Marguerite Josephine "Mimi" Tidwell

Marguerite (Mimi) Tidwell, age 95, passed away in Payson, Arizona on December 25, 2015.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward W. Tidwell; son, Michael D. Tidwell, Sr.; daughter, Peggy Tidwell Moore, and baby daughter, Brenda.  She is survived by her daughter, Rosemary Tidwell Elston (Dave); daughter-in-law, Jean Tidwell; granddaughter, Tammy Milhon (Dan); grandson, Brian Elston; grandson, Michael Tidwell, Jr. (Pam); granddaughter, Rachael Elston Butler (Justin); grandson, Joshua Moore (Courtney); granddaughter, Katie Moore; and nine great-grandchildren.   Mimi was born in Baton Rouge, LA and moved to Scottsdale, AZ when she was 10 years old. She graduated from Scottsdale High School in 1938, and married Ed Tidwell in 1946. Mimi established the first licensed, in-home day care for children in Scottsdale in 1954, and continued the business she loved until 1977. She and “Daddy Ed” moved to Christopher Creek in 1978 where they had owned a summer cabin on the creek since 1964. Mimi touched the lives of many children and families, often accepting little or no payment for her babysitting, home cooked meals and loving hugs. Over the decades, countless former children Mimi cared for in Scottsdale have continued to visit her with thanks and appreciation for her unconditional love and respect. Her smiling face, as she took her daily walks on Columbine Road, will be greatly missed by her friends and neighbors.   The visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, January 8, 2016 at Messinger Payson Funeral Home, 901 S. Westerly Road in Payson, Arizona.  The funeral service will begin 10:00 A.M., Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Messinger Payson Funeral Home, where additional visitation will begin 1 hour prior.   A celebration with friends and family will immediateley follow the service. In lieu of flowers, Mimi requested donations to the Christopher-Kohl’s Fire Department at 930 E. Christopher Creek Loop, Payson, AZ  85541.  The concluding service and interment will be 10:00 A.M., Monday, January 11, 2016, for family, at Green Acres Memorial Park in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Arrangements are being cared for by Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel.    The family extends our sincere thanks to Payson Care Center and Hospice of Payson for their outstanding compassion and support in our time of need.