Marcella Dye Henderson

88, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2014. Marcella

was born January 16, 1926

the oldest of three children, Marcella was born in Trinidad, Colorado to parents Willard & Hannah Dye. The family lived on a small farm until moving to Williams, Arizona where Marcella’s father opened a Chevrolet dealership and towing garage. Marcella, sister Katherine and brother Bill, all graduated from Williams High School.   Marcella attended Arizona State College (now ASU) where she met a handsome GI, the love of her life and husband of forty-four years, Patrick B. Henderson (state education leader & PUHS District Superintendent, 1978 – 1985). She briefly left school to care for their two daughters but returned to finish her degree in anthropology & education, and eventually completed her Master’s degree in education at ASU. Marcella taught for more than 30 years in Arizona school districts, teaching hundreds of young children to read and enjoy learning. She was a lifelong learner herself, who especially enjoyed sharing her interest in Native American cultures, a study she pursued through classes, travel and volunteer work with Heard Museum and the Heard Guild. After retiring, Marcella and Patrick enjoyed traveling, especially with their daughters and grandchildren. Called “Da” and “Damommie” by their two grandsons, Marcella and Patrick found great joy in their role as grandparents and spent many hours golfing, skiing, exploring, and reading with their “little boys.” The couple enjoyed their many friends, church and extended family, and rooting for the ASU Sun Devils! Marcella’s friends and family fondly recall her great sense of humor and the kindness that she extended to everyone, especially children.

Marcella was preceded in death by husband Patrick, sister Katherine Pfligler (Safford) and brother Bill Dye (Flagstaff). She is survived by her daughters, Jan Christensen of Portland and Jennifer Clancy of Phoenix, grandsons Eric Christensen and Matt Christensen, great grandsons Max and Tyge, and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and extended family members. Marcella’s family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and caregivers of Desert Oasis Hospice, and the Banner Alzheimer Clinic, who lovingly cared for Marcella and her family during the final years of her life. A graveside memorial service for Marcella and Patrick will be held on Friday, February 6, 2015, 11:00 am at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix where the couple will be interred. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to Heard Museum Art Student Scholarship Fund (Phoenix), or Desert Oasis Hospice.