Obituaries for Feb. 18, 2016

Della Klassen

SEDONA, Ariz.

A service celebrating the life of Della Klassen, 94, of Flagstaff, will be held Friday, Feb. 19, at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Red Rocks (54 Bowstring Dr.) in Sedona, Ariz. A reception will follow the service.

Della was born Aug. 28, 1921, in Moundridge, Kan., and grew up on a farm in Kansas. She died Feb. 2, 2016, at her home.

Della met Arnold Klassen at Bethel College in Newton, Kan. They were married in August 1943 and were married 51 years. They moved to Ganado, Ariz., in 1947 to serve at the Presbyterian Mission.

Della was a dedicated elementary school teacher in Ganado, until she retired in 1980. After retirement she and Arnold moved to Sedona, where she owned a consignment business. Later she lived in Phoenix, and for the past six years in Flagstaff. She enjoyed spending time with her family. Her hobby was making greeting cards. Over the years she made thousands of them and delighted in giving them to friends and family.

Della is survived by her three children and their spouses Keith and Jerri Lyn Klassen, Bob and Elaine Goodenberger, and Laurence and Kathleen Klassen; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Della is preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Lydia Waltner; husband, Arnold Klassen; brothers, Phillip, Arthur and Waldo; and sisters, Alice and Edna.

The family requests that donations in her memory be made to the Arizona Hospice Foundation c/o Hospice Compassus.

Norvel Owens Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to www.norvelowensmortuary.com.

---