Emma Kaye Hestand

Emma Kaye Hestand arrived in this world on October 3, 1952 and died peacefully at home on March 29, 2021. Emma was born in Phoenix, Arizona arriving 15 minutes before her twin Mary Raye. Her early years were spent in Litchfield Park, where her dad was one of the original Andaman farmers. In 1957, the family dairy farm was relocated to Willcox, Arizona, where Emma started her education, graduating from Willcox High School in 1970.While in high school she was active in band, FHA, GAA, volleyball, spanish club and student council. During this time she also became a candy striper when the new Northern Cochise Community Hospital opened in 1968.She was also very active in the Girl Scouts of America, eventually serving on the board of the Sahuaro Council and attaining Lifetime Member status.Her philanthropic nature was established early and throughout her life she generously contributed to many different organizations and worthy causes.Following High School, she and Mary Raye were off to Douglas, Arizona attending Cochise College where lifetime friendships were established and in 1995 she was honored by the Cochise College Foundation as an outstanding alumni. After one year at Cochise, she transferred to the U of A, becoming a Wildcat for life. In 1974 she was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration. She supported the University of Arizona Foundation and was a member of the Alumni Association. She was also a U of A basketball season ticket holder for 30+ years. After college she became a partner in an accounting business, becoming a CPA in 1981 and eventually became the sole owner of her business. Emma was also a flautist with the Tucson Civic Orchestra, tried her hand at golf, was a certified SCUBA diver, enjoyed socializing and relaxing at home as she was a voracious reader.While Emma had a successful career, it was spending time with friends and family which she truly treasured. Emma loved to travel and made many friends during her travels. One of her favorite traveling companions was her uncle, Tom Hamilton, who introduced her to sailing, and accompanied her on many exciting adventures. The past 10 years saw less international travel as she fought a valiant fight against cancer, but she still enjoyed traveling domestically with cousins, nieces, and sisters.Emma was predeceased by her parents, Henry Hallam Hestand and Martha Sue(Hamilton) Hestand, Brother Josh Allan “Buddy” Hestand,brother-in laws, Robert L. Miller and Floyd R. Bethel and great-niece Christina Leach. Left to cherish he rmemory are siblings, Bonnie H. Miller, Laura A. Bethel,Frank J. Hestand (Vicki)and Mary Raye Hestand.Also surviving are several cousins including 3 special cousins, Anne Hamilton,Lisa Hamilton and Jennifer DeCross.Family meant everything to Emma and she became a beloved Aunt known as“Kaye Kaye” to 7 nieces, 3 nephews, 11 great nieces,14 great nephews, 5 great-great nieces and 7 great-great nephews who also survive her.A Celebration of Life will be held in Tucson in the fall.Emma requested memorial contributions to:Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona,http://communityfoodbank.org/NourishingNews or mail to: POBox 551, Tucson, AZ85702-0551 (you may designate Willcox location if so desired)Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona,https://www.girlscoutssoaz.org or a charity of your choice.Please note, In memory of Emma K. Hestand on contributions.

Emma Kaye Hestand

October 3, 1952 - March 29, 2021