Remembrance of former Arizona Gov. Rose Mofford to be open to public
Oct 5, 2016, 8:01 AM | Updated: 10:19 am
(AP File Photo)
(AP File Photo)
PHOENIX — A memorial service will be held for former Arizona Gov. Rose Mofford in downtown Phoenix at the end of month, friends and family said.
Mofford, the first female governor of the state, passed away Sept. 15 at the age of 94.
Organizers said the Oct. 30 gathering at the Orpheum Theatre would be a celebration of Mofford’s life. It was scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m.
“She was noting short of an Arizona treasure, and will be deeply missed,” Gov. Doug Ducey said in statement shortly after her death.
Mofford, a Democrat served as governor from 1988 to 1991. Then-secretary of state, Mofford was elevated to replace Republican Evan Meacham, who had been impeached and forced from office.
The Arizona native became a popular and respected figure in state politics and nationally. Her career in public service began in the early, 1940s, when the recent high school graduate was hired as secretary to the state treasurer.
Born and raised in Globe, Mofford first made her mark in athletics.
She was an All-American softball player and even briefly played professional basketball.
A sports complex in west Phoenix was named after her.
Orpheum’s doors will open at 12:30 p.m. Capacity at the venue, near Second and Washington streets, is around 1,300.
Attendees are asked to donate to one of three charities, in lieu of flowers: St. Mary’s Food Bank, Society of St. Vincent de Paul or Hospice of the Valley.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
