Arizona Obituary and Death Notice Archive

Arizona Obituary and Death Notice Archive

GenLookups.com - Arizona Obituary and Death Notice Archive - Page 50

Posted By: GenLookups
Date: Monday, 11 November 2013, at 1:19 a.m.

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Claude McNair
Funeral ceremonies for Claude McNair, 82, of the Ten Ranch were conducted November 19, 2002, at the New Life City Church of Safford by Pastor Phil Tutor.
Claude Warren McNair was born at his home along the Gila River, between Sheldon and York, in Greenlee County on Aug. 20, 1920. He was preceded in death by his parents, Philo and Maggie McNair, and six siblings. There is one surviving McNair child: Hope McNair Fladness of Tucson.
When Claude was 8 years old his father sold his cow herd and drove 80 head of cattle to Klondyke, there buying the T Rail Ranch in Aravaipa Canyon. Claude stayed on the Aravaipa ranch supporting his mother, Maggie Lacey McNair, and his family until February of 1972 when he moved his outfit to the Ten Ranch.
Growing up in Aravaipa he graduated from the 8th grade at the age of 14. His father asked him, "Do you want to go on to high school or go to work?" He chose to go to work.
Claude cowboyed on every ranch that joined the Apache Indian Reservation to the Eurekas north of the Bonita. He never signed on steady but he day-worked, primarily during roundup time. He saved his money ($1.50 a day plus board) and built up a pretty good cow herd.
As a young fellow, he got quite a reputation as a horse trader. Shortly before his death he said he could never recall making a bad trade.
He was drafted during World War II but never served as his older brother Woodrow did. He was the youngest son and was sole caretaker of his mother and the cattle ranch so he was never called up.
In 1947 he met and married Jesse Erlene Godfrey Taylor. They were married in Lordsburg, N.M. Erlene moved to an unplastered adobe house with no electricity, bringing her two daughters, Sherrill Ann and Colleen Kay. Claude not only raised her two daughters, but loved them as his own.
Born to this union was Terry Jane in 1947, and from the time Terry was in diapers she was riding with her dad. In 1954 Lacy Claude was born and the family was complete. Claude and Erlene were married for 37 years until her death in 1984. Claude later married Henrietta Morgaga, a union which lasted until 2000 when she too passed away.
His remaining years were spent living on the Ten Ranch, horseback riding, helping Terry and her husband, Jack Burgess, work cattle until just nine weeks before his death.
He served on the Klondyke school board for more than 20 years, served on the election board for years -- he felt that voting was a right, not a privilege -- was past president of the Cochise-Graham County Cattle Grower's Association, a long-time member of Arizona Cattle Growers and Farm Bureau. He served a short term on the EAC governing board during the '60s and also served as a deputy sheriff under Sheriff A. Sheet Bowman.
Claude is survived by: his daughters, Terry Burgess of the Ten Ranch and Colleen Mires of Safford; his son, Lacy (Butch) of the Ten Ranch; his sister, Hope Fladness of Tucson; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandchildren Brandon Warren McEuen and Mercedes McEuen; and his daughter, Sherrill Ann Taylor.
Here's joy to the present,
And to the future with hope,
Then the quick daily vuelta
At the end of the rope.
The family suggests donations to Mount Graham Hospice in Claude's memory.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.
Dated Saturday, December 07, 2002

Anna Leora Fuqua
Private family services for Anna Leora Phillips Fuqua, 86, of Safford will be conducted later this spring in Tennessee.
Anna was born April 5, 1916, in Warren County, Tennessee, the daughter of Clyde and Lela Ann Phillips. She grew up and spent her adolescent years there. Following her education, Anna met Brody Parkhurst and they married in July of 1932. Later, Anna met and married Paul Fuqua in July of 1947. In 1953, Paul passed away following a brief illness. Anna relocated to Safford from Michigan in 1982. She passed away Feb. 6, 2003, at Infinia in Safford.
Anna is survived by her daughter, Peggy of Safford; three sisters, Louise Carroll of Grants Pass, Ore., Norma Robinson, Safford, and Deane Beacham of Romeo, Mich.; three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren. Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Fuqua, and six brothers.
Arrangements are entrusted to Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.
Dated Monday, February 17, 2003

