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Forrest R. "Rick" Rickard
Forrest R. "Rick" Rickard, 79, died Friday, January 26, 2001, in Tucson. He was born June 12, 1921, in Douglas to Althea (Wilcoxson) & Frank Randell Rickard. He was awarded a bachelor of science degree in mining engineering from the University of Arizona in May 1942. After his graduation, he and his wife moved to Ajo where he worked for Phelps Dodge Corporation's New Cornelia Branch from May 1942 through June 1978. He spent the last twelve years of his PD career as smelter superintendent. In 1963 the University of Arizona awarded Mr. Rickard the professional degree of metallurgical engineer. He was a founding member of the Ajo Historical Society and was considered an expert on both local and mining history. He maintained a life membership in that organization and also belonged to the many other historical and profession organizations. He wrote several papers on the mining industry and published a book, Exploring, Mining, Leaching, and Concentrating of Copper Ores as Related to The Development of Ajo, Arizona (to Mid-Year 1942). He was an active member of the Ajo Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Tucson. He was a board member and secretary of the Pima County Parklands Foundation, Pima County Parks and Recreation Board, and was a former member of the University of Arizona Alumni Board. Mr. Rickard is survived by his wife of 59 years, Doris Rickard, and by his children and many other family members. Private family services were held.
Lester Arnold "Les" Wilson
Lester Arnold "Les" Wilson, 67, died January 29, 2001, at the Tucson Medical Center Hospice. He was born August 18, 1933, in Creede, Colorado, to Edna Mae (Robberson) & William Cephus Wilson. He moved to Ajo from McCall, Idaho, in 1993 and worked for Minerals Research & Recovery as a heavy equipment operator. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Fay Wilson, by his mother and his children, and by many other family members. Private services will be held.
Verna M. Hudson
Verna M. Hudson, 76, died March 3, 2001, in Casa Grande Regional Medical Center. She was born January 4, 1925, in Seygeah, Oklahoma, to Alice (Williams) and William J. Moore. She came to Ajo from North Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1955 and lived here the rest of her life. Many longtime residents remember Mrs. Hudson helping her husband Harvey with mechanic jobs and at their ice dock. After her husband's death, Mrs. Hudson turned to helping care for others, tending to sick and elderly people in their homes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey L. Hudson, who died February 11, 1987. She is survived by her sons & daughters and many other family members.
Fidel M. Gonzales Sr.
Fidel M. Gonzales Sr., 88, died August 2, 2001, in Phoenix. He was born April 24, 1913, in Salt Lake, New Mexico, to Ambrosio & Anita Gonzales. He married Dorothy Lewis on July 17, 1935 in Los Angeles, California, and they came to Ajo in 1948. He operated the Gonzales Barber & Beauty Shop in Mexican Town. The shop was later moved to the Gibson area. Mr. Gonzales was recognized by the Arizona Board of Barbers as having the oldest owner-established barber shop in the state of Arizona. He worked in the barbershop until he was 87 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Gonzales, who died in 1989 Mr. Gonzales is survived by his sons and daughters, and by many other family members. Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 10, at Douglass Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated by Father Richard Rego in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 11. Burial will be in Ajo Cemetery.
Suzanne M. "Sue" O'Rourke
Suzanne M. "Sue" O'Rourke, 65, died July 30, 2001, in Kindred Hospital in Phoenix. She was born September 15, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louise (Pingel) and Roy Anderson. She married Thomas O'Rourke in Houston, Texas, in 1964. A secretary, she worked for a real estate firm in San Diego, California, before moving to Ajo in 1990. She is survived by her husband, Tom O'Rourke of Ajo, and by her son and other family members. Memorial services will be led by the Rev. Gary Stacy at the Full Gospel Fellowship Church at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 10.
Steve M. Rogers
Steve M. Rogers, 54, of Why died in July in Nebraska. He is survived by his mother, Bessie Rogers of Omaha, Nebraska, by his sons and daughter-in-law, and other family members. Military services were held July 30 in Omaha.
Arturo Dorame
Arturo Dorame, 92, died at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Tucson on Thursday, July 19, 2001. Mr. Dorame was born April 18, 1909, in Tombstone, to Gregoria (Gomez) and Jose Dorame. He came to Ajo in 1945 and lived here for 56 years. He was a driller's helper when he retired from Phelps Dodge Corp. Mr. Dorame is survived by his wife Ysidora Dorame of Ajo; by his children, and by many other family members. Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, July 25, at 6 p.m. at Douglass Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated by Father Richard Rego in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Thursday, July 26, at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Ajo Cemetery.
