Carolyn Marie Fredricks

Marie passed away peacefully at the Phoenix Mayo Clinic Hospital at age 78, on March 29, 2017, after a near two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Marie was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She is survived by her husband, Gary, of 57 years; sons, Scott and Craig (wife, Sandy) and daughter, Suzanne Vargo (husband, Dave); four grandchildren, Vaughn, Hailey, Chayse and Avery; one step-grandchild, Sage; a brother, Bob Keelin and a sister, Marion Lacombe.

Marie was born and raised in Ottawa, Kan. and attended the University of Kansas. She married Gary, her high school sweetheart, and became a very active Air force officer’s wife involved with many military family support activities. She did this all while moving some 18 times in 25 years from as far west as the Philippines to as far east as Italy, including many points around and in between.

She was a successful businesswoman working in insurance brokerage, and in more recent years worked with veteran’s organizations in support of our veteran and military communities, while also finding time to pursue other activities like traveling, enjoying time with family and friends and playing bridge.

First and foremost, throughout the years she was a wife, mother and grandmother devoted to her family and being the center of its universe. We have lost a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend all too soon.

Each of our lives has been enriched by knowing her, and she will be sorely missed. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 2017, at the Messinger Mortuary, 12065 N Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. A Celebration of Life will follow at the DC Restaurant at Desert Canyon Golf Club.

She would wish any intended contributions be directed to the American Cancer Society.