Callie Mae Colvin 1922 - 2010

Callie Mae Colvin (Daugherty) was born in Hardin, Missouri, on May 24, 1922 to Cashious and Iva Daugherty. She was 6th of 8 children.

They were farmers and farmworkers and started migrating westward in the 1930’s, heading for California. They landed in Arizona in 1937 and, fortunately for us, never left. They picked cotton in the Gilbert/Mesa area, and later ran a dairy in Glendale. As the children grew, they started working in various jobs around The Valley.

Callie was working at Webster’s Dairy, Phoenix’s main milk processing plant, when she met Martin Colvin, recently returned from the Pacific Warfront. Martin was involved in construction for most of his working life. Ever the pragmatist, and wanting to make sure Callie knew what she was getting into, he took her to a job site to propose to her and present her with a ring. They were married October 10, 1947. They created a partnership that withstood the tests of time, trials, tribulations, and triumphs.

For several years Martin contracted jobs around the Phoenix Valley, while Callie kept books and ran the family welding supply store in Glendale while birthing and raising their first two children, Marvin (1949) and Julia (1951). Martin was the head of the family and charted its course. Callie was the heart and home stability.

As Martin branched out into heavy construction jobs statewide, the shop was closed. Callie managed raising the children and birthing and raising Carla, who was born in 1959.

By 1968 Martin was weary of being away from home so much, so purchased a Union Oil bulk plant and service station in Cottonwood. Callie kept books for the operation and it flourished. They sold more tires, batteries and accessories than any other Union 76 Dealer in the United States for 8 out of 11 years. This earned them the opportunity to take several long vacations and cruises to celebrate their lives.

They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary October 1997 with an abundance of friends and family from near and far in attendance. Martin passed September 3, 2003. Their lives were so intertwined that family and friends were surprised that Callie continued as the hub of the family for several years after Martin parted. It was a testament to the silent strength that she had, that was not so apparent when Martin was at the helm. She was a member of the Church of Christ for most of her life. Her fellowship and faith were important in sustaining her through all the ups and downs as well as her time here on earth without Martin.

Callie remained at and passed away on March 7 at home after a four-day round-the-clock vigil of family and friends attending her transition process. She is survived by their three children, Marvin Colvin, Julia Colvin and Carla Ponce and their families; as well as 4 of her siblings Leyda Telford, Ruby Thompson, Anna Lee Jones, and William Daugherty; and a wonderful large extended family.

Memorial services will be held at Westcott’s Funeral Home, 1013 E. Mingus, Cottonwood, AZ., Thursday, March 18th at 5 pm. There will be a pot luck reception to follow at the Healing Arts Center, 753 N. Main Street, Cottonwood, AZ. There will be Graveside Services at Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6290 W. Northern Ave., Glendale, AZ., at 2 pm Wednesday, March 24th, where she will rest next to her beloved Martin.

An online guestbook is available to sign at www.westcottfuneralhome.com

Information provided by survivors.