Louis M. Ramirez
Louis M. Ramirez, 83, died in St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson on Friday, July 20, 2001. Mr. Ramirez was born March 25, 1918, in Ajo to Antonia (Martinez) & Milardo Ramirez. He lived in Ajo all his life and was a graduate of Ajo High School. A dragline operator, he retired from Phelps Dodge Corporation. Mr. Ramirez was preceded in death by his wife, Sofia Ramirez, who died November 13, 2000. He is survived by his son and daughters, and by many other family members. Rosary will be recited on Friday, July 27, at 6 p.m. at Douglass Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated by Father Richard Rego in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday, July 28, at 10 a.m.
Ruth J. Taylor
Ruth J. Taylor, 90, died in Silver City, New Mexico, on July 17, 2001. Mrs. Taylor was born March 25, 1911, in Fruita, Colorado. She moved to Cottonwood from Colorado in 1940 and came to Ajo in 1950 from Clarkdale. She married Murlin A. "Bill" Taylor in 1934 in Palisade, Colorado. A homemaker her whole life, she was active in the community. Mrs. Taylor was preceded in death by husband on April 20, 1990. She is survived by a son & daughter and other family members. Services at Ajo Federated Church on Friday, July 20, were conducted by Pastor Roger Smith. Graveside services were held in Ajo Cemetery where she was buried next to her husband.
Eliza Lopez Zazueta
Eliza Lopez Zazueta, 87, died in Glendale on Wednesday, July 18, 2001. Mrs. Zazueta was born November 20, 1912, in Trincheras, Sonora, Mexico. She lived most of her life in Sonoyta, but resided in Glendale for several years. She is survived by her son Romeo Cubillas of Ajo, by her other sons and daughters, and many other family members. She was buried on Saturday, July 21, in Sonoyta, Sonora, Mexico.
Joseph Henry "Joe" Nelson
Joseph Henry "Joe" Nelson, 69, died Tuesday, June 19, 2001, at his home in Ajo. He was born in Nevis, Minnesota, on January 28, 1932. He came to Ajo from Minnesota in 1947 and lived here the rest of his life. He worked as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service until he retired. He is survived by his daughters and by many other family members. Private services are planned.
James Robert "Jim" Patrick
James Robert "Jim" Patrick, 61, died June 14, 2001, at his home in Why. Mr. Patrick was born Dember 18, 1939, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, to John & Kathryn (Salmans) Patrick. A college graduate, he worked for Westinghouse Electric as an accountant. He moved to Why from Rock Hill, South Carolina, in 1997. He is survived by his son & daughter-in-law and by his grandson. Memorial services will be held in South Carolina.
John W. Corp, Sr.
John W. Corp, Sr., 89, died Wednesday, May 23, at his home in Ajo. He was born January 23, 1912, in San Jose, California, to Pearl E. (Thompson) & Joshua W. Corp. He was the owner and operator of an auto repair shop until he retired in 1980. He and his wife Dorothy came to Ajo in 1988. They quickly became active in local affairs and he served as president of the Ajo Lions Club for his first three years in town. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy L. (Comstock) Corp of Ajo, by his sons and daughters, and by many other family members. Memorial services will be led by Pastor Rob Johnston at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 2.
Esther Barragan
Esther Barragan, 70, died May 14, 2001, at Hospice of the Valley at Desert Samaritan Care Center in Mesa. She was born November 19, 1930, in Clarkdale to Isabel (Orozco) & Efren Gonzales. She married Thomas "Rudy" Barragan on July 1, 1950, in Prescott, the same year she moved to Ajo. A homemaker, Mrs. Barragan devoted many hours to volunteer work at the Ajo Community Health Center. She had a friendly, outgoing personality and a ready smile. She is survived by her husband, Rudy Barragan of Ajo; by her daughters, and by many other family members. Mass was celebrated by Father Richard Rego in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Friday morning, May 18. Burial was in the Ajo cemetery. Pallbearers were Rudolfo Gonzales, Alvaro Sepulveda, George Moreno, Carlos Sepulveda, Bobby
Wayne V. King Jr.
Wayne V. King Jr., 41, died April 27, 2001, in Reno, Nevada. He was born September 2, 1959, in Ajo and lived here until he was 21 when he left for Spokane, Washington. Known as Beaver to his family and friends, he was a silversmith and traveled extensively. He is survived by his mother, Leona King of Ajo, and by his children and many other family members. Graveside services were held Sunday evening, May 13, at the Childs Ranch Cemetery with Pastor England officiating.
