Rayma Lucille Babbitt Sharber passed away on the morning of October 31 at age 94. Born in Flagstaff on January 23, 1924, she was the fourth daughter of Joseph R. Babbitt Sr. and Viola Passey Babbitt. Growing up, she attended St. Anthony's Catholic School (later Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary), and Flagstaff High School where she was co-valedictorian of her graduating class. She went to the University of Arizona where she was a Gamma Phi Beta. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree with distinction and was inducted into the prestigious honor societies Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. She went on to earn a Doctorate of Medicine from Harvard Medical School, Class of 1950, only the second class to include women.

After an internship in St. Louis, Mo., Rayma returned to Flagstaff where she practiced medicine for a time. In 1951, she married her childhood friend, Norman Sharber. She turned her attention to raising their nine children and imbued their childhood with love of the local area on picnics to the cedars, Grand Falls, the cabins on the Peaks, and outings to the reservation for Hopi dances.

She had a lifelong love of learning. She studied mushrooms, wildflowers, the Southwest missions and astronomy. She taught workshops on, and was the local go-to person for wild mushroom identification. She amassed an extensive library on topics including birds, botany, Southwest history, Native American culture, religion, art, fine cooking, wine, and language, and she often had spare copies to share with anyone who showed an interest. She loved the Sonoran desert and Baja, and frequently travelled to her small beachfront cabin in Rocky Point on the Sea of Cortez to enjoy the birds, tides, and seashells. She helped outfit Colorado river trips for friends and family, and took a few of her own.

Rayma especially loved Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. She was an active member of the Flagstaff community all her life, serving as a board member for the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library, the Arboretum at Flagstaff, and the Flagstaff Symphony Guild. She was recognized as Flagstaff Citizen of the Year by the Arizona Daily Sun in 1981. She compiled works on local history including "Flagstaff Centennial: A Random Collection of Antique Photographs & Writings," "A History of the Riordan Family," and a centennial brochure for Nativity of BVM Church. Most recently she instigated the current  Nativity Chapel restoration project.

Rayma was deeply committed to her Catholic faith.  Her generosity was both public and private. She extended help wherever she saw a need. Her friendship was unwavering, and she was endlessly forgiving. Her kitchen was always open and warm, you could walk in anytime.

Preceded in death by her husband Norman and son-in-law Kaign Christy.  Rayma is survived by her sister, Betty Jo D'Mura, her children -- Mary Sharber, Joseph (Robin) Sharber of Bozeman, MT, John (Sharon) Sharber, Rayma (David) Lee, Jean Christy, Jane (Steven) Black of Tucson, Roberta (Wayne) Wallace of Cottonwood, William Sharber, and Frances (Doug) Holmes of Cottonwood -- 20 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and many extended family members. There will be a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 7, at Norvel Owens Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 8, at Nativity Chapel, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery and reception at Guadalupe Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Nativity of BVM Restoration Project, www.savenativitybvm.com .