Marka Louise Collie Moss
March 5, 1923 – January 21, 2017
Arizona lost another pioneer when Marka Moss passed away peacefully at her home in Elgin on Jan. 21, 2017.
Marka’s grandparents homesteaded in Elgin in 1908 where Marka was born and lived most of her 93 years. She and her late husband, Austin, spent a couple of years early in their marriage in Mexico with the AFTOSA (Commission Mexico-Americana para la Erradicacion de la Fiebre Aftosa), a program that curbed the spread of hoof and mouth disease in Mexico. They later spent years ranching in Pima and Santa Cruz counties at the Agua Caliente Ranch, Buenos Aires, Swinging H and other ranches. They eventually raised cattle on their own spread, the Lazy V-6 in Elgin.
Marka contributed to her community and the cattle industry her entire life. She and her family had a role in many area organizations. Her father, Stone Collie, was instrumental in establishing the Santa Cruz County Fair and Rodeo Association. Her grandmother and parents helped establish the Elgin Community Club in 1931—a group still active today which includes amongst its membership her daughter and granddaughter.
Marka was a founding member of the Santa Cruz Cowbelles, which was established in 1947. She served in every office and her last was as president when she was 90. She was also a member of a book circle in Elgin, begun by Marka’s mother, and was a member from early adulthood until her death. Her daughters continue in the book circle capping three generations of membership. Marka joined the Crossroads Quilters and worked on service projects for many years.
Marka was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Austin Elbert Moss; son, Richard Stone Moss; grandson, Keane Moss; son-inlaw, Scott Smith; and sister, Jane Collie Woods. She is survived by her sister, Chopeta Faye Miller (Joe); son, Byrd (Karen); daughters, Fern (John) Deater, Anne (Tom) Brooks; Barbara (Dan) Shimskey; Gay Moss; and Rebecca (Scott) Smith; 16 grandchildren; 17 1/2 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Elgin Community Club. Contributions in honor of Marka can be made to scholarship funds at the Elgin Community Club or Santa Cruz County Cowbelles. Send cards and condolences to family in care of Gay Moss, 79 Mustang Ranch Road, Elgin, AZ 85611.