Wickenburg Obituaries from the Wickenburg Sun
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Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona
September 18, 1996
MARGARET M. RADKE of Wickenburg died Sept. 15 in Wickenburg. She was 70. Mrs. Radke Was born Dec. 11, 1925 in Danville, Virginia. She had lived in Arizona for the past 3 1/2 years. Mrs. Radke retired from teaching school after 12 years with the Texas school system. She and her husband were married Feb. 14, 1953 and enjoyed 43 years of marriage.
Survivors include her husband Joseph RADKE of Wickenburg; daughters Kathryn THURMAN of Kansas, Margaret JOHNSON of Mesa and Jeanne MORRIS of Yarnell; sons Al LENNERT of Congress and Michael LENNERT of Texas; sister Anne NEWMAN of Durham, N.C.; brother James Westbrook of Asheville, N.C.; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Visitation will be today (Wednesday, Sept. 18) from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brown's Wickenburg Funeral Home chapel. Cremation will follow visitation.
There will be no funeral services. Contributions may be made to In Home Health Care, 2019 W. Wickenburg Way, Wickenburg AZ 85390.
Brown's Wickenburg Funeral Home, Inc. handled all the arrangements.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona
January 17, 1947
RAMIREZ CHILD IS INFLUENZA VICTIM
SYLVIA RAMIREZ, three-month-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis RAMIREZ of Wickenburg, passed away Wednesday, January 8, a victim of influenza. The child’s death occurred at the family home here. Funeral services were held the following day conducted by Father L. O’Dougherty of St. Anthony’s church and burial was in the Catholic cemetery. Survivors, besides the father and mother, are a sister, Nickie, age four, and a brother, Tom, age two. The child’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Y. L. GARCIA, also survive.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
April 28, 2004, B9
HELEN G. RAMSEY, 88, passed away on April 25, 2004 in Prescott. She was born in Windber, Penn. on July 12, 1915 to Paul and Gertrude Ramsey. She is survived by her 23-year companion Paul Wilson; three daughters Sandra Cross, Congress; Joanne Hughson, Wickenburg; and Cinthia Reidhead, Show Low; brother Paul Cook, Ohio; sister Babe, Pennsylvania; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 28, 2004 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Frey Funeral Home, Wickenburg. Service will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2004, at 1 p.m. at the Congress Cemetery in Congress. Arrangements by Frey Funeral Home.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
June 25, 2008
GIOVANNI RANDAZZO, age 96, passed away June 17 at his home in Wickenburg.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 21 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Fr. George Highberger as celebrant. Visitation was from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery in Staten Island, N.Y., following a funeral mass on Thursday, June 26 in Brooklyn.
Giovanni was born and raised in Sicily and was a farmer there for years before immigrating to the United States in 1955 and settling in Brooklyn. He had worked in the bottling manufacturing industry for years.
He came to Arizona in 2003 living with his son and daughter-in-law here in Wickenburg. He could be seen almost daily in Wickenburg in his wheelchair with his son Biagio pushing him where he wanted to go. Giovanni was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church.
He is survived by his children Biagio Randazzo (Rowena) of Wickenburg, Nancy Riccobono (Jiacomo) of Tempe, and Maria Orlando (Mario) of Scottsdale, 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Arrangements were under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
March 20, 1962
Mrs. Coxwell’s Father Summoned
E. W. RANDOLPH of Long beach, California, father of Mrs. Roy COXWELL, died in that city last Saturday morning after a long illness. Funeral services were held at 11 o’clock Wednesday morning at Mottells Mortuary in Long beach with burial in Westminster Memorial Park. Mr. & Mrs. Coxwell went to Long Beach immediately after receiving word of Mr. Randolph’s death.
Surviving are the widow and one other daughter, Thais RANDOLPH of Long beach, and two grandchildren, Royce Ann and Randy COXWELL of Wickenburg.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
Oct. 5, 1956, p. 1
EDWIN RANDOLPH Fatally Injured In Head-On Crash
Funeral services for Edwin W. (Buddy) RANDOLPH, Wickenburg resident who was fatally injured in an automobile accident at 10:45 p.m. Monday, will be conducted by Dr. Charles S. POLING in the Wickenburg Chapel at 11 o'clock this (Friday) morning. Burial will follow in the Wickenburg Cemetery.
According to Highway Patrolman Hobe SMITH, who investigated the accident, Randolph was driving east in a 1950 Dodge sedan on the wrong side of the road and crashed head on into a truck driven by Michael E, HICKEY of Phoenix and traveling toward Wickenburg. Smith says the truck driver, in a last minute effort to avoid the collision, tried to swerve to the side of the road. The impact caused the truck to turn over in a cut on the side of the road about 100 feet
this side of the Lazy RC I entrance.
Hickey was driving from Marana, Ariz., to Portland, Oregon, with a Payne & Donaldson truck of Tucson loaded with cottonseed meal. Asleep in the truck was the relief driver, Ralph Olds of Tucson. Neither Hickey nor Olds were injured.
Randolph died before he could be removed from the ambulance at Community Hospital.
He was the son of Mr. & Mrs. Charles RANDOLPH of Parker, formerly of Wickenburg. Mrs. Randolph manages Johnson's store in Parker.
Mr. Randolph, an employee of Mohave Mining & Milling Co., was born March 7, 1926, in Flagstaff. He attended school in Winslow, served three enlistments in the Navy during and following World. War II, and moved to Wickenburg two years ago.
