Elizabeth 'Nelle' Jones Sanford died peacefully, with her daughter by her side, at Hospice Family Care at Cypress Courts in Tucson, Arizona on January 22, 2012, one day before her 92nd birthday.

Nelle was born January 23, 1920 in Omaha, Nebraska.  She married her first love, George Sanford in 1939 and was a teacher for the Arcadia School District until her retirement.  She enjoyed boating, travel, history, cooking, and reading.  An avid Bible reader, she enjoyed participating in many Bible study classes.  After retiring, Nelle and her husband moved to Florence Gardens at the end of 1985, where she participated in many activities.  She loved living in Florence.  Nelle was past president of the Florence Woman's Club and both an elder and a deacon in First Presbyterian Church of Florence.

Nelle is survived by a son and two daughters, Gordon Sanford, Marylee Westhaver, and Susan Hyde; a brother, Benjamin Jones; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband and a grandson.

Casa Grande Dispatch, May 5, 2012