Kathy Shayna Shocket has the inside stories on the people who make a difference.

Governor Rose Mofford was a treasure.

  Arizona Governor Rose Mofford, 94 years old, was a treasure and loved by both political parties and the public. The woman who lit up a room with her warm smile and beehive hairdo that still looked stylish after it was decades out of style - always made you feel special. 

 Today, Rose, the first female Governor of of Arizona died and Gov. Doug Ducey ordered all flags to half-staff in honor of her passing.“Rose Mofford’s story is a truly unique Arizona story. Rising through the ranks of state government to our state’s top office, she shattered a once-thought-unbreakable glass ceiling and served as an unparalleled role model to many," says Governor Doug Ducey.

She was a champion of many charities - and never forgot where she came from, growing up in Globe, Arizona. Several public parks in Arizona are named for her.

Rose was a personal friend of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton who today is one of so many  deeply saddened her passing. "She was an Arizona original, a gifted and groundbreaking leader, and a personal friend who swore me in when I took office as Mayor," says Greg. "When she became Arizona’s first female governor, her calming leadership was just what our state needed during a tumultuous time."

Mayor Greg added, "We should all emulate her style, which always reached beyond politics to bring people together to solve problems. True to her rural Arizona roots, she was one of the most generous and thoughtful people I have ever known, and we will never forget her contributions to our state." Rose became Arizona Secretary of State when Wesley Bolin was appointed Governor. and won re-elections in 1978, 1982 and 1986.

By the way, she was also a good athlete and loved sports - especially baseball, which this reporter was lucky enough to get some lessons from her on hitting the ball! 

RIP Rose.