Obituary of Brenda Lou Stafford

On June 23, 2021, the angels rejoiced as our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt, Brenda Lou Stafford, at the age of 82, passed at home from this life to heaven. She was born in Bakewell, Tennessee, on December 5, 1938. When she was in her early teens, she moved to southern California with her mom, whom she adored. Later she married her husband Robert Z Stafford in 1960, resided for several years in Southern California, and later moved to Redding, California. Brenda and her husband moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, from Brookings, Oregon, in 2017. Brenda loved and was loved and adored deeply by her husband and family. She was a kind - hearted, gentle, compassionate woman who loved the Lord. She and her husband, Robert, loved each other with all of their hearts. They were rarely seen apart from the other. Though they were two, they were one. Brenda was blessed with multiple talents. More often than not, she could be found sitting behind her sewing machine, making something for her family. In Redding, the family’s garden provided her with an ample amount of vegetables to can, which she lovingly did side by side with her mother. Through the years, she knitted and crocheted sweaters, beanies, scarves, and socks. There is something to be said about painting a story on paper or canvas, and Brenda did that very well. She was a talented artist, painting in acrylics, watercolor, ceramics, and pastels, winning numerous awards and honorable mentions. She continued to challenge herself by learning a variety of mediums on various surfaces. She painted on ostrich eggs, rocks, wood, and more. The beauty of her heart shines through in the animals, flowers, people, and landscapes that she painted. Brenda was a member of the Brookings Art Association. She was active in local art walks, workshops and taught private lessons. In between all these gifts, she loved to read mysteries and her bible. She also loved watching movies, playing computer puzzle games, and eating In and Out Hamburgers. She encouraged her family by way of love and support. She was a teacher, friend, and parent. Her love as a mother significantly influenced her children and grandchildren, who carry on her gentle and kind traits. She was a strong woman, a selfless warrior who endured the painful battle of scoliosis. There are some who bring a light so bright to the world that when they have gone, their light remains. Mom, this is you. Brenda is preceded in death by her most beloved husband of 61 years, Robert Zelotus Stafford, her 3 children Cheryl, Danna, and Kolleen, and her 5 grandchildren Patrick, Jolleen, Matthew, Erin, and Corri, and 1 great-grandson, Beckett, and 2 nephews Charles and Robert. “For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:7-8 Services were entrusted to the care of Lietz Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. To send a free card go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze.