March 2005

March 2, 2005

Michael W. Lomax

Michael W. Lomax, 60, of Camp Verde, died Feb. 26. He was born July 22, 1944, in Phoenix.

He was an Army veteran.

Mr. Lomax retired as a heavy equipment operator.

His hobbies included hunting and fishing.

He leaves his wife of 39 years, Sandra Lomax; a son, Michael Lomax Jr. of Ohio; two daughters, Melissa "Missy" (and her husband Jim) Maine, of Lake Montezuma, and Michelle "Mickey" Stone, of Camp Verde; three brothers, David Lomax, Terry Lomax and Steven Lomax, all of Phoenix; three sisters, Diane Moore, of Camp Verde, Linda Dague, of Camp Verde, and Susie Flanagan, of Phoenix; and five grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be March 3 in the Cavalry Chapel of Camp Verde at 11 a.m. An hour of visitation in the church 10-11 a.m. will precede the service. Burial will be in the Middle Verde Cemetery.

Westcott Funeral Home is directing these arrangements.

Richard E. Smith

Richard E. Smith, 79, of Cottonwood, died Feb. 26. He was born Aug. 4, 1925, in Osseo, Mich.

He was a Navy veteran of World War II.

Mr. Smith was a retired restaurant owner. He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose of the Verde Valley #1449, Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, Veterans of Foreign Wars #7400, American Legion Post 25, and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

An avid sportsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, all sports especially baseball and had been a member of the Toldeo Mudhens.

He leaves his former wife, Darlene Calvert; sons, John Smith of Cottonwood and Doyle and Dale Calvert, both of Cottonwood; daughters, Sandy Jean Williams of Seneca, S.C., and Judy Hart of Visalia, Calif.; 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A daughter, Mary Ann James, and two granddaughters, Melissa Helen and Collette Marie, preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 5, in the Moose Lodge in Clarkdale at 2 p.m.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Verde Valley Little League, P O Box 3145, Cottonwood 86326.

Westcott Funeral Home served the family.

Carol J. Georgia

Carol J. Georgia, 85, of Camp Verde, died Feb. 24.

She was born Dec. 25, 1919, in Machias, N.Y. She was a homemaker who lived in Arizona for 37 years.

Cremation was conducted by Mountain View Crematory by Prescott. Arrangements were made by Hepler Funeral Home in Camp Verde.

Alisha M. Peterson

Alisha Mardel Peterson, of Cottonwood, died Feb. 9. She was born June 16, 1980, in Portland, Ore.

Alisha had been a student of Camp Verde High School and Yavapai College. She was an author, writer and photographer, and a member of Glendale Community Church.

Alisha is survived by her husband Dennis L. Peterson, her daughter Crystal Dawn Peterson, one brother, Mathew Ferguson, a twin sister Alice M. Collanet and one other sister Michele Collanet.

Janice E. Burke

Janice Eileen Burke, 54, of Cottonwood, died Feb. 24.

Jan was born and raised in Illinois and in 1955 followed her dream to live in Arizona. Jan helped many families in the Verde Valley through her counseling and social work. She worked at Kachina Point Healthcare since 2000 as their social services director. Jan will be truly milled by all that knew and loved her.

Carl E. Hollingsworth

Carl Eugene Hollingsworth, 14, of Mayer died Jan. 25.

He was born in Tucson on June 14, 1990.

Carl had a passion for movies, the outdoors, animals and children. He was a member of the Junior Honor Society. His continuous smile and caring heart will live forever, bringing joy to his family and friends.

He is survived by his twin brother Joey; brothers Dylan and Colton; sisters Meghan, Ashley and Bryttnee; grandparents Gene and Billie Hollingsworht, Allen Ostdahl and Sue Nomis; parents Shannon Hollingsworth and Tracey Ostdahl; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Services were Jan. 30 in Prescott Valley.

March 4, 2005

Richard C. Palmer

Richard C. Palmer, 70, died Feb. 22. He was a resident in the Camp Verde area for about 30 years.

Dick was a sergeant in the Marine Corps during the early days of the Vietnam War. After retiring, he enjoyed fishing in the Verde River, which ran through his back yard. He also enjoyed reading about the Civil War and collecting artifacts from that era.

He is survived by two brothers, Donald Palmer with his wife Mary, and Keith Palmer with his wife Wynema. A memorial service will be held for the family and all of his many friends at the Hepler Funeral Home in Camp Verde on March 14 at 3 p.m. Donations to the givers favorite charity, or to Hospice of the Valley in Scottsdale are suggested instead of flowers.

Robert J. Phillips

Robert Jay Phillips, 56, of Camp Verde, died Feb. 20. Mr. Phillips was born Sept. 7, 1948, in Chehalis, Wash.

He was employed by the City of Sedona, Waste Water Management, and was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, a six-year veteran.

Mr. Phillips is survived by his sweetheart Andrea Dickey; two daughters, Michelle Lewis and Annette Kelly; one son, Paul Phillips; his mother Joan Smith; six sisters, Julie, Paula, Ann, Georgia, Brenda and Janice; and grandchildren/great-grandchildren Lindsay, Tiffany, Jessica, Chance, Chase, Justin and Jonah. Services were private. Donations in Bobs' name may be sent to Northern Arizona Hospice.