Surviving, in addition to the parents, are two brothers, Ervan of Wickenburg and Charles M.
of Butte, Montana, and one sister, Mrs. Jimbob MAYBEN of Wickenburg. Also surviving are Mr. & Mrs. Walter DRYE of Flagstaff, grandparents.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
July 3, 1937, p.1
INFANT KILLED IN AUTO CRASH
PRESCOTT, Arizona, June 28
FRANK RANGEL, 10 month old son of Mr. and Mrs. Amador RANGEL of Date Creek, near Congress Junction, was injured fatally early Sunday night in an automobile accident 18 miles south of Prescott on U. S. 89.
In Mercy hospital is the father, who has a broken left arm and fractured left hand. Mrs. Rangel was admitted also to the hospital but refused to stay. She is in the home of friends here. A fourth passenger in the car was a daughter, 8 years of age, escaped with scratches and bruises only.
The body is at the Lester Ruffner Funeral Home, where arrangements for burial are pending.
Undersheriff Robert V. Born said officers have been given two accounts of the accident. One was that Rangel was sideswiped, which caused his machine to turn over. The other was that a passing motorist crowded him over so far on his side of the road his car could not be kept out of a wash paralleling the highway.
The Rangel auto was off the pavement for 93 feet before it took to the wash, then proceeded 120 feet before it started to turn over at least twice.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
June 10, 2009, p. A7
LOIS ANN (HANNAH) RATHBUN passed away on May 30 in Aguila, Ariz.
She is survived by her sons Rodney and Buck of Alaska, and her daughter Dorine ROSS of Aguila. She also leaves behind many grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas RATHBUN.
Lois will be interred with her husband at the National Cemetery at Fort Richardson in Alaska.
Arrangements are by David’s Desert Chapel Funeral Home.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
June 20, 2007, p. B8
VICTOR RATY was born in Yuma, Ariz. He died in Phoenix June 17, 2007. Survivors include his wife CINDY RATY of Wickenburg, brother Clifford Raty of Utah, sister Charliene Ogdon, mother Barbara Craig and her husband Don, and many aunts and uncles. He loved his animals - two dogs and two cats. There will be a memorial service at First Southern Baptist Church on Saturday (June 23) at 4 p.m. Arrangements are by David’s Desert Chapel Funeral Home in Wickenburg.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
Jan 29, 1997
ALLYNE JOYCE RAZEE of Congress, died Jan. 24 in Glendale. She was 61.
Mrs. Razee was born Dec. 11, 1935 in San Jose, Calif. She had lived in Arizona for the past 40 years, moving to Congress in 1979.
Survivors include her husband of 23 years, Ted RAZEE of Congress; father and stepmother Alfred and Roberta Wims of California; daughters Corbie Ann NICHOLS of Yarnell, Lorraine Jackie ONESIAN of California and Donna Lee SANDERS of Arkansas; son Tony Settle of Florida; brothers Alfred, Jr. of Kansas, and Brett and Robert WIMS of California; sisters Betty VONHOFF of Australia, Ruby MELANI of California, Patricia Audrey FISHER of Congress and Mary WACKER of Phoenix; grandchildren Scott BOWMAN of Wickenburg, Justin SANDERS of Arkansas and Stephanie SETTLE of Phoenix; great-grandchildren Kayle MABEN of Wittmann and Brittany BOWMAN of Wickenburg; and nieces and nephews Rosemary, Martin, Amy, Matthew, Maria, Mark, Jeffery, Nicholas, Luke, Katie, David, Ronnie, Wayne, Morris, Mark, Mason, Michelle and Monty.
Mrs. Razee was preceded in death by a son, Paul Settle.
Services have been held.
The Wickenburg Sun
Jan. 16, 1959
Services Pending for HELEN READY
Miss HELEN READY passed away in Community hospital early Thursday morning. Funeral services had not been arranged at the time The SUN went to press, but they will probably be held in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with burial in the Wickenburg Cemetery. She had been in ill health for some time. Miss. Ready and her sister Josephine came to Wickenburg 10 years ago from Indianapolis, Ind., and in November, 1949, opened The Bustle on Frontier Street. Later they moved the business to its present location on the California Highway where it has grown into a business of prominence patronized by customers from throughout the nation. Out of respect for Miss Ready, The Bustle is closed this week. Miss Ready was born in Conersville, Ind., and was raised in Indianapolis where she was an executive in the advertising department of L. C. Ayres & Co., a larger department store, a position she held until moving to Wickenburg. She and her sister Josephine resided here in a home they recently purchased in Maguire Addition. Surviving in addition to the Wickenburg sister, are the father, W. E. Ready of Rushville, Ind., one other sister, Sister Mary Teresa of Evansville, Ind., and two brothers John Ready of Indianapolis and James P. Ready of Seattle, Wash.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
June 30, 2004, p. A10
VARA M. REED, 87, longtime winter resident of Wickenburg, Ariz. with a principal residence in St. Charles, Ill. (formerly of Wayne, Ill.) died Tuesday, June 22, 2004 in her St. Charles home, attended by CNS Hospice and Sunrise At Home agencies.