Ruth M. Wood
Ruth M. Wood died Tuesday, May 15, 2001, at her home in Orangevale, California. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 7, 1921. Her family moved to California, while she was a child and she lived there the rest of her life. She is survived by her husband, Jack Wood; by her sons, Dennis Roney and Richard Barajas; by her daughters Pam Spencer, Gail Provencal, and Linda Gonzales; and by many other family members. Services are being held at Cochrane's Chapel of the Roses in Roseville, California, on Wednesday morning, May 23. Interment will be at the Auburn District Cemetery in Auburn, California.
Robert G. Moreno
Robert G. Moreno, 69, of Phoenix, died May 27, 2001, in St. Luke's Hospice. He was born in Ajo on June 20, 1931, to Ramalda (Gonzalez) & Manuel Moreno. He was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. He worked for the City of Phoenix for over 24 years before retiring. Mr. Moreno is survived by his son and daughters and many other family members. Mass was celebrated by Father Richard Rego in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday morning, June 2. Burial was in the Ajo Cemetery with military graveside honors by VFW Post 3578 and American Legion Post 10.
Roberta Nichols Jackson Ours
Roberta Nichols Jackson Ours, 79, of Tucson, died May 26, 2001. She was born April 25, 1922, in Coalton, Oklahoma, to Elizabeth M. & John Nichols. She came to Ajo as an infant in 1923 and grew up here, leaving soon after her graduation from Ajo High School. A registered nurse, she completed her training at St. Maryís School of Nursing. She last worked at a nursing home in Tucson. She was preceded in death by her first husband, John L. Jackson, and by her second husband, James J. Ours. She is survived by her son and daughter and by many other family members. Graveside services were conducted by Pastor Roger Smith in the Ajo Cemetery on Thursday morning, May 31.
Mary Alice Ashby
Mary Alice Ashby, 63, of Riverside, died Saturday, May 26, 2001, in Miami. She was born in Ajo on January 2, 1938, to Ada (Wells) and Otis B. "Buck" Tinnin. She was a lifelong resident of Arizona. On November 3, 1955, she married Homer Douglas Ashby in Ray. A housewife, she enjoyed painting in oils and working with wood. She is survived by her husband, Homer Douglas Ashby of Riverside, by her children, and by many other family members. Memorial services were held Thursday, May 31, at Kearny Southern Baptist Church with Pastor Gene Talley officiating. Interment was private. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorial donations by made to Banner Hospice, 2250 E. Highway 60, Suite B, Miami, Arizona 85539.
Basil J. Black
Basil J. Black, 84, died July 14, 2001, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Tucson. He was born November 2, 1916, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Inga (Soleberg) & Joseph Black. He served in the US Army during World War II. He worked as a car painter for an automotive shop for most of his life and then worked as paper dyer for Scott Paper before he retired. A winter visitor, Mr. Black moved to Ajo on a full-time basis two years ago from Everette Washington. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Scoleri Black of Ajo, by his son and his step-daughters, and by other family members. He will be buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Everette, Washington.
Ruth Russo
Ruth Russo of Why died June 29, 2001, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Tucson. There were no services
Concepcion "Concha" Lopez
Concepcion "Concha" Lopez, 90, died May 3, 2002, in Mesa. She was born May 14, 1911, in Pitiquito, Sonora, Mexico, to Dolores (Ortega) and Jose Maria Fonseca. She came to Ajo in 1920 and married Benito "Benny" Lopez in 1932. After the death of her husband in 1999, she moved to Gilbert. She is survived by her sons and daughter and by many other family members. Mass was recited in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial was next to her husband in Ajo Cemetery.
Marcus Sylvester Childs
Marcus Sylvester Childs, 62, died May 12, 2002, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was born on May 16, 1939, to Amelia (Marquez) and John Childs. He lived in Ajo until moving to Los Angeles. He married Gloria Flores on September 10, 1995, in Las Vegas. He was a musician and a truck driver. He is survived by his wife, sons, stepchildren, and many other family members. Services were held in Douglass Funeral Home; burial was in Childs Cemetery at Ten Mile Ranch.
Marion Isobel Morton
Marion Isobel Morton, 76, died May 12, 2002, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She was born November 21, 1925, in Verdun, Quebec, Canada, to Mary Ann (Reed) and Norman Bean. A resident of Cayley, Alberta, Canada, she and her husband John bought a winter home in Ajo in 1991. She is survived by her husband, daughters, and many other family members. Funeral services were held in Canada.
Orsina Castillo
Orsina Castillo, 57, died March 11, 2001, in St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix. She was born in Ajo on October 28, 1943, to Bertha Maria (Soto) & Ramiro Gonzales, and lived here all her life. She married Abelardo Castillo on February 2, 1963, and together they raised a family. She enjoyed crafts and flowers but most of all she enjoyed her family and taking care of her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Abelardo "Lito" Castillo of Ajo; by her father, Ramiro Gonzales of Ajo; and by her children and grandchildren.
