Teddy Lewis Raban

Teddy Lewis Raban, 85, passed away peacefully, Saturday, March 11, 2017 at his home in St. Johns. He was born January 31, 1932 in St. Johns to Maurice Albert Raban of Troyes, France and Jennie Florence Colvin of Eden, Arizona. He was the 7th of 9 children born into that family. Teddy played football for Northern Arizona University for one year before serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Diego California. After his mission he attended Brigham Young University where he met and fell in love with his sweetheart, Julie McClellan. He and Julie were married in the Mesa LDS Temple on September 16, 1955. Teddy graduated from BYU and later earned his Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Arizona. He taught 8th grade at the St. Johns Pioneer School. He loved teaching and he loved his students. He worked as the Apache County Welfare Director until he was approached by the State Department of Education to be a Special Education consultant. Teddy truly loved everyone he met, greeting friend or stranger with a smile, a handshake or a hug. When he was talking to you, you were the most important person in the world. He treated his sweetheart with kindness, love and tenderness. His grandchildren and great grandchildren adored him. His was a life of service to his family, his neighbors, his community and to his fellow man. Heaven welcomed a good man. Teddy is survived by his wife of 62 years, Julie, sons, Scott (Roberta) Raban, Tim (Sharon) Raban, Jeff (Deniese) Raban, Preston (Raelene) Raban, daughters, Jodi King, Wendy (Tony) Lindsey, Nicole (Ephraim) Te’o and sister, Lorraine Raban Battles.  He was preceded in death by his parents, 8 siblings, a granddaughter, Jamie Raban and son-in-law, Matt King. A special thanks to Hospice Compassus Care, his nurse, Destiny Kirk and his CNA, Marissa Flake for their tender care in his last days. A Viewing will be held Friday, March 17, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Burnham Mortuary, St. Johns. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. Johns Stake Center, with visitation from 9:00-10:30 a.m.