Janice E. Burke

Janice Eileen Burke, 54, of Cottonwood, died Feb. 24.

Janice was born and raised in Illinois and in 1995 followed her dream to live in Arizona. Jan helped many families in the Verde Valley through her counseling and social work. She worked at Kachina Point Healthcare since 2000 as their social services director.

Jan will be truly missed by all that knew and loved her.

March 6, 2005

William J. Ryan

William Joe Ryan, 71, died Tuesday, March 1 at Flagstaff Medical Center.

He was born Dec. 9, 1933, in Clemenceau, son of James William and Reba York Ryan.

William married Marjorie (Martie) Stalnaker on Jan. 4, 1953, in Yuma.

He served in the U.S. Army Airborne during the Korean War.

William lived in San Diego prior to moving to Flagstaff in 1962. He was a service coordinator at Babbitt Ford for 22 years and a machinist at Gore for 15 years. They retired in Camp Verde.

His family was very important to him and he showed his love for them daily. He touched many people with his great sense of humor, and kind heart.

William is survived by his loving wife Martie, two sons Jim (Pam) Ryan of San Diego and Mike (Julie) Ryan of Flagstaff, and four grandchildren Greg, Steve, Keith, and Lindsay.

At his request no services will be held.

Please send condolences to the family at www.flagstaffmortuary.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Flagstaff Mortuary.

Frank E. Mason Sr.

Frank E. Mason, Sr., 88, long time Williams resident and businessman, died Feb. 27 in the Village of Oak Creek,.

Frank was born May 15, 1916, in Hot Springs, Ark. He spent most of his youth traveling the country with his parents and attending thirteen different schools in his twelve years of schooling until moving to Pasadena, Calif., in 1930.

Frank met the love of his life, Ellen, in high school at John Muir Tech and they were married on May 15, 1938, on his birthday.

During the course of his long and productive lifetime, Frank worked hard and established several prosperous careers including Lead Vulcanizer on Navy jeep tires at Goodyear in Southern California during wartime. He was in the service station industry for thirteen years in Pasadena. He then moved his family to Williams, where he owned and operated two local motels. While in Williams, Frank faithfully served on the Planing and Zoning Commission for 17 years furthering his vision of the future. He also served on the Industrial Commission and was instrumental in having the stables buiilt at the Rodeo Grounds. He was a landowner who had a vision to develop Mason Commerce Center on Frank Way and Airport Road. His vision for Lake Ellen, which he sold to the City of Williams for $15, is not what you see there today. In his late years, Frank moved to Cottonwood, Arizona with his beloved wife, Ellen.

Frank was an avid bowler for over 50 years.

He loved boating and fishing. He obtained his private aviator's license at the age of 50. He enjoyed playing cards, investing in entrepreneurial ventures and dabbling in the stock market.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Ellen Seymour Mason, three children; Frank E. Mason Jr. of National City, Calif., Charlotte Stephens of Pearblossom, Calif. and youngest son Marvin L. Mason, of Williams; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren in California.

A celebration of Frank's life will be held at the Pine Shadows Club House, 2050 W. Hwy 89A, Cottonwood, Arizona, Sunday, March 6 from 1 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your own favorite charity. Westcott Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Winifred Marie Williamson

Winifred Marie Williamson, 94, was born to John and Vivian Wagner in Saginaw, Mich., on May 31, 1910, and died at home on Feb. 15, 2005. Winifred died of heart failure after a short illness.

During World War 1 Winifred's family moved to Chicago, then to Dayton, Ohio where she graduated from Steele High School and began college. She graduated from Detroit Teacher's College in 1928 and then studied for two years at the Detroit Conservatory of Music.

Winifred taught elementary school and piano until her marriage to David M. Williamson in 1933. The Williamsons moved from Detroit, Mich. to Philadelphia, Baltimore, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Wadsworth, Ohio, Orchard Park, N.Y., Framingham, Mass., and Shelton, Conn., during the course of David's career as a thermodynamics sales engineer. In 1977 they retired and moved to Sedona, in the Village of Oak Creek.

In Sedona, Winnie and Dave were active in musical and cultural affairs. They rode on the very first "opera bus" to Phoenix, seeing Lucia di Lammermoor on Nov. 12, 1977. They continued to attend the Arizona Opera Company until 2004.

Winifred was most active in the Verde Valley Concert Association. She was in charge of intermission refreshments from 1988-2000. Those in the know made a beeline for Winnie's and Fran's (Zimmer) cookies! The intermission refreshments help raise money for the VVCA. In addition, Winnie helped to start the VVCA Scholarship Program in 1994. The idea of helping young musicians was dear to her heart. She helped with auditions and fundraising events.

Winnie also participated in PIE (Parents in Education) in the 1980's. Winifred belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star, Wadsworth Chapter. Winnie and Dave rounded out their retirement with traveling, gardening, hiking and attending cultural events.

