Senator Jake Flake

Sen. Jake Flake, age 72, passed away Sunday June 8, 2008, in Show Low, AZ from injuries he sustained when he was thrown from a horse on May 24, 2008. He was born Franklin Lars Flake to Virgil Maeser and Gerda (Hendrickson) Flake on August 4, 1935, in Snowflake, AZ. His dad gave him the nickname of "Jake" when he was a baby and the name just stuck. He graduated from Snowflake High School in 1953, and later was a member of A.S.U.'s first graduating class in 1960. From 1955-1957 he served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southwest Indian Mission. He married Mary Louise Skouson on June 19, 1959 in the L.D.S. Mesa Arizona Temple. They are the parents of 13 children, grandparents to 55 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He worked his whole life on the ranch where he was raised. He and 3 of his brothers purchased the ranch from their dad, forming the F-Bar Cattle Company which marketed Beefmaster bulls and heifers all over the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The primary purpose of the ranch, however, was to raise their kids. He served his church in several callings, including counselor to a Stake President and a mission President, a member of the High Council, Stake President, and nursery leader. He was elected to the Arizona State Legislature in 1996 serving from 1997 until his death. Jake served in the House of Representatives for 8 years, including 2 years as Speaker of the House. He also served 2 terms as a State Senator. Jake is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Flake of Snowflake, and 12 of his 13 children; Shon (Pamela) of Snowflake, Crystal (Darrell) Petersen of Snowflake, Penny (Dean) Bauer of Mesa, Darin, deceased 2005 (Jennifer Aileen) Flake of Snowflake, Douglas (Jennifer Beth) of Spanish Fork, Ut, Celeste (Jeff) Dana of Mesa, Wynn (Kami) of Gilbert, Travis (Teresa) of Snowflake, Tyler (Jennifer Lee) of Gilbert, Brandon (Jennifer Marie) of Snowflake, Mindy (Chad) Sanders of Gilbert, Amy (David) Orr of Mesa, and Kayla (Jeff) Larson of Logan, Ut; he is also survived by his grandchildren and great-granddaughter and well as 6 of his 7 siblings. He was also preceded in death by one grandson, Joseph Sanders. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday June 13th at the Main Street Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Snowflake with a visitation starting at 9:00 A.M. There will also be a visitation Thursday June 12th from 4-8:00 P.M. at the Main Street Chapel in Snowflake. Interment will follow in the Mike Ramsay Memorial Cemetery in Snowflake. There will be a memorial service at the Phoenix Stake Center, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835 E. Missouri, Phoenix on Wednesday June 11th at 1:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to the Snowflake Academy Foundation, 30 W. 2nd South, Snowflake, AZ 85937, www.snowflakeacademy.com Arrangements are being handled by Owens Mortuary Heritage Chapel in Snowflake.