Obituaries, July 12, 2006

Charles E. Middleton

Charles "Charlie" Edwin Middleton, 67, of Cottonwood, died July 3, 2006. Charlie was born and raised in Arkansas, where he spent most of his life.

He graduated from Quitman High School. He then did a tour of duty in the Navy. After the Navy, he pursued his passion for trucks and over the road driving, working for Traveler Boats, Transcon and retired in 1997 after 28 years with ABF Freight Systems.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Jacksonville, Ark., and the Scottish Rite of Little Rock, Ark., and the Teamsters of Little Rock, Ark. He was a member of the Sedona United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Hassell Maxson of Arizona, his two daughters Karen Middleton Britton of Colorado, Sheila Middleton Salsman of New Mexico, and four grandchildren.

A visitation will be July 14 at Rest Hills Funeral Home, from 5 to 8 p.m., 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock AR 72114. Call (501) 835-3515.

A Celebration of his life will be held at the Rest Hills Chapel on July 15 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 220 W. Main St., Jacksonville AK 72076 or the Sedona United Methodist Church, 110 Indian Cliffs Road, Sedona AZ 86336. Memorial services for Charlie will also be held at a later date in Arizona. A separate posting will be published with dates, locations and times.

To sign the online guest book go to www.grffinleggett.com

George 'Red' Mathews

George "Red" Mathews, 98, of Cottonwood, died July 6, 2006. He was born May 19, 1908, to George W. and Elizabeth B. (Edwards) Mathews in Laramie, Wyo.

He was a member of the Masonic Order. He was married to Belle Mathews for 60 years until her death 15 years ago.

Red always had a great story to tell, and he will be best remembered for his wonderful sense of humor. His most memorable times were those spent working for the Rockefeller family at the JY Ranch, located in Jackson Hole, Wyo.

Red leaves behind his "adopted" son and daughter, Paul and Deborah Wilkins.

Funeral Service with one-hour prior visitation will be July 19 at Westcott Funeral Home, 1013 E. Mingus Ave., in Cottonwood. Visitation will begin at noon with the Funeral Service to follow at 1 p.m. Red will be laid to rest at the Valley View Cemetery in Clarkdale immediately following services.

Contributions made in Red's name can be sent to: Northern Arizona Hospice, 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood AZ 86326.

An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com.

Leila L. Griswold

Leila Leith Griswold died in Cornville June 25, 2006. She was 59.

She was the daughter of Arabella Leith Symington Griswold and the late Benjamin H. Griswold III. She was a graduate of the Garrison Forest School and the University of Pennsylvania. She also received a bachelor's degree in social work as well as her master's in education and human development from the University of Maryland and was a licensed social worker in Baltimore for many years. She continued her practice in a number of western states, most recently in Arizona where she lived for two years.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by two brothers, Benjamin H. Griswold IV, and Jack S. Griswold; and a sister, Nancy G. Knox.

A memorial service is planned on Aug. 4, 11:30 a.m., at Fancy Hill Farm followed by interment at St. James Church, Monkton, Md.

Alyce Beard

Alyce Beard, 97, of Cottonwood, died July 5, 2006. She was born in Camp Verde on Nov. 1, 1908, to William and Maud (Reid) Goddard.

She is survived by a daughter, Marilyn Valenzuela, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Services will be private.

Denna J. Beck

Denna Jean (Fullen) Beck, 63, of Cornville, died Thursday, July 6, 2006. Denna was born Sept. 12, 1942, to Thomas Fullen and Benny Lofgreen. She was born in Mesa and remained in Arizona her entire life.

Denna held many titles in life, however, the ones she treasured the most were "Mom" and "Grandma." She loved her family and she taught them the true meaning of love and hard work.

Denna was employed at the Sedona Circle K.

Denna is survived by two sons, Clay Lewis Watson (Melissa), of Wittman, and R. Scott Watson (Marci), of Phoenix; three daughters, Shawna West (Gary), of Cottonwood, Darla Montes with Jim Massaro, of Phoenix, and Carla Watson of Phoenix; 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be Friday, July 14, at 10:30 a.m. at Westcott Funeral Home, 1013 E. Mingus Ave., in Cottonwood.

An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com.


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