Winifred is survived by her husband of 72 years, David Malcolm Williamson; son John David Williamson (Mary) of Trumbull, CT; daughters Janet Suzanne Willis (Wayne) of Mayer, and Diane Cecile Williamson of Anza, Calif.; grandson David Michael Williamson of Trumbull, Conn.; granddaughters Dr. Clare Williamson (David Montgomery) of Fort Worth, Texas, and Stormy Weston (Bill) of New Boston, N.H.; and great-grandson Quinn Patrick Montgomery of Fort Worth, Texas. Winifred is predeceased by a brother, Steven Wagner (Virginia), and is survived by many nieces and nephews.

A private service was held in Mayer after cremation. The ashes were buried under a flowering tree. Memorial donations may be made to the Verde Valley Concert Association, P O Box 26, Cottonwood, AZ 86326.

March 9, 2005

Charlotte Jane Tinnell

Charlotte Jane Tinnell, 90, of Cottonwood, died at Infinia Healthcare on March 3. Charlotte was born on Nov. 5, 1914, in Candle, N.D.

She married Howard Tinnell in Gillette Wyoming in 1935. They homesteaded in Wyoming and were certified by the State of Wyoming as Wyoming Pioneers. They owned a newspaper in Riverton, Wyo.

After her husband died in 1982, Charlotte occupied her time as a foster grandparent at Woodward State Hospital in Iowa.

She is survived by her son, Jack, of Cottonwood; granddaughter Stephanie Hamilton, of Eudora, Kans.; grandsons Ryan and Joshua, of Casper, Wyo.; six grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family memorial will be held and interment will be at the Veterans Cemetery in Casper, Wyo.

Nancy Sue Light-Timmer

Nancy Sue Light-Timmer died March 5 at the age of 68. She was born Nov. 20, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa.

She was a homemaker and belonged to many organizations such as Honeywell Wives Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, La Jolla Village Singers, New Comers Club and the Red Hat Society.

Nancy is survived by her husband, John L Timmer; a daughter, Pamala Sue Wrigley (Jon); a son, John H. (Karen); six grandchildren, Kayleigh, Travis, Danny, L.J., Chris, and Kenny; and great-Grandchildren Kaeden, Konner and Kayla, and a niece Connie Evans.

Visitation is today, March 9, noon to 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Camp Verde, with services to follow.

Mortuary contact is Hepler Funeral Home at 143 Arnold St., Camp Verde.

March 11, 2005

NinaBeth Church

Services for Cottonwood resident NinaBeth (Pruitt) Church are Saturday, March 12, at 10:30 a.m. in Godard Hall of Verde Valley Manor.

Mrs. Church attended a one-room school in Casa Grande and later schools in Glendale, South Phoenix and Wilson as a constant A student. She had worked in many areas of food service. She had worked at Mingus Union High School as a security officer and was knows as "Sgt. Pepper" by the students.

Her uncle, Cpl. John Henry Pruitt, was a recipient of two Medals of Honor.

She was member of Beta Sigma Phi, Laureate Alpha Phi, Red Hat Society and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her hobbies included sewing, hairdressing and making wedding cakes (of which she made over 100). She also volunteered her time and love to everyone as a Hospice caregiver.

Survivors include her best friend and companion of 10 years, Frank Spencer; son Gene Elliot Groves and his wife Rhonda (Bazzill) Groves; her father Hurley B. Pruitt (the first marshal of Scottsdale) and mother Grace H. Adams Pruitt; sisters Linda H. Albanese and Georgia E. Ahrlich; grandchildren Matthew Bazzil, Cameron Bazzil and Cydney Rumpf; great-grandchildren Hanna and Grace Rumpf and Jaden Bazzil; and 20 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, John Henry Pruitt.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Hospice of Cottonwood.

John D. Sevier

John Davis Sevier, 63, of Cornville, died March 5. He was born Jan. 20, 1942, in Santa Rita, N.M.

Mr. Sevier was a graduate of Compton Elementary, LaHabra High School and Compton Junior College.

He was an Army veteran.

Mr. Sevier retired from the National Park Service where he worked in Camp Verde from 1990 to 2003 and also had worked at the Montezuma Well, Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot Monument in Clarkdale.

Previously he worked as backhoe operator, artist and painter and helped refurbish and paint the Holy Family Catholic Church. He worked at Cottonwood Waterworks for 10 years.

A member of the American Legion, his hobbies included reading, shooting pool, archaeology and fishing.

He leaves his wife of 40 years, Mary Lou M. Sevier; two daughters, Marie Sotelo, of Cornville, and Sylvia A. (Lyn) Omundson, of Cottonwood; his mother, Margaret Taylor, of Cottonwood; Don William (Carolyn) Sevier of Ontario, California; seven grandchildren, Felicia, Matthew (and his wife Michelle), Traves, Yvonne, Jessica, Kimberly and James and 10 great-grandchildren, Killian, Grace, Allison, Jude, Victoria, Jaivaun, Deryck, Devon, Sergio and Amelia.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Catherine D. Shine who died in 1989.

A memorial service was March 10.

Frank J. Parker

Frank J. Parker, 76, of Sedona, died March 5at the Verde Valley Medical Center.

Frank was born Sept. 14, 1928, in Chicago to Christine and Joseph Parker. He was the third of four siblings. He worked to put himself through college at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, graduating with a degree in civil engineering.

