August 17, 2005

Joe Macias Contreras

Joe Macias Contreras, 83, of Phoenix, died Aug. 13. He was born Nov. 26, 1921, in Clarkdale.

Mr. Contreras grew up in Clarkdale attending Clarkdale Elementary schools and graduated from Clarkdale High School.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the Navy. He worked for Phelps Dodge for 44 years and was a smelter supervisor. Mr. Contreras was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus and the Immaculate Conception Church of Ajo.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, golf, outdoor cooking and many other outdoor activities.

His wife, Violeta Garcia Contreras, preceded him in death.

He leaves two sons, Frank Contreras (Margarita) of Thatcher, Ariz., and Jose Contreras of Cottonwood; a daughter, Licha Vega (Roy) of Phoenix; brothers, Frank Contreras of Cottonwood, Margarito Contreras of Norwalk, Calif., and Vicente Contreras, Raymond Contreras, Jesus Contreras and Alex Contreras, all of Clarkdale; sisters, Mary Chavez of Cottonwood, Martina Luna of Whittier, Calif., Velia Mena of Cottonwood and Conchita Sepulveda of Pomona, Calif.; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

There will be a recitation of the Rosary today, Aug. 17, in the Immaculate Conception Church in Cottonwood at 7 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, Aug. 18, at the church at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Valley View Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 7400.

An online guest book may be signed at www.westcottfuneralhome.com.

Sandra M. Curtis

Sandra Michael Curtis, 49, of Flagstaff, died Aug. 5. She was born April 30, 1956, in Phoenix.

Ms. Curtishad worked as a hairdresser.

She leaves her parents, Jack Don Curtis and Annabelle Curtis; sons, Chris Christman, Jason Christman, Jeremy Curtis, Daniel B. Curtis and Jonathan Curtis; a brother, Joseph M. Curtis; and one grandchild.

Private family services already held.

An online guest book is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com.

James A. Middleton

James Alan Middleton, 44, of Cottonwood, died Aug. 13. He was born Dec. 9, 1960, in Douglas, Wyo.

He grew up on the family ranch in Wyoming. Jim graduated from high school in 1978. He rode saddle broncos in his 20's and 30's and worked as a pick up man at rodeos. His family owned a construction firm where he learned how to operate heavy equipment.

He moved to Arizona in 1993. He worked as a construction superintendent in Phoenix for Arcon, Inc.

Jim owned a softtail custom, but sold it to concentrate on racing his sand drag jeep. The whole family could enjoy it and participate. He finished second in the Fast Track Racing Association in the 2004 season. Jim had many long-term friends in Cottonwood and Phoenix who he enjoyed spending time with.

He enjoyed going to the sand dunes in Glammus, Calif., with family and friends to play in the sand. Jim liked to travel and explore backwoods in his jeep.

He is survived by his wife of nine years, Darla Middleton; two daughters, Nicole Middleton, 19, and Jennifer Middleton, 18, both of Cottonwood. He officially adopted them in 2004 but raised them as his own since 1994; his mother, Peggy Middleton, father, James Raymond Middleton; and brother Jeff Middleton who still live on the Wintermote Ranch outside of Douglas, Wyo.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Aug. 19, in the Westcott Funeral Home at 1 p.m.

An on line guest book is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com.