The eldest child of Harold and Mildred WRIGHT DREDGE, Vara was born on March 25, 1917 in Des Moines, Iowa. The family relocated to Batavia, Ill. in 1927 where she graduated Salutatorian of the Batavia High School Class of 1935. Married to Rupert Hunt 1936-1939, Vara met Fred G. Reed, her true love, in 1941 while working in Chicago. Fred and Vara, along with Jim Ramsey, started what would become Reed-Ramsey, Inc., pioneering the field of employee benefit programs in 1942, where she became one of the top female agents in her field. They were married Oct. 3, 1946 at Ivy Hollow, their new residence in Wayne, moving to St. Charles in 1974. Their Wickenburg, Ariz. winter residence was built in 1969. A natural athlete, who excelled in school sports, Vara taught Gymnastics at Batavia High School after her graduation. She took up riding horses as therapy from a mild case of polio in the early 1940s, joining the Wayne-DuPage Hunt and riding the Arizona trails with Fred, who was known by many as the "old Indian Scout." Introduced to golf in the early 1950s, she shot par 8 of the first 9 holes she ever played and won Club Championships at St. Charles Country Club, Wickenburg Country Club and Los Caballeros Golf club. A gifted artisan, gardener and founder of the Wayne Garden Club, her decorations at the Wayne Art Show and displays at the Post Office for Christmas were renown. Her creativity and zany sense of humor inspired legendary women's golfing events, fund-raisers and parties. She is survived by three sons: Fredrick T.W. (Rick) of Plantation, Fla., Robert of Wayne, Ill. and Wickenburg, Ariz. and James of Brea, Calif. and St. Charles, Ill.; two daughters: Lynne Schroder of Mission Viejo, Calif. and Carol Tuffy, Crystal River, Fla.; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Doris Lufkin and Beth Bergeson of Cedar City, Utah. Memorial services will be held at noon, July 1, 2004 at the Little Home Church by the Wayside in Wayne, Ill. Reverend Ronald Purser will officiate. Visitation and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Research Center, Regions Hospital Foundation, 640 Jackson St., St. Paul, MN 55101-2595, The Vara M. Reed Memorial. Arrangements were made by the Yurs funeral Home in St. Charles, Ill.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
Nov 10, 1962
Rites In Phoenix For WILLIAM REEDY
WILLIAM REEDY, a Wickenburg resident for approximately 46 years before he went to Phoenix last year to reside with a daughter, died in a Phoenix hospital Thursday morning of last week. Funeral services were conducted at 8:15 a. m. last Saturday in St. Judie’s Catholic Church of Phoenix with burial following in St. Francis Cemetery there.
Born in Pennsylvania, Mr. Reedy came to Wickenburg in 1915 and worked the Monte Cristo Mine. He followed the mining and electrical tread for many years and then became superintendent of Wickenburg’s electric power plant in the days when the plant operated only at given hours during the evening to furnish power for lights. When the town ceased producing its own electricity in 1943, Mr.Reedy retired.
Surviving are the widow, Susan Reedy who is a patient in a Phoenix hospital; one daughter, Mrs. Mary McKee, one grandson, Craig Vail; and two great grandsons, all of Phoenix.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
April 12, 1940
Old-Time Mine Operator Dies
JAMES REES, 79, prominent mining man and hotel operator of the Congress district, died in a Prescott hospital Monday morning after a year’s illness. Rees, an Arizona resident nearly 10 years, came from Des Moines, Iowa, and settled at Congress, where for some time he operated a boarding house. Later and until recently, he operated the Congress Junction Hotel. He owned extensive mining property, including the Golden Wave min, and considerable ranch property. Surviving are his wife, a daughter of Los Angeles, a son, Frank REES of Holbrook and several brothers and sisters residing outside of the state.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona
August 14, 1996
THOMAS JAMES REES Jr. of Wickenburg died Aug. 7 in his home in Wickenburg. He was 78.
Mr. Rees was born Oct. 11, 1917 in Long Island, N.Y. His parents were Ester MATHERS and Thomas James REES and he had two sisters, Dorothy and Jean.
After he attended two years of college, he periodically played the alto sax and clarinet with some of the Big Bands in New York. In the Army, he played in the band and later worked for Dale Carnegie and Earl Nightingale. Tom married Mary Shorthall and had two daughters, Carole Ann and Diane Elizabeth. When Mary died in 1944, he returned to civilian life. In 1945, he married Anne Kabealo, and they had four children: Linda, Anne, Lois Anne, Thomas James Rees III and Lisa Anne. A proud Welshman, Tom's lifelong passion was music. "Body and Soul" was his favorite song, which he would play on the piano in many settings. He was generous, had a great reverence and love for God, humorous, energetic, a strong family man, a lover of nature, music and life. He was a 32nd degree Mason. Positive thinking was his motto. Tom lived and traveled throughout the United States and enjoyed his visits to Hawaii, England, Scotland, New, Zealand and Wales.
He and Anne lived in California for almost 30 years and moved to Wickenburg in 1983. Anne died the next year. Tom had lived in Wickenburg because it is where grew to love the peace and beauty of the Arizona desert and where he experienced a very close communion with God and creation.
In his home, Tom passed away of natural causes. He had 20 grandchildren; 10 granddaughters and 10 grandsons; and one great- granddaughter.
Memorial services will be held in California.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
May 26, 1961
Nebraska Rites For Mrs. REHTUS
ANNE MARIE REHTUS went to Guide Rock, Nebraska, by plane Wednesday to attend funeral services there on Thursday for her mother, MRS. LENA REHTUS, who died Sunday evening. Mrs. Rehtus would have been 85 years old on June 23.
