Notes for MILTON BUCKWALTER FOX:
Son of Henry and Ella (Buckwalter) Fox.
Born: February 27, 1913 in Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Died: April 30, 2005 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Buried: May 4, 2005 in City of Mesa Cemetery, Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona.
Married: Della Randall December 9, 1955 in Mesa Arizona Temple, Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona.
In 1955, Della was to meet her third husband, Milton Buckwalter Fox quite by accident at the Acorn Drug Store in Wright's newly opened shopping center on Broadway and Mesa Drive. Della and Eloise had gone in for a cold drink and Mel was looking for a new place to eat and had decided to try Acorn Drug. He saw Della and Eloise and felt impressed to leave his business card with the cashier - with a request that she give it to Della the next time she came into the store, which she did. After a five month courtship she and Mel were married. Mel seemed to sense that there was something different about Della and soon was interested in learning more about the church and was baptized a member shortly before he married Della. Mel and Della were sealed in the Arizona Temple on June 17, 1958. After a miscarriage and several years of sickness Della then "believe it or not," was blessed with another beautiful baby girl, whom they name Cynthia Anne. Cindy was a good natured baby and Eloise who was 9 years old when she was born helped to raise her. From this time on Della was always known as "Cindy's Mother."
Della was a good and faithful member of the church. She served for over 20 years as a primary teacher. She was also a good neighbor to those who lived around here. She also served as Relief Society president and was a visiting teacher. She loved to go visiting teaching and loved the sisters that visited her home. As a visiting teacher she developed a deep and lasting love for a dear friend - Bessie Elmer. Della and Bessie had a special relationship and Della always knew when Bessie needed a ride or something. Della would listen to these promptings she received and would show up at Bessie's house to give her what she needed. They didn't have phones to call each other just a deep abiding love.
(Based on a short life history written by Della in the 1987)
Obituary
Milton Buckwalter Fox
Milton Buckwalter Fox was 92 years old when he died at his daughter Cindy's home, April 30, after a brief illness. Milton was born in Ephrata, in 1913 to Henry and Ella Buckwalter Fox. Milton moved to Arizona in 1942 for health reasons. He was a painting contractor in Mesa, owning Saguaro Painting Co. His wife of 47 years, Della Randall Fox and his 2 siblings, Edna Stahl and Eva Groff of PA, preceded Milton in death.
He is survived by his daughters, Jane Wiper and Cindy (Jeff) Williams; grandchildren, Joshua, Aaron, Melanie, Daniel and Rebecca Williams; 3 step-daughters, Joan (Rodney) Cardon, Elaine Miles, Eloise (Jerry) Grigsby; 12 step-grandchildren; 37 step-great-grandchildren and 13 step-great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews in the Lancaster area.
Graveside burial was at the Mesa Cemetery on May 4, 2005. In lieu of flowers, send donations to the Mesa Banner Hospice.
