Corene Ross

Corene Merrill Watson Ross was born April 5, 1920 in Thatcher to Herbert Denzil Merrill and Grace Naomi Naylor Merrill. She spent her early years in Inglewood California where her father was in the grocery business. She was the oldest of four children, two brothers and a sister whom she loved very much. They are Harold and Tom Merrill and Beverly McAdam. Corene was proud to be related to the many Merrill and Naylor family members who live or have lived in the Gila Valley. Her ancestors included early valley settlers, Philemon C. Merrill, Morgan Henry Merrill, and Thomas G. Naylor. While attending Gila College, Corene met Clyde Edward Watson and they were married in the LDS Mesa Temple not long after their meeting. They were blessed with four children, Constance Rae (Connie) and William Clyde (Bill), who were born in Safford, and twins, Lonnie Grant (Lon) and Len Merrill, who were born in Merced, California. The family lived for several years in Merced and Mariposa, California before moving back to Arizona in 1956. They lived in the Phoenix area until 1964, at which time they move to Marana, where they farmed for many years. They returned to their beloved Gila Valley after retiring in 1983. Two years after Clyde's passing in September 2000, Corene met and married E. Floyd Ross in San Diego. She was 82 and he was 85, and both had been previously married for over 6o years. Together, they enjoyed a very active life, working in the San Diego Temple, traveling around the world, and enjoying the company of family and friends. Since Floyds passing one year ago, Corene has spent her time with children and grandchildren in Safford, Mesa, Boise ID, and Temecula CA. She was loved by her family and friends and will be remembered as a fun loving, kind and giving friend to all. She was an example of caring for others and selfless service throughout her life including, but certainly not limited to, her many church callings. Among other callings, she served as a Relief Society President, and at age 80, she was called as Primary President in Safford 8th Ward. Corene was preceded in death by husbands Clyde E. Watson and E. Floyd Ross, as well as younger brothers Harold and Tom Merrill, step-father, Earl Wilson, and a son-in law, David Millett. She is survived by her children, Connie Millett, Bill (wife Nita), Lon, and Len (wife Brenda), sister, Beverly McAdam (husband Bob), along with sisters-in law, Margret Merrill, Mary Watson, and Shirley Watson. She also leaves, for a time, 20 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson. Funeral services will be Saturday, September 29th at 10:00 am at the LDS Chapel at 3722 S. Hwy. 191, Safford, AZ. There will be a viewing at the chapel prior to the service from 8:45 to 9:45 am. Interment will follow the funeral at the Thatcher City Cemetery.