In his career as a civil engineer, Frank was recognized as a creative and powerful talent. He worked on the interstate system in Illinois, several expressways, roads and bridges. He designed a runway at O'Hare airport, and the approaches to the United International Terminal there.

In 1953 he married Dawn M. Stelzer, his wife of 43 years, who preceded him in death in 1996. He is sorely missed by his son Ed and daughter-in-law Sandi, of Cornville, and his daughter, Anita, of Sedona, as well as his grandchildren Jacquelyn, Neil, Andrew, Lauren, Alex and his great-grandson, Ethan.

As a husband and a father and a grandfather, Frank will be remembered for his gentleness, his soft approach to hard situations, his devotion to his family, his generosity, and his inability to hold a grudge against anyone while always maintaining a positive outlook. Frank loved people, and always looked for the good in them.

Frank was preceded in death by his brother Joe, and his sister Clare. He is survived by his brother James of Chicago, his son Ed, daughter Anita, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Services were March 10. Westcott Funeral Home handled these arrangements.

Mary Jane Hauser

Mary Jane Hauser, 64, died March 8 at her home.

Mrs. Hauser was born on March 20, 1940, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, to Lester and Eva Hauser, who preceded her in death.

In 1951, she moved to Arizona with her family and attended Scottsdale Elementary and High School. She has been a resident of Camp Verde for over 40 years. She was employed at Cliff Castle Casino for the past eight years as a guest development supervisor.

Mrs. Hauser loved the outdoors. She spent a lot of time in her gardens and caring for her many animals.

She is survived by her loving companion, Benny Pareja; daughter, Tammy Gunnell of Carefree; son John Cohen of Phoenix; and grandchildren Brandy Moyer of New River, Troy Gunnell of Desert Hills, Britt Stogner of Anthem, Donnie Gunnell of Carefree, Brook Cardenas of Citrus Heights, Calif., Tracy, Tye and Terri Cohen of Rimrock, Jessica Cohen of Phoenix; five great-grandchildren; three brothers, Jim Hauser of St. Johns, Don Hauser of Tolleson, Richard Hauser; and one sister, Patricia Ink of Camp Verde.

Private services will be held.

Beuford Nolan Hopkins

Beuford 'Buff' Nolan Hopkins, long-time Cottonwood resident, died March 7 at Good Samaritan Hospital, City of Hope in Phoenix.

He was born in Indian Springs, Tenn., April 5, 1942, (Easter Sunday), to H.L. and Flora Hopkins, the youngest of four sons. When Buff was 4 years old, the family moved to Northern Arizona and he considered himself an Arizonan.

Mr. Hopkins graduated from Flagstaff High School and after graduation he joined the U.S. Army. While stationed in Alaska, Buff served in one of the units that assisted the people of Anchorage during and after the 9.2 earthquake that devastated the state in 1964.

When he returned to Flagstaff after his discharge from the Army, he became the service manager for the Coca-Cola plant in Flagstaff. From that position, he moved on to sell institutional food all over Northern Arizona putting 100,00 miles a year on his car to cover his territory.

In 1972, Buff moved to Cottonwood and was involved in several businesses including an auto wrecking yard, managing the batch plant for Copperstate Redi-Mix and an auto repair shop.

Also, during this 20-year period Buff spent a lot of time on the bandstand playing bass guitar along with his brother Bill in the very popular western dance band, The Mustangs. The band was in demand all over the state and hardly a weekend passed that The Mustangs were not playing to the great delight of their many fans.

The last business Buff and his wife, Karen, owned was a Big A Auto Parts (now Car Quest) in Cottonwood.

After his retirement, Buff was able to devote time to his passionate interest in old cars, their history and restoration. He also spent a great deal of time with his 'girls' — his three dogs who shared his heart and home.

Buff was a member of the local chapter of the Veteran Motor Car Club of America and served the club in several capacities. He served as Master of Verde Masonic Lodge #14 on three different occasions and was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.

Buff is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Karen; his daughters, Tracy Todd Farnsworth, of Utah, Marie Lockett, of Missouri, and grandchildren Ashlee, Trent, Jaden, Santana and Andrew. Also surviving are his three older brothers, Wayman (Loretta) Hopkins, of Willcox; Bill (Louise) Hopkins, of Cottonwood; Stan (Judy) Hopkins, of Thompson Fall, Mont.; sister-in-law Nancy (George) Cronin, of Alto, N.M., and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Hopkins was a compassionate, loving, honest man who was brave to the end and he will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. at Westcott Funeral Home, 1013 E. Mingus Ave., Cottonwood.

If desired, Memorial Donations may be made to the Florence Foundation for Animals, c/o Dr. Bruce Webber, Verde Veterinary Hospital, 1201 E. Cherry Street, Cottonwood AZ 86326.

Florence Maude Eaton

Florence Maude Eaton, 91, beloved mother, wife and lifelong friend, died March 7 in Camp Verde.

Born March 19, 1913, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Mrs. Eaton came to California as a small child with her parents, Albert W. and Maude E. Gray and her twin brother, Albert I. Gray.

The family settled in Orange County. Her father was a citrus rancher. She graduated from Anaheim High School and Fullerton Junior College where she majored in Botany and Liberal Arts.