Mary Briggs Kirkham Purdy
Funeral services for Mary Briggs Kirkham Purdy, age 84, who passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at the University Medical Center, Tucson, were conducted by Bishop Bruce Dodge at the Thatcher Stake Center.
Internment followed in the Thatcher Cemetery.
Mary was born June 29, 1918 in Moroni, Utah, to Mary Ann Briggs and George Erastus Kirkham. She spent her younger years in Provo, Utah, and attended Brigham Young University where she graduated at the top of her class. She married William Earl Purdy in the Salt Lake Temple on Sept. 8, 1949.
She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, William Early Purdy; her children William K. Purdy of Thatcher, Richard K. Purdy and wife Susan of Tucson, Shauna Ana' Thee and husband See Ba of Laie, Hawaii, and Ann Charlene Clouse and husband Terrill of Mesa; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a sister, Maxine Larson of Overton, Nevada.
A life-long educator, she taught at different educational institutions, including Brigham Young University where she taught nutrition and was head of food services during World War II. After World War II, she was sent by the government to organize the school lunch program in Switzerland. After returning she was appointed by the governor of Utah to head the food services program for the state which, at the time, was the highest position for a woman in the state government. Later she was employed as County Home Agent in St. George, Utah, at Eastern Arizona College and Pima High School, where she taught in the Home Economics departments, and Fort Thomas Elementary School where she taught art and was the librarian.
An outstanding educator, she was beloved by her students and professional associates. She loved teaching art at Fort Thomas and had students who won state and national honors.
A life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many callings in the Relief Society, Sunday School, Primary and the Mutual Organizations. With her husband she served two missions for her church. The first was in the Granite Vault in Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake City, Utah, and the second at the Family History Genealogy Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. She also participated in the Extraction Program for 10 years. Always willing to serve wherever asked will be Mary's legacy.
Gregarious and outgoing, she loved being involved in many civic and art organizations, including Delta Kappa Gamma, Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild, Republican Women and The Arts Council. As a signature member of the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild, she had paintings exhibited in six consecutive major art shows in Tucson. As a superb watercolorist, her paintings hang in public and private collections throughout the West.
Mary found great joy in serving her family. Throughout her last years, she remained independent and strong, always wanting to live life to the fullest. Her faith gave her hope and strength to continue on. She will be forever remembered by her family as a loving, caring, giving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Dated Saturday, April 26, 2003

Imagene Frazier
Imagene Frazier, 95, passed away quietly at Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, Monday, May 19, 2003, after a brief illness.
Mrs. Frazier was a long-time resident of the Gila Valley. She was born Oct. 13, 1907, in Ancho, N.M., the daughter of William and Alice Guthrie. After completing high school, she attended State Teachers College in Silver City, N.M. When she completed her certification, she taught school in New Mexico and Wyoming.
She was an avid doll collector, loved to crochet, quilt and garden. She was a charter member of the order of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and Tucson Doll Guild. She also was one of the original participants in Cowboy Christmas and her booth was always filled with her beautiful quilts, afghans and dolls and stuffed animals. She loved to participate and enjoyed seeing her friends come by to visit each year.
Imagene was preceded in death by her husband, John Coy Frazier; her daughters, Barbara Nelson and Patricia Hinton; her son, James Frazier and great-granddaughter Kayla.
She is survived by her daughter Jo (Jerry) Hancock of Safford; her sons, Jerry Frazier of Artesia, N.M., and Richard (Deann) Frazier of Safford, 17 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were conducted Friday, May 23, at the Safford Cemetery.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.
Dated Wednesday, June 04, 2003

