Marian Gillespie Sitton

Sitton, Marian G (nee Gillespie) passed away peacefully at Friendship Village | Hospice in Mesa to be with her Lord on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Marian was born June 7, 1930, and was predeceased in death by her husband of 78 years, James Durwood Sitton, her grandson James P Sitton, and youngest son Jeffrey L Sitton, as well as her two older brothers Walter R Gillespie and Gordon L Gillespie, and her parents, Hughena and Leon Gillespie.

Marian is lovingly remembered by her remaining four children, Brad (Bradley) Sitton, Debbie (Deborah) Satter (Jerome), James (Randy) Sitton (Susan), and Terry Johnson (Michael). Her grandchildren are Jennifer Torres, Julie Vogel (Vince), Laura Sitton, Sarah Shelbourn (Travis), Deanna Kistler (Todd), Casey Sitton, Rebecca (Becky) Locker (Stephen), (Kenneth) Kenny (Bethany),Megan Michetti (Christopher) and extended family, Dakotah Platts. Great grandchildren are Jacob Torres (Vicki), Joshua Daron, Nicolas Staley (Rachel), Katherine Vogel, Brilee Sitton, Brooklyn Shelbourn, Reesa Shelbourn, McKinley Shelboum, Grace Shelbourn, Wyatt Sitton, Betsey Sitton, (Lucile) Lucy Sitton, Teddy (Theodore) Locker, (Dorothy) Dottie Marie Locker, (Charles) Charlie Locker, Cierra Weatherly, Kyle Kistler, Levy Kistler, Cole Kistier, and Casey Sitton Jr. Great great grandchildren are Isabella Garcia, Kora Torres, Julian Daron, Amayah Stupski, Joy Daron, Millie Daron, Evelyn Staley, and Carolyn Staley.

Marian graduated from Ajo High School in June of 1948 and was married on July 24 in Ajo, Arizona. She and her husband settled in Ajo, and their first child (Brad) was born there. They relocated to Texas in 1950. While in Texas, Debbie, Randy and Terry were born. In the summer / early fall of 1955, the family returned to Arizona, choosing a little-known town outside of Phoenix called Mesa. Several years passed and the family greeted the last and final child, Jeff. While awaiting the birth there was a lot of discussion on what to name him. His name came from watching TV programs so everyone had input. While raising the children, Marian began to sew and quilt. She made clothing for the children and quilts for the grandchildren. Once the family home began to lose children to their futures, Marian went to work at Motorola where she made several friends who found out about quilting, and a quilting circle started at her home one night a week. Marian loved to read and felt her awareness of life and learning were enhanced. Her Kindle was usually nearby.

The family would like to thank those at Pennington Gardens Assisted Living who made a point to take special care of Marian during her time there. Special thanks also to her Hospice volunteer with whom she especially enjoyed watching Halmark programs. Also, kudos to her hospice personal care staff for all her efforts in grooming each time she visited.

The memorial service will be on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 1:00 PM located at Meldrum Mortuary, 52 N MacDonald. Mesa, AZ 85201. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley or a charity of your choice.