Gary Lee Mortenson

Gary Lee Mortenson Left this earth and returned home January 26, 2021 at the age of 63. He was the 5th son born to Rosealee Lois Dees and Joseph Own Mortenson on November 2, 1957 in Douglas, Arizona.

Gary was raised in Elfrida where he spent much time helping his dad work with horses and cattle. This is where his love for this industry began. During these years he attended Elfrida school where he graduated from Valley Union in 1975. After High School he attended Eastern Arizona College the finished off his degree at Cochise College with an Associates of Applied Sciences in Agriculture. He started his work life off at the Copper Smelter then later worked for the road Department for Cochise County for a few years following that. He eventually made it back to what he was passionate about and farmed and cowboyed for a Land and Cattle Company in McNeal. With this experience he was able to start his own ranching business where he happily worked till his journey was through on this earth.

Gary was a very loved grandpa, father and brother. He received much joy from riding his horses, roping and watching over his cattle, but loved most of all to share all of these things with his children and grandchildren. Everyone who knew him knew you could always come to him for the honest truth and could always count on his straightforward personality. He was the best father who was determined to teach his children the value of hard work, and the importance of praying and trusting in the Lord.

He is preceded in death by his parents Rosealee and Joseph Mortenson and his sister-in-law Gayle Mortenson. He is survived by his brothers: Owen Wayne (Sue) Mortenson, Dale (Marial) Mortenson, Paul (Patricia) Mortenson, Myrl Mortenson; his children: Megan (Jason) Moore, Bridgette (Josiah) Salyer, Owen (Cynthia) Mortenson, and Courtney Mortenson. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren.

A private service will be held Saturday, February 6 at the Elfrida LDS Chapel. it will be followed by the burial in his final resting place next to his parents at the Elfrida Cemetery.

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