She was married 55 years to her lifelong friend and companion, Theodore A. Eaton, who preceded her in death along with her parents and twin brother.

The Eatons retired to Sedona in 1975, and she later lived in Cottonwood, where she was a member of the Verde Baptist Church.

During her years in Yucaipa, Calif., Mrs. Eaton was a personal secretary to Dr. and Mrs. Howard Estep of the World Prophetic Ministries in Colton, Calif.

She is survived by her three sons, William T. Eaton, of Rogue River, Ore., James A. Eaton, of Carlsbad, Calif., and Jerald A. Eaton, of Cottonwood; one daughter, Marlene F. (Eaton) Humphreys, of Yucaipa, Calif.; three daughters-in-law, Marcia Eaton, Carol Eaton, and Irene Eaton; two nephews, Gary and Alan Gray of Orange County, Calif.; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements for cremation were handled by Hepler Funeral Home in Camp Verde.

Memorial services for the family will be held at Rose Hills Memorial Park in California at a later date.

Anna Mae Proulx

Anna Mae Proulx, 81, of Camp Verde, died March 7. Anna was born Dec. 13, 1923, in Belle Vernon, Pa.

She is survived by her daughter Sandra Baily, of Camp Verde, a son Byron W. Proulx, many incredible grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, Lorelei Ross, Edward Beaumont and Lawrence Beaumont. Services will be March 11, at 11 a.m. at the Hepler Funeral Home Chapel.

Interment will be at Resthaven Cemetery, 6290 W. Northern, Glendale, at 2 p.m.

Adrienne ‘Ady’ Rice

Adrienne ‘Ady’ Rice died March 6.

She was born July 11, 1923, in Mitchell, Neb., and was one of the four children of Frank J. and Eunice B. Reed. She graduated from Mitchell High School, and went on to attend both the University of Nebraska and the University of Washington where she earned a bachelor of science degree. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She was active in music circles and played clarinet in both the Lincoln Symphony and the Seattle Symphony Orchestras.

Mrs. Rice married Earl Gannon "Jack" Rice Jr., a career Naval Officer in 1946 in Seattle. The couple lived in many parts of the world until Capt. Rice retired, at which time they moved to Seattle, where Mrs. Rice returned to the University of Washington and earned a master's degree in nursing. She became a member of Sigma Theta Tau, a nursing honorary sorority and worked as a public health nursing supervisor for Seattle King County Health Dept.

After her retirement, Adrienne and Jack moved to Estes Park, Colo., and then to Camp Verde. In 2003, Mrs. Rice returned to Estes Park to be close to her daughter and son-in law, Kevin and Renee Dennis. She is survived by her daughters, Renee Dennis of Estes Park and Melanie Rice of Seattle.

A memorial will be held on March 18, 2 p.m., in the main dining room at Good Samaritan Village in Estes Park.

March 13, 2005

Anna Mae Proulx

Anna Mae Proulx, 81, of Camp Verde, died March 7. Anna was born Dec. 13, 1923, in Belle Vernon, Pa.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Kathleen.

She is survived by her daughter Sandra Baily, of Camp Verde, a son Byron W. Proulx, many incredible grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, Lorelei Ross, Edward Beaumont and Lawrence Beaumont. Services were March 11 at the Hepler Funeral Home Chapel. Interment was at Resthaven Cemetery, 6290 W. Northern, Glendale.

Flavous Lee 'Tony' Anthony

Flavous Lee "Tony" Anthony was born Aug. 22, 1924, in Jacksonville, Ala. He died Jan. 6, 2005, in Oklahoma City.

Three sisters and two brothers preceded him in death. One brother lives in Panguitch, Utah. His wife, Chris and son, Darryl live in Cordell, Okla.

Each May 1st, 1983 to May 1st, 2004 Tony and Chris came for double anniversaries, theirs and Alton and Mildred Anthony of Cottonwood.

Kelly M. Cross

Kelly McLain Cross, 63, of Camp Verde, died March 8. She was born Nov. 14, 1941, in Los Angeles.

She was a retired bookkeeper.

Her hobbies included visits to the Colorado River, camping and spending time with her granddaughter and family.

She leaves two sons, Frank Pergola and Ken Pergola; a sister, Carol McGowan; and one grandchild.

There are no public services planned.

Westcott Funeral Home was entrsuted with these arrangements.

John E. Melugin

John Emerson Melugin, 91, a resident of Sedona, died March 9. He was born Oct. 28, 1913, in Heber, Utah.

Mr. Melugin was a retired employee of Cal-Gas.

He was a member of the Verde Valley Christian Church.

He leaves two sons, Tom Melugin of Port Hueneme, Calif., and Garry Melugin of Craig, Colo.; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Family burial services will be held in Colorado at a later date.

Westcott Funeral Home assisted the family.

Alisha M. Peterson

Alisha Mardel Peterson, of Cottonwood, died Feb. 9. She was born June 16, 1980, in Portland, Ore.

Alisha had been a student of Camp Verde High School and Yavapai College. She was an author and photographer, and a member of Glendale Community Church.

Alisha is survived by her husband, Dennis L. Peterson; her daughter, Crystal Dawn Peterson; one brother, Mathew Ferguson; and one other sister, Michele Collinet.

