Edith Ann Barnum Hafen, 70, passed away July 11, at her home in Panaca, with her family at her side. Ann fought a valiant battle with diabetes and heart disease for many years, but cancer won the war.
Ann was born July 26, 1942, in Maywood, Calif., to Edith Rosella Love and Verdon ?Bud? Barnum. She grew up in Pico Rivera, Calif., and graduated high school from El Rancho High School.
While attending Dixie College in St. George, Utah, Ann met her eternal companion, Wendell LaVoy Hafen. They married in the St. George temple on July 18, 1961.
Ann and LaVoy raised their family of eight in Mesquite. LaVoy worked for Hafen Dairy and later, for Nevada Power, while Ann stayed home and cared for their family. Ann eventually went to work cleaning rooms at Hardy?s Deluxe Motel. She also worked at Bowler?s Dept. Store and then as a dispatcher for Mesquite Police Department.
Having a daughter with epilepsy, Lydia, encouraged Ann to become an EMT. She spent 10 years working as a volunteer for Mesquite Ambulance and served as secretary for the organization for many of those years.
As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Ann served in Primary, Relief Society Presidency, as ward librarian and she and LaVoy served a mission to Columbus, Ohio. She also served in the St. George temple and spent many years in the family history program and name extraction.
Ann enjoyed spending time in the outdoors with her family. Sunday afternoon picnics in the hills were common and the family explored much of the area around Mesquite. Summer camping trips got her away from the heat and LaVoy would drive up to join her and the kids on the weekends. She also enjoyed fishing with LaVoy and their grandchildren. When her children were in high school, she never missed a ball game, band or choir concert or play that they were involved in. She also enjoyed reading, quilting and embroidery. Many of her friends and family members have pillowcases she embroidered for them.
In 1990, Ann and LaVoy moved their family to Apple Valley, near Hurricane, Utah. They spent several years in the Hurricane 9th ward where Ann served in the Relief Society Presidency. In 1998, they moved to Panaca. Ann treasured the friendships she made in Mesquite, Hurricane and Panaca.
Ann is survived by her husband, LaVoy; children Edith of Leeds, Utah, Charles (Lorena) of Panaca, Shelley (Lee Jones) of Geyser Springs Ranch, Spencer (Danielle) of Panaca,? Jared of Henderson, and Ken (Brittney) of Panaca. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, her brother Ken (Lora) Barnum of Casa Grande, Ariz., and numerous extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Michael, and daughter, Lydia.
Funeral services for Ann were held Thursday, July 18, at 11 a.m. at the Panaca LDS Chapel, Panaca, Nev., with visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m.. Visitation was held Wednesday, July 17, from 6 to 7 p.m. (Mountain Time) at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff St., St. George, Utah. (435) 673-2454
Arrangements were made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary. Friends and family may sign the guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com.
The family wishes to thank the Panaca 1st Ward for their compassionate service during Ann?s final days.