Natalie John

Natalie John was born in Mesa, Arizona, on September 24, 2005, to Beau and Camilla Hatch John. Her first five days were spent in the NICU, struggling to breathe. We consider every day after that a gift. 

Natalie grew up the first of four daughters, and what a good big sister. She loved animals, especially cats. She wanted to be a pet photographer or a pet-groomer. 

She loved meeting new people and had many friends. When around people, she often chose someone at random and gave an impromptu hug. She felt like half the town were her dear friends.

One of her favorite activities was going to the temple on Tuesdays for the past year and a half. She attended seminary in Thatcher and Safford and loved learning about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and interacting with the other kids. 

Natalie passed away on October 12, 2022, in Safford, Arizona, after a car accident. She is survived by: her parents; and her three younger sisters, Melanie, Callie, and Emily. 

We believe she was here to teach us things, and that she is now teaching others on the Other Side. Those who knew her, knew she was more angel than girl. Now she’s full angel, watching over us.

Funeral services for Natalie will be conducted Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., at the Mt. Graham Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Neal Elmer of the Safford 7th Ward. Concluding services will follow in the John Family Cemetery.

Family will receive friends Friday evening, October 21, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Vining Funeral Home and Saturday morning, October 22, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., in the Mt. Graham Chapel Relief Society Room.

Those who would like to attend the services via Facebook Live can join on Vining Funeral Home's Facebook page, Saturday morning, October 22, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. (MST).

______________________________________________________________

To Our Beloved Gila Valley Community,

On Wednesday, October 12, an accident occurred. We, the John family, lost one daughter, and another was injured but preserved. We would like to express our gratitude to the community for their overwhelming support and their outpouring of love and expressions of care. 

Words are inadequate. You were there when the accident happened, and you’ve been there every hour of the day since. We are so very grateful.

We would like to share some of the miracles that have taken place in and around this incident.

We would like to explain that a fully loaded dump truck collided with a Suburban. In looking afterwards, the driver’s half of the vehicle was compressed into the passenger side.

We lost Natalie, age 17, shortly after the impact, but her body is intact. That is a sheer miracle. On Friday the 21^st there will be a viewing for the public at Vining Funeral Home at 6:00.

Melanie, age 15, was cared for by Good Samaritans who came to the scene before any first-responders could arrive. We appreciate the calming help of those who and stayed with her. In an inexplicable miracle, and by the power of all your prayers, she only received cracked ribs and some bruises. 

The other driver is not at fault. In a heroic act, he crawled into the Suburban and tried to resuscitate Natalie. We can’t express how much we appreciate his courage and care.

In the ambulance, Melanie’s condition was not reassuring. We were preparing to lose our second daughter as they prepared to send her to Tucson by helicopter. However, we can only call it a miracle that upon arrival at the local hospital, and after the initial examination, they told us her injuries were not nearly as severe as we feared. 

As further tests came in and she received more and more care, we can only ascribe it to a miracle that she is home now and walking on her own. She is in a positive attitude and very grateful for the people coming to visit.

We know that Natalie was loved. She had such a sweet spirit and touched many lives. Those who knew her know that she was more angel than girl. Now she’s full angel, watching over us.

We are grateful for the people who received random hugs from Natalie because she would randomly choose people and hug them and speak with them, as part of her personality and care for those around her.

We appreciate your continued prayers, your fasting, your kindness, and your love. Please accept our gratitude.

Love,

Beau and Cami John