Alisha's twin sister, Alice Marie Collinet, died five months and two days before Alisha.

Alisha, her twin sister Alice, and their mother, Kathryn, are all buried in the Mesa City Cemetery in Mesa, Ariz.

March 18, 2005

Wallace "Tex" Moody

Wallace Wayland 'Tex' Moody, 70, died March 14 at his home in Page Springs.

Moody was born April 4, 1934, in Florida, but was raised in Texas. He graduated from Gatesville (Texas) High School in 1953, then served four years in the U.S. Air Force. After his discharge he remained in California and for the next 34 years he worked for the Metropolitan Water District. He retired as a plant supervisor in Eagle Mountain, Calif. His marriage to Gail Gordon in 1957 produced four children. While in California he served on the local school board and began lessons to obtain his private pilot's license and started his trek to visit air museums.

In 1982, he married a local school teacher and in 1993 they retired to Page Springs to live in the house they had built earlier. Tex's passion was flying and he delighted being in the cockpit. He was a member of EAA Chapter #952. He built four airplanes that he enjoyed flying. He also took pleasure in rebuilding old engines, cars and trucks. He loved the wide open spaces of the desert which were reflected in many of his paintings.

Wallace was preceded in death by his parents, brother Billy Moody and his sister, Judy Bartels. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Veronica Moody of Page Springs and brother Carl (Pat) Moody of Weatherford, Texas. He leaves three sons: Mark Moody (Lee) of Parker; Lyle Moody (Joanie) of Yuma; Russ Moody of Ash Fork,; and his daughter Julie Smiley (Steven) of Borrego Springs, Calif. He also leaves two stepsons and a stepdaughter, Charlene Smith of New Mexico. Grandpa Tex will be remembered fondly by his grandchildren: Jessee, Jake, Hannah, Megan, Ely, Zane, Jonsie, Alyssa, Curtis, Kimberly, Tommy and one great-grandchild Arianne.

At his request there are no public services planned. The family will later have a private service to remember this very special man.

Betty Lou Axline

A memorial service for Betty Lou Axline, 81, of Sedona, is scheduled for March 19 at 2 p.m. in the Westcott Funeral Home.

Mrs. Axline died Jan. 16 at the Verde Valley Medical Center in Cottonwood. She was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 31, 1923.

Mrs. Axline was a graduate of Pepperdine University. She had worked as a personnel consultant for Reddy Form and as President of the San Gabriel Council of the Girl Scouts of America.

A Sedona resident since 1981, she was a member of the Redrock Masonic Auxillary, and was involved with the Art Center of Sedona, the Art Barn and the Sedona Forum.

She is survived by her husband of sixty years, Joseph O. Axline, a son, James W. Axline and a daughter, Carol Pimintal both of California and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son Scott Axline.

Memorial donations in her name may be sent to the Art Barn of Sedona.

Westcott Funeral Home, of Cottonwood, assisted the Axline Family with arrangements.

March 20, 2005

Kimberly D. Terrell

Kimberly D. Terrell, 41, died March 12, 2005. She was born April 27, 1963 at Santa Monica, Calif.

She is survived by her daughter Alena; a her son Jeremy; parents William and Edyne Terrell, of Camp Verde; one sister, Michelle Butler; and one brother, Jason Terrell; nieces and nephews, Katrina Terrell, Autumn and Anthony Clark.

The memorial service will be Monday, March 21, at 1 a.m. at the Nazarene Church in Camp Verde.

Contributions may be made to the Kim Terrell Memorial Fund at Bank One in Camp Verde.

Jeanne M. LaPort

Jeanne Marilyn LaPort, 80, of Cornville, died March 17. She was born July 4, 1924, in Ashland, Wis.

Mrs. LaPort was a homemaker who enjoyed reading and gardening.

She leaves her husband of 62 years, Robert P.LaPort; five daughters, Sheryl Lajuenesse and Kathy LaPort, both of Cornville, Marilyn LaPort, of Cicero, Ind., Barbara Harroun, of Pine, Colo., and Diana LaBella, of San Diego; three sisters, Marge Whitney, of Springfield, Mass., Shirley Wilder, of Saginaw, Texas, and MaryLou Smart, of Chino Valley; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A son, John Thomas LaPort, preceded her in death.

There is no public memorial service planned.

Westcott Funeral Home assisted the family with these arrangements.

March 23, 2005

Jean C. Campbell

Jean Caroline Campbell, born Aug. 11, 1922, died March 2, 2005.

Jean moved to Sedona in 1978, following the death of her husband Scotty in 1977. She opened Sedona Travel in 1979, and enjoyed the next 20 years servicing the community's travel needs as well as organizing and escorting numerous journeys all over the world.

Jean was active in Soroptomists, the Sedona-Oak Creek Chamber of Commerce, and, for those who can remember, she was the president of the 'Sedona Can Company'.'

Jean is survived by her brother, John Corso Jr., of Berkeley, Calif.; daughters Bonnie Jean Campbell, of Cottonwood, and Dee Jane Fike, of Cottonwood; and grandsons Paul Campbell Fike and Scott Patrick Moker.