Thomas Martin "Marty" Winkler Jr.
Thomas Martin "Marty" Winkler Jr., 44, of Why died March 13, 2001, in Tucson. He was born October 9, 1956, in Albany, Georgia, to Peggy (Mozingo) & Thomas Martin Winkler Sr. He was a field operations supervisor for the United States Border Patrol who came here from Vista, California, fourteen years ago. He is survived by his wife, Susan Winkler, and his children, Harlan Thomas Winkler and Victoria Louise Winkler, of Why; and by many other family members.
Paulette Jean Chico
Paulette Jean Chico, 32, of Tucson, died March 13, 2001. She was born September 15, 1968, in Ajo. She is survived by her parents, Claude & Lillian; by her children, William and Alexis; and by her sisters, her brother, and many other family members and friends. Funeral services were held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 20, followed by interment at Ajo Cemetery.
Margaret M. Rendon
Margaret M. Rendon, 73, died March 19, 2001, in St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix. She was born in Miami on September 10, 1927, to Eustacia (Martinez) & Leonardo Molina. She came to Ajo from California in 1940. On September 16, 1946, she married Ralph Rendon in Sonoyta, Sonora, Mexico. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph S. Rendon, who died November 10, 1995. She is survived by her daugher and other family members. Mass was celebrated by Father John O'Rourke in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday, March 24. Burial was in Ajo Cemetery by her husband.
Ralph E. Shelly
Ralph E. Shelly died March 19, 2001, in Peoria, Arizona. He was born in Ajo in 1925 and grew up here. At the time of his retirement, he was superintendent of Baltz School District in Phoenix. He is survived by his daughter and son and other family members. Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Michael Joseph Krmpotich
Michael Joseph Krmpotich, 72, died March 17, 2001. He was born in Clarkdale on June 3, 1928, to Mike & Mary Krmpotich. He was graduated from high school in Clarkdale and then attended the University of Arizona on a football scholarship. He received his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1951. In May 1958 he married Marlene Creighton in Clarkdale. They lived in Ajo where he worked for Phelps Dodge and she was a nurse at New Cornelia Hospital. In 1964 the family moved to Tempe where Mr. Krmpotich built the Spreckles Sugar factory, a facility he managed until his retirement. After retiring, he and his wife made their home in Tempe. He is survived by his wife, Marlene Krmpotich of Tempe, by his children, and by many other family members. Rosary was recited in St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Clarkdale on Tuesday, March 20. Mass was celebrated there on Wednesday, March 21. Burial was in Clarkdale Cemetery.
Barbara A. Schnell
Barbara A. Schnell, 58, of Why, died on Tuesday, April 24, 2001, in St. Joseph's Hospital in Tucson. She was born in Ajo on March 10, 1943, to Talmadge R. & Ina Belle (Nelson) Cooper. A lifelong resident of the area, she was a graduate of Ajo High School. She married Donald Schnell on October 20, 1970, in Lordsburg, New Mexico. Mrs. Schnell was a homemaker and worked for many years as bookkeeper for the Why Utility Company. She is survived by her husband, Don Schnell of Why, by her mother, Belle Cooper of Ajo; by her sons and by daughters, and by many other family members. Memorial services were held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 3, at the Elks Lodge.
Donald David Gregory
Donald David Gregory, 86, died Wednesday, March 28, 2001, at his home in Woodland, California. He was born November 30, 1914, in Morley, Missouri. He was a coal miner for thirty years, working as a drag line operator in Indiana and Wyoming. He retired in 1980. He and his wife Anne enjoyed spending their winters in Ajo where they made many friends at the Senior Nutrition Program and at Calvary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Ann Gregory of Woodland, California and by many other family members. Services were held at McNary's Chapel in Woodland, California. Interment was at Sikeston Memorial Park in Missouri.
Donald "Shorty" Dunn
Donald "Shorty" Dunn, 85, died in Good Samaritan Medical Center at 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, 2001. He was born September 21, 1916, in Valley City, North Dakota, to Irving & Mae Dunn. He married Frances Marry Carman in November 1945 in Jamestown, North Dakota. Before and during the Great Depression he was a farmer near Valley City. He later worked for the North Dakota Highway Department and on the Garrison Dam near Bismarck, North Dakota. The family moved to Phoenix in 1954 and Mr. Dunn worked first for John Long Homes, then on the Glen Canyon Dam, and finally Union Rock Construction Co. as a heavy duty mechanic. They moved to Ajo in February 1988. He is survived by his wife, Frances Mary Dunn of Ajo, by his son & daughters, and by many other family members. Funeral services are being planned for a later date at Full Gospel Fellowship.
