Sophia Tarila, 1938-2007

B. Sophia Tarila, 69, resident of Cottonwood and former 19-year resident of Sedona, died Aug. 8, 2007. She was born Aug. 1, 1938, in Chicago, Ill., to John and Sadie (Kotila) Sampson.

Sophia was a lifelong lover of wisdom and education; having received her bachelor's degree of Philosophy in 1960 from Gettysburg College; her master's degree in Dance in 1965 from the University of Wisconsin; and her doctorate's degree in Comparative Religions in 1975 from the University of Oriental Studies.

Three careers that occupied her life consisted of Philosophy and Spirituality; College Educator in dance and yoga; as well as, marketing specialist and publishing. In 1984 Sophia founded her own company-New Editions International, Ltd. (formally known as First Editions)-offering unique marketing services to those seeking success in what is known as the New Age. She also wrote numerous reviews, articles, books and reports. Sophia was also well known for her work at Yavapai College as the coordinator of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), which hosts a variety of learning groups for the retirement-aged students throughout the Verde Valley.

Sophia's continued desire for learning and wisdom most recently led her to write three novels encompassing the concept of conscious living and conscious dying. She continued her work up until the time of her own death, documenting the events that occurred throughout each stage, and revealing through her own experience, an event that is still so widely misunderstood.

She leaves behind two sons, Mark Daniel Selak of Moorpark, Calif., and Eric John Selak of Simi Valley, Calif.; and her daughter, Terra Jo Carr of Novato, Calif.; her sister, Janice Reash of Bay Village, Ohio; and three grandchildren.

No local services are planned at this time.

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