Obituaries, March 8, 2006

Santos Garcia

Santos R. Garcia, 78, of Camp Verde and formally from Flagstaff, was born March 31, 1927, in Miami, Arizona, and raised in Williams. He died March 3, 2006, in Flagstaff.

Mr. Santos served in the U.S. Army as a rifle M-1 marksman and parachute jumper and received several medals for World War II services. He worked over 30 years at Navajo Army Depot, Belmont, Ariz.

He will be missed by many and remembered by all as a kind, loving husband, father, grandfather, great­grandfather and leaves a legacy showing kindness to all in loving God, family and friends.

Mr. Santos is survived by his beloved family, sons Richard Garcia, Felipe (Veronica), Ramon (Veronica), daughters Viola (Alfredo Sr.) Contreras and Margaret (Luis) Garcia-Hernandez; and 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren. Brothers Pete (Jackie) Garcia of Cottonwood, Joe (Jeannie), of Washington, Espiridion of Williams, sisters Amparo Wells of Cottonwood, and Gloria Hudgins of Colto, Calif., and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded by his wife of 51 years Fedelina Garcia, his parents Jose and Maria Garcia, brothers Jesus and John, sisters Consuelo Kirkham and Esperanza Gonzalez.

Services will be at St. Pius Church, 2257 E. Cedar, Flagstaff. A Funeral Mass is today, March 8, 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery, 201 W. University.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Pius Catholic Church, Flagstaff AZ 86004.

Arrangements are under the direction of Norvel Owens Mortuary.

Riley G. Grey

Riley Greybull Grey, age 10, was born July 15, 1995, and died March 3, 2006.

He attended school at the Camp Verde Elementary, where he was in the fifth grade in Miss Skoug's class. He attended the Middle Verde Rock Church. He was in Karate and Band, and attended the Yavapai-Apache Rec and the Boys and Girls Club. He was Yavapai-Apache Tiny Tot boy in 1999 and Little Mr. Pageant Guy of America. He liked to play video games with his friends.

Riley lived in Middle Verde with his family.

He is survived by his father Cameron Grey Sr. and his mother Beverly Joanne Grey; brothers J.R. Grey and Edwin Chico Grey, of Salt River, and Clifford Santeo Grey of Middle Verde; sister Frances Elsie Grey of Middle Verde and niece Michell Grey of Middle Verde.

He also leaves behind his grandfather Herman Grey of Salt River and many other grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.

A visitation will be March 10 in the Yavapai Nation Middle Verde Little Rock Church from 5-10 p.m.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 11, at the Yavapai Apache Nation Middle Verde Gymnasium at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in the Yavapai Apache Tribal Cemetery.

A guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com.

Helen M. Feldhusen

Helen Marie Feldhusen, 83, of Sedona died March 1. Born in Drake, Ohio, Helen Attended Phoenix Union High School and Scottsdale Community College.

She will be remembered for her incredible acts of charity and kindness, which made her unable to pass any person in need without assisting in one way or another.

She was preceded in death by her son Frank, and survived by her husband Frank, four daughters Francine Trebell of Vancouver, British Columbia, Pamela Feldhusen of Gilbert, Deborah Feldhusen of New Zealand, Therese and her husband Jerry Tobish of Camp Verde; nieces Sheila Howard and grandchildren, Seriina, Kelly and Stacey.

A Funeral Mass will be said Friday, March 10 in the Immaculate Conception Church, Cottonwood, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in All Souls Cemetery.

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

Jack L. Gordon

Jack Gordon, 85, of Cottonwood, died March 4, 2006. Born on June 23, 1920, in Ellwood City, Pa., he was one of nine children.

On Nov. 28, 1958, he married Jeanette Gray, a widow with two teenaged daughters, Joan and Connie. He and Jeanette were active members of the Verde Baptist Church.

Jack is preceded in death by all of his brothers and sisters, and his wife, Jeanette, in 2002. He will be fondly remembered by his two stepdaughters, two step-grandsons, four step-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and by his many wonderful friends at Verde Baptist Church and Cottonwood Village.

There will be a memorial service in the Tiigavo Room (auditorium) at Cottonwood Village on Thursday, March 9, 2006, at 3:30 p.m.

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

Lela V. Hudson

Lela Vivian Hudson, 97, of Cottonwood, died with her daughter by her side on Monday, March 6, 2006.

She was born on Dec. 29, 1908, in Santa Maria, Calif., to George and Sarah (Elvidge) Chaffin.

She was a consummate seamstress, who designed, created and made the most beautiful clothing; not only for herself, but for others as well.

Truly, to know Lela, was to love her. She was one who continuously lost herself in the service of others. She loved her Lord, and she was devoted to her God. Indeed, she was a spiritual example for so many.

Lela is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, D.L. Hudson; her brother, William G. Chaffin, as well as his wife, Ruby.

Lela leaves behind her only child, Norene Graves of Cottonwood; her two nephews, Norman Hudson of Mississippi and Bill Hudson of California; her two nieces, Zella Leverett and Linda Wilkes, both of California.

A Graveside Service will be March 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cottonwood Cemetery, 600 N. Main St.

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

Katherine Kaufman

Katherine Matthews Kaufman, 36, of Cottonwood, died Feb. 22, 2006.

She was the wife of William Kaufman, adored mother of Grace and Dylan, cherished daughter of Chandler and Mary Matthews, sister of Mildred and Peter, and aunt of Isabelle.

Kate explored her Cherokee heritage. She saw the desert with an artist's eye, and she painted the visions in her mind's eye. She loved her children fiercely, and she nurtured her animals and garden.

A troubled spirit, a loving heart, at last at rest.