Jesus M. Escamillas
Jesus M. Escamillas or "Cheuy," as he was affectionately known by many, was born Dec. 5, 1929, at Metcalf. He grew up there, obtaining his education from Metcalf and Morenci schools.
Following his graduation from Morenci High School in 1951, Cheuy enlisted in the United States Army to help support the effort abroad of the Korean War. In 1953, following an honorable discharge, Cheuy returned home to Morenci, obtaining work with Phelps Dodge Mining Corporation.
In 1955, Cheuy met Juanita Sierra. They were married later that same year. In 1961, Cheuy and Juanita moved their young family to California, where he obtained work with the Fasson Paper Company in Cucamonga. In 1989, following more than 20 years of dedication to the paper company, Cheuy retired.
He and Juanita returned to Arizona, making their residence on the ranch just outside of Duncan. Cheuy could often be found out and about working on the ranch. He reveled in telling stories of his life growing up in Lower Eagle Creek, his childhood and of his lifes experiences. Cheuy was a kind and caring gentleman who never knew a stranger. He will be remembered as a loving father, husband, brother, grandfather and friend. Cheuy's faith in God, love for his family and zest for life will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Cheuy was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Mission Parish and a Korean War Veteran.
Cheuy is survived by his wife of 48 years, Juanita of Duncan; his daughter, Rosanna (Jess) Lopez of Pomona, Calif.; two sons, Jess and Larry (Angela) of Tucson; his brothers, Marcelino Aragon, Catalino Aragon and Pete Aragon of Calif.; his daughter-in-law, Diana R. Escamillas of Tucson; and eight grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Oct. 3 at St. Mary's Catholic Mission by Rev. Raul H. Rosales. Committal with military rites conferred by the Clifton American Legion Post # 28 followed in the Duncan Cemetery.
A rosary and prayer vigil was recited Oct. 2 at St. Mary's Catholic Mission.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.
Dated Wednesday, October 08, 2003

Donald Johnston
Funeral ceremonies for Donald Johnston, 89, of Pima, were conducted Friday, April 6, at the Pima LDS Chapel by Bishop Lynn Saline. Concluding ceremonies followed in the Thatcher Cemetery.
Donald Leroy Johnston was born June 12, 1912, in Sanford, Colo., the son of Hiram and Willa Johnston. He was one of 12 children born unto this union. At the age of two, Donald's family relocated to Pima and later to Glenbar, as his father rented a farm there. Following his education at Pima High School, Donald married his high school sweetheart, Ina Grace Higgins, on Nov. 23, 1932. Together Donald and Ina began raising their young family. As he worked on the family farm, Ina remained in the home tending to the children. In 1939, Donald obtained work as a mechanic at a garage in Duncan and later at Ash Peak Mine in 1946.
In 1949, Donald and Ina moved to Medford, Ore., where he worked for a logging business. In 1951, they returned to the Gila Valley, where Donald worked for the Graham County Sheriff's Department and later at John Deere Company. In 1956, Donald gained work with the Arizona State Highway Department. In 1974, following several years of dedicated service, Donald retired from the highway department. In retirement, Donald tended to Ina, as she was suffering from a decline in health. Donald will be remembered as a loving father, brother and friend to many. Donald was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Donald is survived by his son, LaVon; his daughter, Sally; two brothers, Orvel and Doyle; two sisters, Vada and Ila; 14 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.
Dated Tuesday, April 16, 2002

