ROSE MOFFORD EXHIBIT
ROSE MOFFORD (1922-2016)
Rose Mofford (nee Perica) was born and raised in Globe, AZ. Her parents were Austrian immigrants, with her father working at the local copper mines. She showed leadership in high school, becoming valedictorian and the first female student body president. She was athletic and played for the travelling women’s softball team, the Cantaloupe Queens. Right out of high school, she was hired to be the secretary to the Arizona State Treasurer and then was business manager at Arizona Highways magazine in 1945.
In the early 1960’s, she was hired by Arizona Secretary of State, Wesley Bolin, as an executive secretary, until 1975, when she became the assistant director of the State Revenue Department. In 1977, Bolin then became Governor, after the resignation of Governor Raul Castro. Bolin appointed Rose Mofford as Secretary of State. She served four terms as Secretary of State. In her fourth term, she became Governor of Arizona, after the impeachment of Governor Evan Mecham in 1988. She was the first female governor of Arizona and held the office from 1988-1991. She did not run for re-election.
After leaving office, she became very active on boards, committees and foundations to help the people of Arizona. Known for her white, beehive hairdo, she was an unforgettable presence in the state. She passed away in Phoenix, at the age of 94 in 2016.
The Cobre Valley Center for the Arts was given some of the Mofford Collection after her passing; other articles may also be seen at the Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum in Miami, AZ. The Center’s display is housed on the first floor in her honor.
