Flora Jean (Heaton) Herbuveaux quietly left us on August 17, 2026. Flora Jean, as her mom called her, was born on July 9, 1940, in Kanab, UT, to Oretta S. and Franklin M. “Spike” Heaton. She loved growing up in Kanab, bossing around her two younger brothers, Jim and Fay, and spending time with her friends.

   After graduating from Kanab High School in 1958, Flo moved to Arizona, eventually settling in Phoenix. It wasn’t long before she met Jim, the love of her life. Flo married Jim Herbuveaux on October 28, 1961, and their grand adventures began. They worked in horse racing, traveling to tracks across the country from Ruidoso, NM, to Omaha, NE, to Arizona to California. After a few years, they welcomed their only child, Nanette, and the three of them continued around the racing circuit.

   Finally, the family settled in Phoenix when Jim became President and General Manager at Arizona Downs. Flo volunteered at the Women’s Auxiliary at St. Joseph’s Hospital and served as President for a few years. Volunteering and serving her community was always a part of her life, but she truly loved nothing more than planning a party and then enjoying it with her guests. Whether it was a backyard Kentucky Derby Party for 100 people, a holiday meal with family, or just a simple happy hour with a few friends, any guest could be assured of good food, fun people, and a fantastic time. The family home was always welcoming, and more often than not, there was a good friend, a family member, or both at the dinner table.

   Later, she became a school secretary for the Phoenix Elementary School District, where she worked for more than twenty years. Jim and Flo enjoyed escaping the summer heat by spending time at their cabin in Munds Park or jaunting off to visit friends and family. There were always trips back to Kanab for class reunions or Western Legends.

  When Nanette and her husband, Chris, welcomed their daughter, Jill, Flo and Jim were over the moon. After that, there were countless trips back and forth to southern California to celebrate every event and birthday.

   Flo and Jim loved to travel. Close to home or far and wide, it was always a fun adventure. With her ready smile and witty husband, the couple made friends everywhere they went. Flo made sure to take trips with Nanette and Jill so that the three of them would have wonderful memories of quality time spent together. She loved visiting family from Alabama to France to California. No matter how far she roamed or how long she was away, returning to her home base was always a happy event. Kanab always held a special place in her heart. In fact, when Nanette and Chris moved to Kanab, Flo returned to her hometown with Jim.

   Flo is predeceased by her parents, Spike and Oretta, and her brother Fay. Flo leaves behind her dear husband, Jim Herbuveaux, daughter Nanette (Chris Lawler), granddaughter, Jill Lawler, brother Jim (Nadine) Heaton, many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews, and treasured friends. At this time there are no plans for a formal service, per her request. Arrangements are made with Mosdell Mortuary.

   Flo treasured her nieces and nephews, as well as her brothers and sisters-in-law, and her lifelong friends. She cherished her daughter, son-in-law, and her one and only granddaughter. Most of all, she loved her wonderful husband and best pal, Jim. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by many. Flo lived every minute of her life to the fullest, she loved with all her heart, and she wouldn’t want any who loved her to do any less.