Jean died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. She will be missed.

No service is planned. In memory, donations will be accepted in her name by Northern Arizona Hospice, 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood AZ 86326.

Carol I. Burns

Carol Irene Burns, 68, of Cottonwood, died March 17, 2005. She was born July 24, 1936, in Washtenaw County, Mich.

Ms. Burns attended schools in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Indio, California. She retired as a bookkeeper in restaurants.

She was preceded in death by her father Ross G. Penn and her mother, Irene M. Ray.

Surviving are her brother Gary R. Penn and his wife Joanne, of Fenton, Mich.

There are no public services planned.

March 25, 2005

Harrington Turner Jr.

Harrington Turner Jr., 53, a resident of Clarkdale, died March 22, 2005.

Known as "Judge" to family and friends, he was born July 30, 1951, in Cottonwood.

Harrington resided on the Yavapai-Apache Clarkdale Reservation with his family and was raised on the Middle Verde Reservation.

Harrington worked for the Yavapai-Apache Nation for over 20 years. He held several positions from Waters system operator, BIA Police Officer and recently ended his employment as the Nation's fire chief, assisted with the Southwest Firefighting Organization and a member of the National Native American Fire Chiefs Association. Harrington was a true servant and volunteered many hours of service to his community. He will be greatly missed by everyone.

Harrington is survived by his wife Evelyn (Russell) Turner; his son Charles Turner; Evelyn's two children Maria White and Sonny White and two grandsons of Clarkdale; brother Lorin Turner; sister La Verne Turner, of Camp Verde; aunt Angie Hazelwood, of Camp Verde; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There are no public services planned. Hepler Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Dr. Eric B. Shook

Eric B. Shook, 45, of Cottonwood, died March 18, 2005.

Dr. Shook was a local veterinarian who had practiced in Cottonwood for 19 years. He founded the Riverfront Veterinary Hospital.

Dr. Shook is survived by his brother, Jeff and family; a sister, Tanya; his parents and many friends.

No public funeral is planned. A celebration of Eric's life will be announced soon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to an animal shelter of choice.

Westcott Funeral Home handled these arrangements.

Frank E. Smith

Frank E. Smith, of Camp Verde, died on March 8, 2005, at the age of 67.

Mr. Smith was born Feb. 15, 1938, in Massachusetts and was an aircraft mechanic for America West. He was also a jack of all trades.

He was at Harbor College for two years where he took architect classes. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was interred with full military honors at the National Memorial Veteran's Cemetery in Phoenix on March 21.

Mr. Smith was survived by his wife, Norma G. Smith; three sons, Mitchell S., David M. and Jeff F.; one daughter, Tammy J. Smith; and a sister, Sally Dempsey; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

John F. White

John F. White Jr., 95, of Camp Verde, died March 21, 2005, in the Veterans Hospital in Prescott.

Mr. White was born in Phoenix, April 27, 1909, to John Francis White Sr. and Oda Kater White, who came to Arizona in the 1880s.

He was a Navy veteran.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Billie R. White, and four brothers.

He is survived by his sister, Bette Hart of Camp Verde; and niece, Lisa McCreary of Acworth, Ga.

Private burial was in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Westcott Funeral Home assisted the family with these arrangements.

Brandon J. Williams

Brandon Joseph Williams, 18, of Clarkdale, died March 19. He was born April 11, 1986, in Port Angeles, Wash.

Brandon was working in construction.

He leaves his father, Steve Williams, of LaPaz, Baja, Mexico; his mother, Kristina Bonfoey, of Clarkdale; two sisters, Sarah Williams and Analise Williams; his grandparents, George and Geniel Williams, George and Corine Henriksen and Marty and Carol Doubek.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, March 24, in the Verde Valley Christian Church.

Westcott Funeral Home was entrusted with these arrangements.

Alvin Leroy Jacobs

Alvin Leroy Jacobs, 63, died Saturday, March 19, 2005 at his home. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date not yet been determined.

Mr. Jacobs was born in Kanawha, Iowa, Aug. 18, 1941. He resided there until moving to Belmond, Iowa, where he graduated from high school. He entered the Marine Corps in 1959 and served in the Bay of Pigs Invasion in Cuba. He later resided in Iowa, Illinois and California before retiring to Arizona three years ago.

Mr. Jacobs was an electrician by trade for most of his life and was an electrical contractor in northern California for 12 years. His passions were his family and friends, traveling, RVing, fishing, hunting and racing.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Beverly Haydon Jacobs; his daughter, Laura L. Mernka; his son, Kenneth A. Jacobs; and his son's wife, Michelle. They all reside in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He also is survived by his stepchildren, Sheri and her husband John Williams of Covington, La.; Lori and her husband Mark Lane of Reno, Nev.; Maurice John Colen of San Francisco; Leda Wagner and partner Patrick Wallace of Santa Rosa, Calif. He has eight grandchildren, Kaara and Braden Mernka, Nathan and Jenna Jacobs all of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Trisda Field and Jamie Lane of Reno, Nev., and Leda and Esabel Williams of Covington, La. Mr. Jacobs also has two great-grandchildren, Bradley Wilson and Mathew Field of Reno, Nev. He is also survived by his mother, Helena Pannkuk Boelman of Clearlake, Iowa, and three sisters, Irene Jacobs Doland and her husband Lee of Waterloo, Iowa; Diann Boelman Lambert and her husband Vic of Pierson, Iowa and Terry Boelman Carlson and her husband Bruce of Clearlake, Iowa. Thirteen nieces and nephews also survive him. Alvin was preceded in death by his father, Wayne E Jacobs, who died during WWII at Iwo Jima; his stepfather, Clarence Boelman of Clearlake, Iowa and his sister Cindy Boelman Brown of Bricelyn, Iowa.