Surviving are the husband William, and a daughter, Mrs. Clifford FREY, both of Guide Rock; two sons, Ernest of Ayr, Nebraska, and George of Holstein, Neb., and the Wickenburg daughter.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
3 October 2008
CAROL ELAINE REICHARD, 70, passed away Sept. 24 at home in Congress, Ariz. Carol was born and raised in Superior, Wisconsin. She came to Arizona in 1986 settling in Congress. She was a loving mother and devoted wife. She is survived by her husband Earl of Congress; daughters Toni Finegan (East) of Congress; Dana Laine (East) and Richard of Osage, Minnesota; Catherine Erickson (Chisholm) and Charlie of Superior, Wisconsin; sons Timothy East and Cathey of Phoenix, Ariz.; David East of Phoenix; Scott Chisholm and Beth of Superior; 15 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Arrangements by Wickenburg Funeral Home.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
Feb 12, 1997
GENEVA REILAND of Wickenburg, died Feb. 7 in Wickenburg. She was 74.
Mrs. Reiland was born Aug. 24, 1922 in Glazier, Texas. She had lived in Arizona for the past seven years.
Survivors include two daughters, Lynn Naftel of Escondido Calif., and Trix French of Cottonwood; grand children Trina, Shawna, Jodi, John Tyler and Michael; and great-grandchildren Breanna and Morgan.
Mrs. Reiland was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Reiland.
Private services have been held.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
June 28, 1945
WILLIAM REILAND Dies at Whipple
WILLIAM REILAND, resident of the Wickenburg-Morristown region for the past 10 years or longer, passed away Monday evening at 5:30 o’clock at the Whipple Veterans Facility in Prescott. His death was due to a heart ailment and complications. Mr. Reiland, a veteran of World War I, had been a patient in the Whipple hospital for the past several weeks. Mr. Reiland, who had lived in Wickenburg before moving to Morristown a few years ago, was a member of the Kellis-Draper Legion post of Wickenburg. A niece, who had been visiting Mr. Reiland recently planned to accompany the remains to Antiago, Wis., where the funeral services and burial are to take place.
The Wickenburg Sun
December 18, 2008
RENAUD, MARY F., age 91, passed away at home in Congress, Ariz. Funeral services were held on Saturday (Dec. 13) at 11 a.m. at Wickenburg Funeral Home with Fr. Joseph SUPA as celebrant. Interment followed in the Wickenburg Municipal Cemetery. She was born May 29, 1917 in Chicago, Illinois, to Peter La Rosa and Rosaria PALONIA. She was raised in Howell, Michigan, and attended schools there. She later married John RENAUD July 4, 1934 in Howell and they made their home and raised a family there. In 1960 the family moved to Shelter Bay where they operated a "mom-and-pop" gas station and grocery store. They moved to New York in 1967, settling in Glen Falls. John passed away in 1985, and Mary and her daughters came to Arizona, settling in Congress in 1998. She was a member of Good Shepherd of the Desert Catholic Church in Congress and enjoyed her crafts and sewing. She was preceded in death by husband John in 1985, a son Peter in 1994, and a grandson Mark in 2003. She is survived by children James of Marquette, Mich.; Jerry, Rosemary and Jeanne of Congress; a brother John La Rosa of Lake Worth, Florida; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Family suggests memorial contributions be made in Mary's memory to Hospice of the Pines, 13175 E. Hwy 169, Dewey, AZ 86327. A memorial mass will be held at a later date in Congess. Arrangements are under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
January 9, 2008 p. A11
AUDREY D. RENFRO, age 89, passed away at her residence in Congress on Dec. 30. She was born in Seattle Wash., and raised in the Bellevue area.
She married John Cerqui in 1938 and they made their home in Redmond, Wash. She worked during World War II as a civilian chauffer for the military in the Seattle area. She later married Alfred Renfro in 1951, making their home in Poulsbro, Wash., where she lived for years before coming to Arizona.
One of Audrey’s proud memories was having the opportunity to cook lunch for the King of Norway (King Olav) while she was employed at the Sons of Norway Lodge in Poulsbro as the kitchen supervisor.
Audrey loved to fish and spent much time salmon fishing on the inland waters in Washington.
She was preceded in death by her first husband John Cerqui in 1998 and recently by husband Alfred Renfro in 2006. She was also preceded by son James Cerqui in 1995 and a granddaughter Shannon Cerqui in 1976.
She is survived by her daughter Elly Loftin of Congress, sisters Birdie Peltier of Cave Creek, Ariz., and Irvilla Bruskland of Los Angeles, Calif. Grandchildren Christopher Cerqui, Stan, Bill, Gina, Sandy, Mona and Gary Jirak.
Memorial services will be held at a later date in Poulsbro, Wash.
Arrangements under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
May 21, 2008
CHARLES “Charlie” RICHARD RENOUF was born April 3, 1930 in Columbus, Ohio. He was taken by our Lord on May 17.
Charlie and his wife of 47 years, Mildred Irene RENOUF, spent the last 37 years in Congress, Ariz.
He is survived by his wife Mildred and eight children - three boys, Rodney, Clay and Jason, and five girls Debbie, Lisa, Donell, Shellie, and Valerie. Charlie also had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All the children live in Arizona except Rodney who lives in Columbus, Ohio. Charlie is also survived by brother Daliel RENOUF and sister Betty COGHILL in Ohio.
