Mary Harding Sexton

Mary Harding Sexton died and entered into the eternal grace of God on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the age of 91. Mary was born June 28, 1925 in Bemidji, Minn. to her loving parents, Lucy and Glen Harding.

Mary and family moved to Santa Ana, Calif.; she graduated from UCLA then met and married her previously deceased husband, closest friend and companion, Bill Sexton.

Mary and Bill had permanently retired to Fountain Hills in 2002 after spending over 40 years in Show Low, Ariz. They originally moved to Show Low in 1960, where they owned A&A Sporting Goods.

Mary subsequently taught elementary school for over 20 years, primarily the second grade class. In her spare time, Mary enjoyed playing the piano, reading, attending and participating in activities at the Church of the Ascension, traveling and enjoying visits with her extended family residing throughout the country. In fact, Mary so loved visits with family that she would often shed a tear when goodbyes had to be said.

Mary is loved by her children and in-laws, Dan and Marie Sexton, Chandler, and their children, Patrick (deceased), Dennis and Aaron; Margaret and Bill Yarak, Sebastopol, Calif. and their children, William, Matthew and Michael; and Jim and Sally Sexton and Jim’s children, Mark and Kari, all Columbus, Ohio.

Mary’s children are grateful for the care she received and thank the staff at Fountain View Village where she resided in recent years. A Funeral Mass for Mary will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Church of the Ascension in Fountain Hills.