A Memorial Service was March 4 at the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Ann Arbor, Mich.

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

George G. Hastings

George Gilbert Hastings, 82, of Cottonwood, died March 5. He was born Jan. 7, 1924, to George Clarence and Estate (Sanger) Hastings in Rawlins, Wyo.

George was a high school graduate, a veteran of the U.S. Army, who served during World War II, and professionally he was an iron worker.

George leaves behind his wife Mary, of just five years; his two daughters, Judy Phillips of Camarill, Calif., and Nancy Hall of Talahassee, Fla.; and four grandchildren.

There are no services. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com.

James S. Johnson

James Sherman Johnson, 52, resident of Cottonwood, died March 3.

He was born in Elmhurst, Ill., to Arthur Yarnell and Betty Mae Johnson on Dec. 31, 1953. He was a high school graduate from Colorado Springs, Colo. Professionally, Jim was a painter until misfortune found him disabled.

He was active in Civil War Reenactments. He was a lover of fishing and dancing and enjoyed fixing things.

Jim leaves behind his wife of 16 years, Randee Lynn Paul; his daughter, Tammy of Colorado Springs; his father, Arthur Y. Johnson Jr. of Beavercreek, Ore.; his brother, Arthur Y. Johnson III of Portland, Ore.; his sisters, Barbara A. Johnson of Woodland Park, Colo., and Patricia Thompson of Breavercreek, Ore.

There are no services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the James Johnson Trust Fund at Chase Bank in Cottonwood.

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

Barbara Lou Nelssen

Barbara Lou Nelssen, 69, of Camp Verde, died March 1, 2006.

She was born in Pattua, Okla., to Wesly Oval and Lela Bertha (Fox) Hubbs on March 15, 1936.

In addition to being a homemaker, Barbara, with her husband, Kenneth, owned and operated the Tonto Basin General Store in Tonto Basin for many years.

Mrs. Nelssen leaves behind her husband, Kenneth, also of Camp Verde; her son Jeff Nelssen of Phoenix; her daughter Coleen James of Camp Verde; eight brothers and sisters, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A Memorial Gathering will be Sunday, March 19, at 10 a.m. at 4201 E. Hwy. 260, Camp Verde.

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

Robert C. Hansen

Robert Carl Hansen of Cottonwood died at his home on March 6, 2006.

Bob was born in Chicago on July 28, 1924. He proudly served his country in World War II as a pilot of the U.S. Army Air Corps 69th Fighter Squadron where he attained the rank of lieutenant. Stationed in the South Pacific, he is credited with downing the last Japanese fighter of WWII.

He was a graduate of UCLA and was an executive vice president of Yellow Front and Checker Auto in the 1970s, traveling extensively throughout the Pacific Rim as a buyer/importer.

Mr. Hansen retired in the early '80s and was an avid golfer and long time resident and member at the White Mountains Country Club in Pinetop.

Bob is survived by Beth, his loving wife of 30 years, his son Sam Hansen of Seattle, Wash., his daughter Kristen Rettig of Los Altos, Calif., his stepson, Mike Gardner of Cottonwood and four grandchildren.

Dorothy M. Barnes

Dorothy Mae Barnes died March 4, 2006, at her home in Camp Verde.

Dorothy was born Nov. 1, 1925, in Lane, Okla., to James and Sarah Lumen. Dorothy later moved to Arizona and has lived in the state for 66 years. Dorothy worked in healthcare and also as an electronic assembler.

Dorothy loved dancing, sewing, gardening and had a profound affection for horses. Family was No. 1 in Dorothy's life as she cared deeply for her children and grandchildren. Dorothy was truly a caring and giving person not only to her children and grandchildren but also to all those that crossed her path. Her many friends and even strangers were the benefactors of her kindness.

Dorothy is survived by her six children, 21 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

A viewing and visitation will be held today, March 8, at noon and a funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. at the Chapel of Bueler­Hepler Funeral Home located at 143 Arnold St. in Camp Verde. Pastor Randy Stickland will be officiating the services. Bueler­Hepler Funeral Home assisted the family.

Ora M. Edwards

Ora Mae Boren Edwards, 88, died March 6, 2006, at her home in Camp Verde. She was born June 19, 1917, in Tyrone, N.M., to Ervin Charles and Ora Ethel (York) Stout.

She had worked as a bookkeeper for many years and for several companies.

She is survived by a son, Ervin Boren, of Flagstaff, and daughter Shirley Barnes, of Camp Verde; four grandchildren Victor Boren, Valerie Geroy, Glenda Mabery, and Sharee Thornton; nine great-grandchildren also survive.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 10, at the Chapel of Bueler­Hepler Funeral Home, 143 Arnold St., Camp Verde, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. John Jenkins will be officiating the services.

Interment will take place immediately following the services at idle Verde Cemetery, Camp Verde, Arizona. Bueler­Hepler Funeral Home assisted the family.

Kyle J. McDaniel

Kyle Jordan McDaniel, 18, of Camp Verde, died March 4, 2006, in an auto accident. He was born July 22, 1987, in Phoenix.

Kyle attended the Tongue Point Job Corp for two years, studying cement masonry. He was working at Domino's Pizza in Camp Verde.

Kyle loved music.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bill McDaniel.

He leaves his mother and stepfather, Carole and Juan Martin Ramirez; brothers, Eric Perkins of Maryland and Shaun Perkins of Arizona; a sister, Dorothy McDaniel of Colorado; and a grandmother Mary Zvara of Arizona.

A visitation will be Thursday, March 9, in the Westcott Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m.

A funeral service will be March 10 in the Funeral Home at 1 p.m.

An on line guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com.


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