Charlie loved the West and the cowboy way. He will be greatly missed.
According to his wishes, no services are planned.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona
December 20, 1946
FORMER DEWEY MAN DIES AT HOME HERE
Heart failure, following a stroke suffered a year and a half ago, claimed the life early Friday morning, December 13, of SAM RESLEY, age 53, a resident of Wickenburg for the past 18 months. Death occurred at his home on Fourth Street.
Before coming to Wickenburg, Mr. Resley operated a garage and service station at Dewey, Ariz. for 18 years, giving it up when his health failed. He was born in Canada June 29, 1893, and had lived in Arizona since 1912.
Surviving are the widow, three brothers and three sisters. The brothers are John of Skull Valley, Jim of Tempe and Mike of Bakersfield, Calif.; the three sisters, Mrs. Fred PATTON of Skull Valley; Mrs. Blanche BARLOW of Jasper, Texas, and Mrs. Estelle CONN of Beaumont, Texas. Mrs. Patton had been with her brother here for several months up until the time of his death.
Funeral services were held in Prescott Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock with burial in the Prescott cemetery.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
Jan 6, 1956, p. 1
Auto Accident Claims Lives Of Two Local Women
What started out to be a desert picnic in late afternoon of a pleasant New Year's Day turned into tragedy when the car in which two Wickenburg women were riding left the highway and turned over about two miles from Arrowhead on the road to Hillside. Mrs. MELBA REPANNAS, age 30, died of head injuries shortly after midnight Wednesday while the other occupant of the car, Mrs. CLAIRE W. THOMPSON, age 55, died of similar injuries at 1:47 a.m. Thursday at Community Hospital here where both were brought after the accident.
Cause of the accident had not been determined at the time The SUN went to press. They were riding in a comparatively new sedan and were crushed when the car landed on its top, flattening the latter to the doors, according to peace officers.
Desert Cypress Residents
Both Mrs. Repannas and Mrs. Thompson came to Wickenburg around Thanksgiving day and occupied adjoining trailers at the Desert Cypress Trailer Ranch. Mrs. Repannas had been employed only a few days at the Bar 7 Rancho restaurant. Mrs. Thompson was a writer, a WAC veteran of World War II and the widow of a soldier killed in Korea. She came here from Portland, Ore. Her sister, Mrs. Erma FLETCHER arrived from Portland at 3 p.m. Tuesday, to be with the injured woman.
Young Daughter
Mrs. Repannas is survived by a 6-year-old daughter, Lanette, who was living with her here. Her father, Wendall CRIDER, is a resident of Phoenix. He was here at the time of her death. Funeral
arrangements for both were pending Thursday. The accident did not happen in the Wickenburg highway patrol district and was investigated by Yavapai County authorities.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
Jan 31, 2001, p. A18
IMOGENE M. RETTY
On Jan. 25, another page of area history was concluded. IMOGENE RETTY of Morristown passed away of cancer.
Imogene came to the Phoenix Valley in 1943 from Jasper County, Missouri. She worked with A.J. Bayless for several years as a cashier in the 3rd Avenue and Van Buren area. In 1946 she purchased the Italian restaurant that stood where her Morristown house now stands. When the restaurant burned down, the family gathered nearby desert rocks, and by hand built the current rock house that is a local trademark today.
People from all parts of the United States have been repeat customers of her famous Cactus Ranch Nursery. Imogene's extensive business began unintentionally when she was helping her son, Kenneth, earn extra money during his high school days. Together they nurtured and protected damaged cactus from another's cactus business. At one time, she had over 800 varieties of cacti from all parts of the world. Her acquired knowledge and skill became legendary and continued to be one of her favorite activities for her lifetime. Hundreds of local taste buds have experienced Imogene's famous made-from-scratch cactus jelly at Christmas time, as she and her husband John shared delicious jars of jelly with family and friends.
Imogene loved nature and preferred to work with her plants and animals above all else. Among other kinds of livestock, she excelled at raising birds. For years the guinea hen and peacock calls were just an accepted part of life around her part of the country. She has raised and sold pheasants, quail, geese, turkeys, parakeets and ducks. More recently Imogene hand raised and sold canaries and cockatiels.
About 1950, Imogene and family began developing the trailer park known as Cactus Ranch Trailer Park next to where she lived. Also at this time, they were operating a successful chicken ranch. She and her son were regulars throughout the Wickenburg area as they delivered fresh chicken and eggs to the doors of their many customers.
In 1967 Imogene married her soul mate, John Retty, of Retty's Hardware in Wittmann. They could be seen together at community events such as the firemen's barbecue every year.
Imogene was born at home in Alba, Missouri on Aug. 14, 1913. She is survived by her husband, John Retty; her son, Kenneth Gene Hagen of Scottsdale; and three grandchildren, Carol Merlino of Seattle, Wash., Bert Hagen of Goodyear, and Judy Philpott of Vale, Ore. There are nine great-grandchildren.
Imogene was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by all her family and many friends.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at the Wickenburg Funeral Home, 187 N. Adams St., Wickenburg.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
June 11, 2008
“Retty’s always ready” was one of his favorite expressions, but he wasn’t ready for his stroke on May 7. JOHN RETTY was a fixture in the Morristown, Wittmann, and Wickenburg communities for 49 years. His contributions to these communities are many.