Shirley Cleland Fernandes
Shirley Cleland Fernandes, 64, of Safford passed away on Jan. 3, 2003. She was born on June 2, 1938, in Macomb, Ill. She lived in Faribault, Minn. until 1950, when she headed west with her family to Safford. In her adult years she lived in many places in the United States and even lived for a time in Australia. She eventually settled in Phoenix in 1978 where she worked for Agua Fria Union High School and Arizona Public Service. She retired in Safford in 1996.
She is survived by her husband, Hector Fernandes Jr. of Safford; son, Michael Worden of San Francisco, Calif.; mother, Eleanor Teague of Safford; sister, Diane Hawthorne of Safford; brothers, Bob Cleland of Phoenix, Rick Cleland of Prescott and Gary Cleland of Safford; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Archie Cleland; stepfather, Cy Teague; and brother, Jim Cleland. Shirley's family and many friends will miss her warm heart, quick smile and gentle wit. They will cherish the wonderful memories she leaves them. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 3 p.m., at Faith Lutheran Church, 221 E. Main St., Safford.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.
Dated Monday, January 20, 2003

Louis DeLaO
Louis (Louie) DeLaO passed away at his home in Safford on March 15, 2002. He was born in Socorro, N.M., on Aug. 10, 1924, and was raised and schooled in Gallup, N.M.
He joined the Army and served from May 1943 until his discharge in October, 1946. In September of 1943 he was sent to Morenci to work for Phelps Dodge. At the time, P.D. was a defense plant for the war effort. He returned to Morenci after the war and worked there for 35 years. He retired as a welder in 1977 due to medical reasons.
It was while working at Morenci that he met his wife, Irene. They were married on March 23, 1944, the day before he went back onto active duty where he served with the Fighting 69th Infantry in Europe under Gen. George Patton and Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Allied Commander.
Survivors are his wife, Irene of Safford; sons, Arnold and Michael (Brenda) of Safford; daughter Patsy Armenta (Tony) of Mammoth, 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two brothers and four sisters, all of Gallup, N.M.; several nieces and nephews and loads of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers and sisters.
Louis was a devoted volunteer after he retired, but who said he retired? Some of his accomplishments were volunteering for the Community Action Program (CAP) for many years, St. Vincent De Paul, RSVP, he worked on restoring the Pima Catholic Church, Meals on Wheels, the Vision Impaired Program (VIP), helped with the gleaning program for schoolchildren, and he also helped with the summer lunch program, plus many more too numerous to mention. It was while working with VIP that he and the coordinator, Lois Theisen, saw the need for a dialysis center in Safford as many had to make the trip to Tucson or Globe up to three times a week. They found many obstacles but never gave up until the hospital became involved and the local dialysis center became reality.
For all his accomplishments Louis received many awards and certificates including the one he was most proud of, an award for volunteering in 1985 from then-President Ronald Reagan. He and his family were nominated for the 2001 Pride of Safford Award.
Louie was known by many for his caring and generosity for the people in the community where he lived. When anyone needed a helping hand he was there one way or another, often dropping what he was doing and going to help the ones in need.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.

Lorene Lovina Hatter
Funeral services for Lorene Lovina Mae Thurman Hatter, 96, of Safford, were conducted Wednesday, April 3, 2002 at 10 a.m. at the Ft. Thomas L.D.S. Chapel. Interment followed in the Emery Cemetery.
Lorene was born Sept. 23, 1905, in LaFlore County, Okla., and was raised in Howe, Okla. She married Henry "France" Hatter in December of 1929. Lorene worked most of her life in the fields chopping cotton and picking fruit. She moved to Arizona in 1944 and eventually settled in Ft. Thomas. Lorene enjoyed tatting, quilting and embroidering.
Survivors include her children, Audrey Owen of Safford, Georgia Maeder of Cedar City, Utah, James "Pete" Hatter of Grand Prairie, Texas, Mary Black of Ft. Thomas, and Charlene Long of Safford; brothers, Fred, Raymond, and Ted Thurman. Thirty grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and 22 great-great grandchildren also survive. Lorene was preceded in death by two sons, Mike Hatter and Elza Ray Hatter, and her husband France Hatter.
Complete arrangements for Lorene Lovina Mae Thurman Hatter were entrusted to Bunkers Caldwell Chapel.

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