Nina Crisler

Nina G. Crisler, 81, of Safford entered into rest on August 30, 2012. She was born on January 11, 1931 in Russellville, AR to Glen Staggs and Mamie Ewing Staggs. She enjoyed growing up in the country with her younger brother Robert Bobby Staggs. Her family traveled to Arizona after the depression in search of work. Nina attended school and went to high school in Florence, Arizona. When she was sixteen she was blessed with her first son Roy. Nina and Roy shared special memories and she watched with pride and fear as her baby boy served in the Vietnam War. Nina married Duke Criser and they were blessed with two children, Bobby and Jana. As she raised her children she worked as a teachers aide in Coolidge, Arizona. The family moved to the Gila Valley in 1971. They first lived in Bonita and then moved to San Jose. In 1979 the family moved to Safford where Nina and Duke bought a home. Nina took great pride in her home but particularly in her yard. She thoroughly enjoyed gardening and working in her yard, she had a gift for growing flowers and unusual plants. She worked dutifully in her yard up until her death. Nina worked for the Department of Economic Security for twenty-three years. Upon her retirement she became an active volunteer. She volunteered her services at the Mount Graham Safe House, Mount Graham Community Hospital, Discovery Park, and the Graham County Historical Society Museum. As a child, Bob remembers his mom volunteering for all of the activities he wanted to be involved in. This included being a scout master, baseball coaching assistant and even sewing uniforms for his various teams. Bob was a very active boy and kept his mom on her guard until the time he left home. Some of Janas special memories of her mom are helping her mom with the yard work. Nina was a wonderful seamstress and made many of Janas clothes. Her mom was her best friend. They often referred to themselves as The Two Musketeers. Nina loved her animals. Babe was one of her dogs who became a special companion for Nina. All of the family always joked if they were an animal they would want Nina as their master. Her granddaughter Brittany remembers her grandma had a blind chicken she watched over. She raised birds and many cats and dogs. Christmas Eve was always a special family tradition as Ninas children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and friends looked forward to meeting at her house for the holiday. Nina also hosted many family birthday parties at her house. Halloween always meant fresh popped corn. Nina took great joy in her grandchildren and great grandchildren and spending time with them. She is survived by her children, Jana Crisler (Nate) and Robert (Deanna) Criser as well as six grandchildren and eight great children. She is preceded in death by her husband Duke Crisler and her son Roy Lopez Services will be held at the Real Life Community Church at 106 8th Ave in Safford on Wednesday, September 5, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with a viewing one hour prior. A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4, at McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel in Safford. Internment will be at the Safford cemetery following the funeral on Wednesday.