Contributions can be made to any Veteran's Hospital, Hospice or Cancer Society.

Westcott Funeral Home handled these arrangements.

March 27, 2005

Myrna A. Coffey

Myrna A. Coffey, 63, of Pine Shadows in Cottonwood and formerly of Dixon, Ill., died March 19. She was born Jan. 28, 1942, in Pittsburg, Ill., the daughter of Roy and Marguerite (Dorsett) Mandrell.

She was a registered nurse at the Franklin Grove Health Center, the Lee County Nursing Home and had also worked at KSB Hospital and Northwestern Steel and Wire.

She was a member of St. Luke Episcopal Church in Dixon and St. Thomas of the Valley Episcopal Church in Clarkdale. She was a loving wife and mother. She was an avid quilter, gardner and active church member.

She married Paul A. Coffey Dec. 29, 1969 in Dixon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother Terry Mandrell.

She is survived by her husband, Paul A. Coffey, of Cottonwood; two sons, John Coffey of Dixon and Eric Coffey of Rock Falls, Ill.; three sisters, Rosemary Edwards of Dixon, Audry (Bill) Buttry of Middletown, Ind., Barbara (Ovie) Edwards of Carrier Mills, Ill.; one brother, Jerry (Carolyn) Mandrell of Middletown, Ind., and one sister in law, Sharon Mandrell of Marion, Ill., and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were held March 26 in Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon with the Rev. Verna Fair Priest in charge of St. Luke Episcopal Church in Dixon officiating.

Local memorial services will be held April 2, 11 a.m., in the Pine Shadows Clubhouse.

Ronald Clarence Smith

Ronald Clarence Smith, 61, of Cottonwood, died March 19. Ron was born in Jerome in 1943.

He attended grade school in Cottonwood and high school in Jerome. Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1965 to 1967.

Upon returning home, he joined the local gas company, UniSource Energies; retiring in 2002.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Diane, of Cottonwood; son Warren Smith (wife Olivia) of Phoenix; daughter Karen Melton (husband Travis) of Cottonwood; three grandchildren and a sister, Norma Jo Algabright of Oceanside, Calif.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, April 2, 2 p.m. at the Westcott Funeral Home.

Grace J. McMenamin Wetzel

Grace J. McMenamin-Wetzel, 73, of Cornville, died March 24. She was born Oct. 8, 1931, in Jackson, Mich.

Mrs. Wetzel was a graduate of Greenville College of Greenville, Ill.. She taught kindergarten and first grade for over 34 years. She taught at Squaw Peak School in Phoenix.

She enjoyed oil painting, interior design and landscaping, music and gardening.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Robert and Gladys McMenamin; and a sister, Gladys McMenamin Messner

She leaves her husband, Paul A. Wetzel.

A service will be held on Thursday, March 31, in Grace Chapel, located in the Glen Eden Gardens, 1110 Willow Point Road, Cornville at noon. An hour of vistation will precede the service beginning at 11 a.m.

A service will also be held at the Green Acres Chapel, located at Green Acres Memorial Park in Scottsdale on Friday, April 1 at 12:30 p.m. An hour of vistation will precede the service at 11:30. Interment will be at Green Acres Memorial Park.

Westcott Funeral Home is directing these arrangements.

March 30, 2005

Pansy E. Farris

Pansy E. Farris, 83, of Lake Montezuma, died March 25, 2005. She was born Nov. 23, 1921, in Rural South of Linn, Mo.

She graduated from Ownsville High Schhol. She was a homemaker.

Mrs. Farris was a member of Lake Montezuma Women's Club and the Beaver Creek Adult Center.

Her hobbies included baking, cooking, flower gardens and traveling.

She leaves her husband of 63 years, Kenneth A. Farris; a son and his wife, David and Debbie Farris of California; a daughter, Linda Santiago of Tempe; and five grandchildren.

A memorial service were March 29 in the Westcott Funeral Home.

Carol Gene Loveland

Mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Carol Gene Loveland, born March 23, 1937, died March 16, 2005, in Prescott. She is survived by her loving family. A Memorial Service will be held on April 2 at 1 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 360 S. Fifth St., Camp Verde.

Joseph Suglio

Joseph Suglio, 69, of Camp Verde died on March 28. Suglio was born June 6, 1936 in Buffalo, N.Y.. He was a 12-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a member of DAV.

Mr. Suglio is survived by his wife, Marrietta; a daughter, Ann Chavez (Tim) of Cottonwood; his mother, Angela Cornwell of Phoenix; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services, handled by Hepler Funeral Home at 143 Arnold Street, Camp Verde, will be private.


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