Florence Emma Ence

She was born in Baggs, Wyoming April 20, 1921 to Grace (Weber) and Oran Brazell. The eldest of five siblings, she grew up spending time at the Weber Ranch where she told countless stories of adventures with family and friends.

It was in Baggs she met DeVon Ence, who she described as that cocky boy who could sing. They married May 11, 1938 and raised six children, moving frequently following Dee’s heavy-duty construction jobs. They relocated from Wyoming to Arizona in 1959 where they lived in various cities until 1976. While Dee was working at the Palo Verde Nuclear plant, Florence purchased acreage in Tonopah with an orchard and lots of room for gardening and horses. She harvested dates, picked and canned apricots, and planted a huge garden. In between her tireless work, she enjoyed painting, creating treasured gifts for family in forms of oils, china, dolls and ceramics.

Florence loved to travel and some of her greatest adventures were with beloved friend, Mary Joslin, and her sister Eldonna Sackett. After Dee retired in 1982, they bought a motor home criss-crossed the country visiting family and friends, and making new ones along the way. The acreage, lovingly nicknamed ‘The Farm,’ became a winter haven for northern friends, then Florence and Dee would head north to cooler climes from May to October. Dee died in 1991 and after 54 years of marriage Florence had to make her own way. Her strength and warrior spirit were never more evident as she loved life and continued to do the things she loved with the people she loved.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband Dee, 9/23/1991 and son Dennis, 12/22/2016. She is survived by: sons Larry (Alice) Ence, and Gene (Judy) Ence; daughters Lorna (Bob) Joslin, Jody (John) Taylor, and Melanee (Gary) Hoffman; daughter-in-law Beverly Ence; and 14 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held April 19 in Buckeye, AZ and in Baggs, WY on July 6.