet the family. As soon as possible, Don got busy with his insurance, Mary Ellen began teaching at San Pasqual, and the children got involved in school. Church was always important to Don and the family, so they soon became members of Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church. Don became an Elder and enjoyed his relationships with Christian friends. He also joined Yuma Rotary and later The Caballeros de Yuma. Don always wanted to be involved in philanthropic organizations and be able to give back to the community. Soon after becoming a Rotarian, Don and Mary Ellen became active in the Student Exchange Program. Over the years they hosted 20 students from numerous countries. The first two students have become like family members. Ernesto (Neto) Espinoza from EI Salvador is now living in California and a U.S. citizen; and Anki Lindstrom is from Sweden. Later becoming a District Governor in Rotary, it provided many travel opportunities that were enjoyed with fellow Rotarians and good friends, Barbara and Loren Donaldson.

Don is survived by his wife , Mary Ellen Cutlip, daughter Tenaya Roberts (Robin), sons Christian Cutlip (Lisa) and Derek Cutlip (Michelle). Grandchildren are Taylor Roberts (Debbie), Rebekah Roberts, Heather Cutlip, Nichelle Cutlip, Ian Cutlip , Camille Cutlip, Amari Cutlip, Shilah Cutlip , and Caelah Cutlip. His brothers are Jim and Joe Cutlip (Jackie), brother-in-law Robert Finch, and sister-in-law Laura Finch Ziady. Don's extended family includes nieces, Lisa Gerdes Heffer (Rob), Nancy Gerdes Avolio (John) , Amy Cutlip De La Cruz (Tony) and nephew, Paul Gerdes (Beth). Extended nieces and nephews on Mary Ellen's side of the family include nieces Nada Martin (Tony) Maya Adams (Morgan) and nephews Raja Ziady (Lara) and Riyan Ziady (Anjee). Also included are the families of Neto Espinoza (Susan) and son Andre; and Anki Lindstrom (Lars) and sons Erik and Jakob. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Helen Cutlip, sister Connie Gerdes , and brother-in-law, Adel Ziady.

“….and whoever lives by believing in me will never die…” John 11.26

A celebration of Don's life will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church at 2:00 PM. Officiated by Rev. Dr. Darren C. Hawkins. Memorial donations may be made to the Rotary Exchange Student Program P.O. Box 1739, Yuma Arizona 85364, or Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church 150 West 28th Street, Yuma, Arizona, 85364.