Mary Derby, 2019 Inductee

Mary Derby has been active in the Verde communities since arriving in 2008. She has been an organizer and participant in a number of social and educational events held at Rio Verde Community Center.

For a number of years she has co-chaired and worked for the annual Verdes Christmas Project, which links volunteers from the communities with needy families to help provide positive Christmas experiences. She is active in her church and its bell choir.

Mary is involved in supporting the Verdes Firewise Program, which maintains a fire prevention perimeter around the Verdes communities. She also works with VerdeCares, which brings a variety of health, nutrition and transportation services to residents in need in both the Verdes and along Rio Verde Drive.

She is a member of the Rio Verde Community Association and the Rio Verde Country Club. She participates in pickleball and golf. She serves on the RVCC food and beverage subcommittee.

Mary volunteers at the Rio Verde Library. Mary’s community services extend beyond the Verdes. She has been a volunteer mentor in the Fountain Hills School District. She also is an active supporter of the annual Veterans Day program in Fountain Hills schools.

Additionally, she works with Reigning Grace Ranch, an organization west of the Verdes that provides therapeutic support to a wide-range of children and teens. Mary is described as a “can-do person” who is always available to pitch in and help her neighbors.