Matricia “Trish” Ann Brimley

Matricia “Trish” Ann Brimley (71) – of San Tan Valley, AZ – Passed away on July 23rd, 2023. She was born January 14th 1952, in Searcy, Arkansas. She was 71. Trish is survived by her four children – Manon Brimley, Roger Brimley, Wesley Brimley, and Gyver Brimley – and her Sister Florence Watson, and her Brother Tom Griffin. Trish is also survived by four Grandchildren (with another on the way) – Vespa Ellsworth – Velette Ellsworth – Maryna Ellsworth, and Ellie Brimley. She is now reunited with her Husband, Mark Bradford Brimley who passed away 11 years earlier on December 9th 2012. She is also now reunited with 2 of her siblings – Jim and Sue, and her parents – James Russell Griffin and Rose Evelyn Strickland. She was the youngest of 5 children.

Early life, interests, and profession.

Trish was born in Searcy Arkansas where she grew up with her Father, Mother and siblings on a family farm. She frequently recounted times where her Father grew too many watermelons and she had the opportunity to break open as many as she wanted and eat the center where they had the most flavor.

She moved to California when she was a pre-teen, and eventually moved to Arizona in her late teens. She met Mark Brimley when she was 19, they fell in love and married in October 1971. Seven years later her first child was born – Manon Brimley, and then Roger, Wesley and Gyver Brimley were born in the years following.

A few of her many interests were music, collecting things and cosmetology. Trish played the clarinet in her high school band, and she enjoyed a good rock and roll song. She was an avid collector of many things, starting with jars and bottles when she was young. Eventually, she collected gemstones and rocks, and thoroughly enjoyed all the different colors of gems. Her profession in life (besides being a wonderful Mom and Wife) was in cosmetology. She worked hard to receive her license in cosmetology with an advanced license to teach. Her friends and family who she cut hair for were always very happy with the results of her work!

Trish’s life was punctuated by 3 recurring themes: family, faith, and laughter.

Family was important to her, and she always wanted the best for her children and grandchildren, often sacrificing her time and what limited means she had to make sure they were taken care of. She avidly enjoyed spending time with her Husband, even if it meant just riding along with him for a car ride to do everyday activities like going to the grocery store, or to the post office, or getting the car filled with gas.

Faith was a driving factor in Trish’s life. She always reminded the kids that it is through Jesus Christ that we can be forgiven of our sins and eventually have eternal life. She was married in the Mesa Temple to her husband Mark, and there they were sealed for time and all eternity. She firmly believed that if she remained faithful and kept the commandments of our Heavenly Father, she would one day be reunited with her husband and family that passed before, and all this is possible because of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Laughter was always present when Trish was around. Trish enjoyed a good joke, comedy movie, pun, or funny story. Her husband Mark always had plenty of stories, puns and jokes to keep her laughing, and after he passed away, her kids kept the puns and jokes coming. Some of her favorite movies were: Groundhog Day – Planes, Trains, and Automobiles – Silver Streak and Beetlejuice. She loved watching the shopping channels, and her family often called it the “devil channels” because she always ended up buying something, and Mark and the kids would often tease her, and it became a running family inside joke.

Remembering Trish

Trish’s family invites you to carry on her memory by doing something she would have loved: watching a funny movie with your family, spending time with your loved ones, buying something small but special for your kids, grandkids or other family members.

Funeral Services for Trish will be held on Saturday, August 5th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel at 848 N. Westwood Dr., Mesa, AZ 85201

Closed casket viewing will begin at 9:00am (1 hour), followed by the service at 10:00am (1 hour 15 mins).

Dedication of the Grave and Interment will be held at the Mesa City Cemetery at 12 Noon.

In lieu of flowers, Trish has asked for monetary contributions / donations to help with funeral expenses. They can be sent to Venmo: @karli_brimley 8572 (last 4 digits of phone number, they may ask for this) or Karli & Wes Brimley 43873 W. Knauss Dr., Maricopa, AZ 85138. Thank you!