Obituary of Edna Hoffman Haws

Obituary for Edna Hoffman Haws

Edna Haws, a devoted mother, educator, and community leader, passed away peacefully in Chandler, Arizona on Monday, January 22, 2024, surrounded by her husband, Henry, and some of her children and grandchildren. She was born on July 21, 1937, in Long Beach, CA, the first daughter of Ernst Allen and Verda Hanson Hoffman.

Edna's early years were in Fullerton, CA, and she enjoyed her high school years in Laguna Beach. She was active in the Girl Scouts and in various sports. After graduating from Laguna Beach High School, she pursued higher education at the University of Redlands in Redlands, CA, spending her junior year in Honolulu, HI, at the University of Hawaii.

Edna learned about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptized in 1960. In June 1961, Edna married Henry Haws of Mesa, AZ, in the Los Angeles LDS Temple, marking the beginning of a life dedicated to family, Church, and community service. They made their home in Capistrano Beach before moving to Mesa, AZ, in October 1962, where they raised their six children.

Edna's dedication to education was not confined to the classroom. While she began her formal teaching career as a 6th-grade teacher in the Long Beach Public Schools in 1959, her true calling as an educator extended far beyond traditional borders. Her nurturing spirit and wisdom transformed her into a lifelong teacher—shaping the lives of her six children, offering a compassionate ear to women in need, and imparting valuable lessons on various subjects, including political agendas. Edna's passion for education flourished not only in the school system but in the countless lives she touched with her unwavering guidance.

As her children were growing up, they enjoyed summers in Greer, AZ, or visiting her father and step-mother in Southern California, and attending various George Martin Haws Family Reunions, usually put together by Edna and other extended family members.

Edna was grateful to be a mother who could focus on her family. Her contributions extended beyond her family as she participated in the LDS Church, the Mesa community, and education. As her children entered elementary school, Edna’s passion for the K-12 classroom was rekindled. Along with other concerned parents, Edna was instrumental in assembling the Franklin Basic School curriculum and tools which the Mesa School Board incorporated as a K-6 alternative “school choice” within the Mesa Public Schools. Franklin Basic School was a very successful “school choice” and there are four campuses now in Mesa. Edna also helped to establish the Republican Women in Mesa where she served as president.

Edna’s fervent testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been the source of her love for life, liberty, the founders’ Constitution of the United States of America and its gift of self-governance. Edna became a student and promoter of various programs over the years including Glenn Kimber’s “Healing of America” seminars. These seminars lead her to the position of Arizona Regional Chairman of the Thomas Jefferson Center for Constitutional Restoration.

Passionate about her faith, Edna served in numerous positions of leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as supporting her husband in his Church service, profession, and elected public offices.

Edna is survived by her loving husband, Henry, her children Laura Jo Richins (Don), Anne Faber (Tony), Allen Haws (Beth), Helen Carling (Todd), Tricia Anner (Michael), Reed Haws (Elena), and her sister, Mary Jo Billings, 27 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, Henry Harrison Haws, Jr, who passed away shortly after birth.

Watson's Flowers, 480-967-8797 or http://watsonsflowers.com, is handling flowers for the family

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Feb 24, 2024 10:30 AM Arizona
Topic: Edna Haws Funeral Services

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/91514613075