Retty’s Hardware Store in Wittmann, which was the go-to place for 40 years, was not only an adventure to go through, but the place to find anything and everything. He was so proud to offer items no one else seemed to carry and the locals loved visiting him there. The paths around and throughout the store were only one person wide, but John knew exactly where everything was and how much of it he had. Along with the products came advice and sometimes help installing. His incredible work ethic began when he was 8 years old working for his father as a plumber’s helper. Throughout his life he maintained his interest in plumbing.
John remained closely tied to the men of the Wittmann Volunteer Fire Department even after he retired. He always supported and appeared at all functions either with his wife or later with Dick Thompson. He volunteered in other ways when he could no longer chase fires. Many people don’t know that the first fire truck for the Department was purchased by John when Phoenix had a sale on some of their fire trucks. His name will be among the honorees in June’s Recognition Banquet.
At one time John drove a school bus for the Wittmann/Nadaburg School District. Once every month he would drive the busload of kids to the local Dairy Queen for ice cream and at the end of the school year, gave each of his charges a silver dollar for good luck.
John loved food. He was famous for his ability to put away huge amounts of food for a guy with such a small build. Anyone who ever enjoyed a meal with him is bound to have a food story to share.
John was born in Detroit, Mich., on January 8, 1921 and came to this area by way of Florida. He established Retty’s Hardware in 1959 and worked it daily until the state needed the land for right-of-way. He married his life partner Imogene in 1967, and they lived at the landmark Cactus Ranch stone house in Morristown.
John Retty, “Mr Retty” to many, passed away peacefully on the evening of June 2. He is survived by a stepson Ken Hagen and his wife Maureen of Sun Lakes, Ariz.; step-grandchildren Carol, Bert, Judy, and their families; and a niece Vicky Hough (Scott) of Tucson.
Please join the family in saying goodbye to John at the Wickenburg Funeral Home and Crematory at 187 N. Adams St, Wickenburg, on Thursday (June 12) with a viewing from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. followed by a service with Pastor Jack Kelley. Private interment will take place at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale, Ariz.
After the service, everyone is invited to a reception at the Wise Owl Senior Center, 255 N. Washington Street, Wickenburg, 684-7894.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wittmann Fire Department at P.O. Box 295, Wittmann, AZ 85361 or the Wise Owl Senior Center where John Retty enjoyed many hours of meals and friendship.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home and Crematory.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona
February 14, 1996
JEANNE B. REYNOLDS, of Salome died Feb. 12 in Salome. She was 75. Mrs. Reynolds was born, Aug., 22, 1920. She had lived in Arizona for 10 years, coming here from Nebraska. Mrs. Reynolds was a, bookkeeper for an accounting firm. She was a wonderful mother and wife, and had a great sense of humor. She was an artist of many things, not only of canvas but of hearts and souls. MRS. REYNOLDS enjoyed music and wove it into the tapestry of those lives she touched interweaving it with wisdom. She is survived by her husband of 13 years, Bob of Salome; daughters Janet Hunt of Lincoln, Neb., and Sally Reynolds of Phoenix; sons Dieanna Guglielmo of Hudson, Ohio and Mark Bailey of Bayfield, Colo.; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Streeper of Casper, Wyo. Private family services will be held at a later date with a yellow rose bushed in her memory. Memorial contribution may be made in Mrs. Reynolds’s name to the Tri Valley Medical Association, Salome, Ariz. 85348. Frey Funeral Home and, Cremation Service handled all arrangements.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
November 30, 1956, p. 1
Funeral Held for ALBERT P. RHODES
Funeral services for ALBERT P. RHODES were conducted by the Rev. H. R. BRYAN, pastor of the Assemble of God Church, in Wickenburg Chapel Sunday afternoon. Burial following in the Wickenburg Cemetery.
Mr. Rhodes, who had been ill for several years, died in his home at 262 North Adams Street at 6:30 p. m. last Friday.
Mr. Rhodes was born in Burleson, Texas, January 19, 1888. He and Mrs. Mary L. RHODES were married November 22, 1923, in Henrietta, Tex. They came to Wickenburg 20 years ago and Mr. Rhodes was for many years employed by the government as a predatory animal control officer.
In addition to the widow, survivors are four children: Troy RHODES of Warrensburg, Missouri, Don RHODES of Santa Monica, Calif., Mrs. Ruth BROWNING of Tempe, and Mrs. Ruby ATKINS of Wichita Falls, Texas. There are three children.
Pallbearer were George HERSHKOWITZ, Junior HERSHKOWITZ, Mack DOWDY, Jr., Larry FIELDS, Bill CARTER and Lyle JAMESON.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
Friday, February 16, 1940
BODY OF MAN FOUND IN RUINS
The body of GEORGE R. RHODES, about 65 years old, was found about 3 o'clock Monday afternoon in the smoldering ruins of his cabin on Sols Wash, three-fourths of a mile west of here. Robert C. Storns, justice of the peace, said there is no indication of foul play and that an inquest will not be necessary. Warren Willis, city marshal, and Harry Hanson, a town employee, found the body when they went to investigate what they thought had been smoke from a brush fire early that morning. Rhodes apparently was trapped by the fire in the cabin while in bed, as bedding was found clinging to his arms and torso. Rhodes came to Wickenburg from Prescott and had applied recently for an old-age pension. No survivors are known to local authorities.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona
June 26, 1996
BERNIS M. RICE of Escondido, Calif. and a former Wickenburg resident died June 17 at a nursing center in Escondido. She was 80. MRS. RICE was born April 13, 1916 in Elkhart, Indiana. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Rice is survived by her husband of 39 years. Harold Rice, a daughter Jann Charlston; stepsons Kenneth Rice of Phoenix, and Ricky Rice of Wickenburg; a sister, Ellen Jones of Bristol, Ind; three grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Services were conducted June 22 in Escondido.
