Kathleen “Katy” McBride Crockett, of Pima, Arizona, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her husband of 69 years, Keith Crockett, and all of their children on Aug. 2, 2026.
Katy was born on Jan. 14, 1936, in Safford, Arizona, the third of five children born to Herald and Fay Nelson McBride. She enjoyed a happy, idyllic childhood along Central Avenue and attended Safford schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Her siblings were always her closest friends. Katy was proud to be a Safford girl and valued the lifelong friendships and experiences of her early years. She enjoyed reunions with her dear Safford High girlfriends as often as possible into their later years.
She attended Eastern Arizona College and graduated in 1955. A talented musician, Katy received a scholarship to Arizona State University, where she played the clarinet in the Sun Devil Marching Band. She later completed her final semester of college at the University of Arizona in Tucson, where her sweetheart, Keith, was attending school. They were married in 1957 and began a life together centered on faith, family, and service.
Katy found immense joy in raising her family. She was a wonderful homemaker and loving mother. Keith and Katy raised their children in Pima, Mesa, Flagstaff, and Tempe, following Keith’s career. Katy made each home a beautiful haven for her family. After her children were older, she began a career in education, serving first as a fifth-grade teacher and later as a reading specialist for the Pima School District. Katy was dedicated to her students and the craft of teaching. She was always pleased when former students recognized her, sent notes of gratitude, or came to visit.
Katy was an accomplished seamstress, having learned the skill while working during her teens at Lee’s Style Shop on Main Street in Safford. She made many of her children’s clothing, coats, costumes, prom dresses, and even denim jeans. In later years, she enjoyed attending quilting classes at Eastern Arizona College and treasured the friendships made there. She blessed her family’s lives through her quilting, completing a handmade quilt for each of her 28 grandchildren to celebrate graduations, weddings, or other special occasions. Many of her great-grandchildren also received quilts lovingly made by Grandma Katy.
After retiring from teaching, Katy and Keith were twice called to serve for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South America. Through diligent study, she became fluent in Spanish. Katy continued to use her Spanish after their missions, serving in the temple and teaching ESL classes in the community.
Katy enjoyed serving in many church callings throughout her life, including Primary and Young Women organizations, Stake Relief Society Presidencies in both the Tempe and Thatcher Stakes, Argentina Buenos Aires South Mission Leader, and The Gila Valley Arizona Temple Matron. She deeply valued the sweet friendships made while serving in these callings.
Katy’s greatest blessing and proudest accomplishment was her family.
She is survived by: her husband, Keith Crockett; her children, Mike and Kim Crockett, of Pima; Dave and Tamara Brown, of Central; Lee and Becky Shumway, of Taylor; Doug and Susan Crockett, of Riverton, Utah; David and Rebecca Crockett, of Oakley, Utah; and Mary Ann and Reed Larson, of Safford; along with her 28 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren. Katy was 90 years old. Katy was preceded in death by: her parents; sister, Jeanette McBride Mullenaux; and brothers, Gary, Wayne, and Bob McBride.
Funeral services for Katy will be conducted Saturday morning, Aug. 8, 2026, at 10 a.m., at the Pima Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Bishop Wayne Stoddard of the Pima Fifth Ward. Concluding Services will follow in the Pima Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Friday evening, Aug. 7, 2026, from 6 until 8 p.m., at the Vining Funeral Home and Saturday morning, Aug. 8, 2026, from 9 until 9:45 a.m., at the Pima Stake Center Relief Society Room of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
