Anna Marie Cobb-Adragna, age 83, passed away in Mesa, AZ, on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, due to age-related causes at Mi Casa Nursing Center. Anna was preceded in death by her parents Dan Cobb and Tula Green-Cobb, and by her siblings, sisters, Hazel Virginia Cobb-Derrell, Ruby Boin Cobb-Griffin, and Miriam Cobb-Marshall, and brothers, Moses Cobb and Suddy Boin. Anna is survived by her children, Vito (Sandra), Daniel (Donna), Rose Ann Ackerman (Jack – deceased), and Joseph (Lisa). She was a loving mother and very proud of her children. She has left an impressive posterity that includes several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Anna was born September 8, 1936, on Sachs Ranch in Mesa, AZ and was the youngest of six children. As a child, Anna enjoyed riding her horse, Gypsy, and swimming in the Mesa canals. She also enjoyed playing with her dogs, Middy, and Squeezy. When she was older, Anna loved looking back and telling fun tales of growing up on the ranch.
On February 15, 1952, Anna married Joseph Adragna at the young age of 15 and later had four children. Anna resided in Phoenix until 1956 and then moved to Flagstaff, AZ, with her young family. Together, for many years, Anna and Joseph ran a successful business (NAMCO) in Flagstaff.
Throughout her life, Anna was a hard worker. She found pride in being an Avon Lady, working the front desk at Little America, waitressing at Hobo Jo’s, and working as Layaway Manager at Walmart for 11 years.
One of Anna’s greatest joys, however, was her love of animals. Her passion was raising both rough and smooth collies. As a successful dog breeder, she founded Velvet Valley Kennels. She was a registered AKC judge, Arizona secretary for the American Kennel Club, and a longtime member of several Arizona collie clubs. She traveled around the country and won many ribbons and awards at dog shows. With moxie and determination, Anna taught herself how to type. She then went on to edit articles for the AKC, while also publishing numerous articles for dog books and clubs. Her pride was her Champion dog Velvet.
Besides animals, she was very social and outgoing, she loved movies, make-up, dressing up, eating out, and chocolate–especially chocolate. She was always busy.
Additionally, Anna was a devoted mother, encouraging her children to participate in 4H clubs as well as many other activities. They followed her example and won many awards and trophies in 4H and gymkhana horse events. She raised her family in Flagstaff and in 2003 moved back to Mesa, AZ – the place of her birth.
Anna spent her later years active in Mi Casa Nursing Home. Even though she was confined to a wheelchair, she always had a smile and a positive outlook. She loved to play Bingo, watch old westerns and serve on the committee to help plan resident activities. Holidays were her favorite times to get together with family and hear stories about her children and grandchildren and all their comings and goings.
Anna leaves behind a legacy of love and hard work in her children and grandchildren. Everyone blessed to know Anna will greatly miss her.
Please join us as we celebrate Anna’s life. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Baywood Ward on Saturday, January 25, 2020, 1007 S 72nd St, Mesa AZ 85208.
Miss you & Love you!!
Mom!!
Always!!