Our beloved mother and grandmother, Mary Ellen Anderson South, passed away in her home Monday evening, December 12, 2022, at the age of 75. 

Mary Ellen grew up in Utah, Idaho, and California. She lived 56 years in the greater Phoenix and Mesa areas in Arizona. Her life centered around her eight children: Shanna, Mark, Brian, Brent, Kenny, Steve, Amy, and Amber, 25 grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.  

She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints her entire life and held several ward and stake callings. Her favorite callings were working with the youth in Primary and Young Women. 

She was a light to all who knew her. A gifted educator and hard worker, Mary Ellen started her own Care-a-Lot Preschool and taught for 15

years. She loved music, playing the piano, and worked at Milano's Music Store for 23 years. In her later years, she also worked for R.J. Graber Blinds. Her flare for creativity made everything she touched more beautiful. She was also a talented seamstress and cook; well known for her Levi blankets, cinnamon rolls and spice bars. 

Mary Ellen was the epitome of a devoted mother and grandmother of love, sacrifice, service, compassion, virtue, and strength. She suffered many trials in this life, but passed through them all with grace and dignity.

She is preceded in death by her son, Kenny, and her parents, James and Mary Anderson.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2022  at 10am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1249 S.48th Street, Mesa, AZ 85026.

Burial services to follow at Mountain View cemetery in Mesa.