Mary Jane Sanders 1918-1994
On September 30, 1935 she married Glenn Dayton Adair, son of John Washington Adair and Cynthia Jane Penrod. They had two children: Glenn Dayton Adair Jr. was born in Duncan October 10, 1936. Thomas Mitchel Adair Fulcher was born in Pinetop, Arizona March 15, 1938. Tom took the Fulcher name when he lived with Arch and Maggie Fulcher.
Glenn Dayton Adair died March 17, 1939 in Pinetop, Arizona. Mary Jane then had a relationship with Lawrence Edward Adair, Glenn's brother. They had a son named James Edward Adair who was born on December 19, 1940 in Pinetop, Arizona. James (also know as Jimmy) was tragically hit and killed by a car in Bisbee, Arizona on March 21, 1984.
After a few years Mary Jane married Ross Edward Arrington Sr. in Lordsburg, New Mexico. Mary Jane and Ross had one son, Ross Edward Arrington Jr.
Mary Jane suffered another loss when her husband Ross died June 6, 1980. But Mary Jane has a very versatile life along with the good and the sad times. After losing her husband Glenn, she worked in Los Angeles for Goodyear, in San Diego for North America, then to Phoenix for Goodyear. Eleven years went by and then she met Ross Arrington. They spent a few years in Phoenix while he was working in construction.
About 1956 the family moved to Duncan and started building their own home. They moved into their new home in the fall of 1959. Ross became a custodian for the Duncan Schools. Meanwhile Mary Jane ran and cooked for several restaurants, one in particular, was the Delux Cafe.
Duncan, for many many years has had a very colorful individual by the name of John Rhea and Mary Jane took him under her wing and made sure that he always had enough to eat. Her reward: John's comment, "By gum that was sure good."
After 27 months of being in the restaurant business, she also became employed by the Duncan Schools as a custodian. Of course those who know Mary Jane also know that once she becomes a part of a system she becomes a whirl wind. Everyday she had a new project, teaching children silversmithing and laipidary, crafts, and manners and appreciation of the beauty of their surroundings. Many hours were put into cheerleaders, pom poms, FFA projects, etc, anything to stimulate the minds of the children.
Mary also had a talent for landscaping and the flowers beds in front of Duncan High School were her innovative idea. She has always been there to help anyone with any project when needed.
She loves Indian artifacts. She worked with Dr. Lance, the head of the department at U of A. She worked with him for two years at White River digging huge ruins.
Mary Jane has been involved in many community activities, rodeos, parades, Duncan Rampage, making Halloween costumes through the years. For the past 26 years she has presented a Disney fairyland at Christmas time. Her display includes Santa and all the treats. The school children come each year as guests and are always thrilled for this special occasion. Mary Jane makes no bones about it, her Christmas yard is for HER CHILDREN of Duncan, adults can look but that's it. The entire Town of Duncan really appreciates her efforts
For sixteen years Mary Jane worked in the Federal monies programs and thru her efforts many improvements are seen throughout the Duncan Valley, such as lights for the Little League, craft shops for the youth summer programs.
She is an avid antique collector and has many articles in her museum. She retired November 14, 1977 from the Duncan School system for health reasons.
Mary Jane Arrington passed away on November 20, 1994 in Duncan, Arizona and was buried beside her husband, Ross in Duncan.
Source: Helen Ruth Claridge Cole; A Century has Passed, Duncan Centennial 1883-1983 Mesa, Arizona Family History Center, Mesa, Arizona. 979.151 H2
- The John Washington Adair family
- Picture of Glenn Adair Jr. riding a bull
- Life story of James Edward Adair
- Mary Jane Sanders Birth Certificate
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