The Wickenburg Sun
Feb 7, 1958
Funeral Monday for Ira Rice’s Brother
Funeral services were held in San Diego, Calif., Monday of this week for ELZY A. RICE, age 80, only brother of Ira Rice of Wickenburg. The California man passed away at the Veterans Hospital in San Diego January 28th. He had never fully recovered from a fractured hip suffered several years ago. Elzy Rice visited his brother here frequently in past years. Ira Rice is the only survivor.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
May 31, 1945, p. 1
W. L. RICHARD Benefactor to Many, Passes
Long Illness Claims Well Known Citizen and Business Leader
“No one in Wickenburg ever went hungry during the depression—not if Mr. Richards could help it.”
This statement, repeated time and again, was heard by this newspaper Tuesday as word spread around the city of the death of WILLIAM L. RICHARDS which had occurred at 1 o’clock in the morning at his residence on Jefferson street. Tributes to his friendliness, his generosity and his caliber as a good citizen by those who knew him best as well as by casual acquaintances.
Death came to Mr. Richards at the age of 76, after a prolonged illness. He had been slowly failing since suffering a stroke a year ago last August but had not been confined to his bed until within recent weeks.
A pioneer resident and businessman of the state, Mr. Richards came to Arizona in 1902 and had been active and prominent in the business and civil life of the state from that time until his retirement a few years ago. Born on a farm near Jasper, Tenn., on October 20, 1868, his mother died when he was 12 and he was virtually head of the family from the time he was 15 years old.
He was married to OLLIE PRYOR on January 19, 1892 and five years later moved to the vicinity of Weatherford, Texas, where he farmed for some nine years, moving to Arizona and locating in Prescott in December 1902. His firs employment there was as driver of the delivery wagon for T. W. Otis, pioneer merchant of the Yavapai county seat. Within three years Mr. Richard was managing the Otis store.
Bought Grocery
In 1905 he, with his brother, Tom bought a small grocery store in Prescott which they operated un the name of Richards Brothers. By 1920, it has become the largest retail grocery in Prescott. The brothers disposed of the business in that year and in March 1922. Mr. Richards came to Wickenburg, buying control of the Brayton Commercial company here. He resided in Wickenburg almost continuously since then, with the exception of the past year spent in Phoenix. He and Mrs. Richards returned here to make their home a few weeks ago.
On January 1, 1939, having passed the ago of 70, Mr. Richards retired as active manager of Brayton’s, turning the management over to his son, ROY L. RICHARDS who continues in the capacity today. The senior Mr. Richards maintained his interest in the store here and continued, indirectly, his connection with the business up until the time of his death.
While a resided of Prescott Mr. Richards served as a member of the school board for nearly eight years and was on the city council for four years. In Wickenburg, he also served for a time on the school board and was a member of the city council eight years. He was a member of Hassayampa Lodge of the Masonic Order and of the Presbyterian church here.
Six Children Survive
In addition to the widow, all six of the children survive, as well as five grandchildren and one great-grandson. The surviving children are the oldest son, Roy L.; Tom, manager of Brayton’s store at Bagdad, and Lieut. John M., stationed at Davis Monthan Field, Tucson. The daughters are Mrs. W. F. PENNY of San Francisco; Mrs. Hugh ANTRIM of Phoenix, and Mrs. Jerry DANIELSON of Minneapolis, Minnesota. His brother, Tom of Prescott, also survives.
Funeral services were to be held Thursday afternoon at 3 o’clock from the Wickenburg chapel, conducted by Rev. B. Ross CLEELAND of the Presbyterian Church, with burial in the Wickenburg cemetery.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
November 9, 1956, p. 1
Rites Pending For Mrs. EDNA RICHARDS
Funeral services are pending for Mrs. EDNA RICHARDS, at 1:10 a. m. Wednesday.
Mrs. Richards, a resident of Noxon, Montana, has been a frequent winter resident in Morristown where her son. R. A. RICHARDS, has lived for the past 25 years.
Surviving are the husband, E. C. RICHARDS of Noxon; a daughter, Mrs. Henry MEEDS of Logan, Utah; a son R. N. RICHARDS of Noxon; and the Morristown son.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
March 15, 1957, p. 1
Mrs. McCARROLL Called To Iowa By Death Of Her Father March 1
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon of this week in Lenox, Iowa, for ARLO E. RICHARD, father of Mrs. John McCARROLL of Wickenburg, associate publisher of The Wickenburg Sun. Mr. Richard, age 84, died March 1. He had been in failing health for several months following an operation performed last summer. He spent three winter vacations in Wickenburg
A native of Iowa, he lived all of his life in that state where he was engaged for many years in farming and later in the live stock feed and seed corn business.
Surviving, besides the daughter, who flew to Lenox for the funeral services, are a son, W. G. RICHARD of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; a sister, Mrs. Orval JONES of Des Moines, Iowa, two grandchildren and one great grandchild.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
June 3, 2009, p. A16
ROBERT “BOB” RICHTER passed away May 21 in Bend, Oregon.
