Lori Wood, 56, of Safford, passed away May 1, 2019. She was born May 17, 1962, in Mesa, to James and Hazel Maloy Gibbons, with siblings Betty, LaRea, and Lynette.
Lori graduated from Safford High School in 1980 then enrolled at Eastern Arizona College, where she graduated with her Associates Degree in 1995. She ran fire lines and dispatch for the Bureau of Land Management, where she earned numerous awards while working there. Lori also worked as a computer lab teacher at Safford Middle School. On Nov. 12, 1983, Lori married Robert Lee Wood and the couple was blessed with three lovely daughters; Jamie, Stevi, and Darcy Wood. The day she married the love of her life and the births of each of her children and grandchildren were some of the happiest in her life.
She was very talented, and it showed in her hobbies and interests of drawing, painting, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren. Lori had a fun personality and was easy to like, which made it easy for her to get along with everyone. She was a free spirit, full of love for others and was a very loyal friend. She loved unconditionally, forgave easily, gave to others without question and was always there for the people who needed her. One of her favorite sayings was, “I love you a bushel and a peck.” Her grandchildren’s favorite was when Lori would do her Donald Duck impersonation for them.
Lori is survived by her loving husband, Robert Lee Wood; her daughters, Jamie (Robert) Banuellas, and Stevi and Darcy Wood; her sisters, Betty (Jerry) Ulibarri, and LaRea (Dave) Strebe; five grandchildren, two dogs, and three cats.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Hazel Gibbons; her sister and brother-in-law, Lynette and Paul Bogue; and her nephews, Travis Ulibarri and Jimmy Cluff.
Lori was taken way too soon and will forever be missed by her loving family and friends.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 10, from 12 until 2 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 20th Street Chapel.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