He is survived by his three sons Robert, Ed, and Harry and a stepson Robert Dowell of Union, Ore., as well as seven grandchildren.
Bob moved to Wickenburg in 1974 from Pennsylvania and the past several years had wintered at Bouse, Ariz., spending the balance of his time in Oregon and Washington.
After cremation, his ashes will be scattered in the Deschutes River.
Happy fishing, Dad.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
Jan 22, 1997
Infant RIESBERG
McLEAN RIESBERG, infant son of Brian W. and Aleta PARKS RIESBERG of Charleston, S.C., died Jan 14 in a Charleston hospital.
The infant was born Dec. 10 in Charleston.
Survivors include his parents; paternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. William RIESBERG of Charleston and Bonnie and Tom TAYLOR of Hope; maternal grandparents Alton H. PARKS and Betty McLEAN PARKS, both of Charleston; and paternal great-grandparents, Darlene G. KNUTSON of Scottsdale, Grace EVANS of Hope, and Frances REED of Kingsport, Tennessee. Services have been held.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
May 21, 2008
VIRGINIA M. RILEY was born in Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania, and died in Congress, Arizona.
She is survived by her son James ALLEN and his wife Rose of Congress, sister Phyllis KEIBLER of Pennsylvania, one grandchild, three great-grandchildren, and many dear friends.
Services will be Friday (May 23) at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Wickenburg. Donations may be made to the Shriner Crippled Children Hospital.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona
May 31, 1946
JOE RILEY, CONGRESS RESIDENT, SUMMONED
By Inez Cannon
CONGRESS -— JOE RILEY, widely known and well loved resident of this community, passed away suddenly May 26, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles ADAMS at Date Creek.
Mr. Riley was known and loved by everyone in this community. He was always anxious and ready to help those in need. He sat up nights to nurse the ill. No job was too small or too large for him to help with his neighbors.
For the past year Mr. Riley was custodian of the Congress School where he lived in the little white house on the school property. Riley, as we all called him took great pride in keeping the school buildings clean and spotless.
He was 73 years of age and was born in the state of Nebraska. There are no known relatives, but many friends will miss him in this community.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
Oct 14, 1960, p. 8
A. A. RINGENBACH Rites Thursday
Veterans of Foreign Wars we rescheduled to conduct graveside rites in the Wickenburg Cemetery at 5 p. m. Thursday of this week for ARMAND A. RINGENBACH of Morristown who died at 4:10 p. m. Monday in his home. The 68-year-old man had been in ill health several months and was recently hospitalized in Phoenix for a heart condition.
Mr. Ringenbach had been the manager of Pioneer Desert Ca bins one mile west of Morristown for the past 10 years. He was a veteran of World War I and a member of the VFW. There are no known survivors.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona
April 20, 1962
BERT RITCHEY, SR. Rites Wednesday
Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Robert JENKINS, Baptist minister, in the Wickenburg Chapel at 5 p.m. Wednesday for BERT RITCHEY, SR. Burial was in the Wickenburg Cemetery. Mr. Ritchey died at 1 a.m.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
May 2, 2007 p. A14
CHARLES CLIFFORD RITCHEY passed away April 23. He was born in Prescott Dec. 28, 1936 and lived in and around the Wickenburg area. He loved working with wood, and gardening, and having coffee with the guys, and flirting with all the girls or squirrels. But most of all he just enjoyed all his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years Sharon; sons Chuck and Clifford, and daughters Debra and Cheryl; granddaughters Andrea, Charlotte and Sam; brothers Robert, John, Rick, Tim and Steve; and sisters Betty, Patty, Helen, Edie and Carol. He was preceded in death by his parents
Bert and Rethea Ritchey; brothers James and Bert Jr., and his twin sister Charlotte. Service was held at Congress Community Church with Pastor Tim Willis.
“Might be gone, but will never be forgotten.”
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
May 2, 2007 p. A14
ESTHER RIVERS
A memorial mass will be said at 10 a.m. Thursday (May 3) at St. Anthony's Catholic Church for ESTHER RIVERS, 89, who passed away April 29 in Sun City. Esther was born Aug. 19, 1917 in Hollywood Township, Minn., to Martin Sherman and Mary Flasch Sherman. She was raised there and attended school there.
She married Edmund Rivers on Feb. 12, 1935, and they made their home in Silver Lake, Minn., where they operated a feed store. In 1950, they moved to Minneapolis. Esther began working for American Linen, where she worked for years until retiring in 1980. After retiring, they made their home in Waverly, Minn., where they had a home on the lake and where Esther became an avid fisherman. She loved to play poker and work crossword puzzles and had crocheted for years, making afghans and doilies. She was preceded in death by her husband Edmund on Feb. 16, 1993. Esther is survived by daughter and son-in-law Mary and Neal Judkins of Wickenburg; sons Lee Rivers of Isle, Minn., and Ken Rivers of Mount Rose, Minn.; daughter and son-in-law Colette and Phil Gradoz of El Mirage, Ariz.; sister Fay Carlson of Waconia, Minn.; 10 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; eight great-great- grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Concluding services and interment will follow at a later date in Waverly, Minn. Arrangements were made under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
Aug 15, 2001 A14
MAE HELLICK ROBERTS of Wickenburg, died Aug. 8. She was 93.
Mrs. Roberts was born Dec. 30, 1907 in Easton, Penn. She was a longtime Wickenburg resident.
Mrs. Roberts was a retired hospital dietician. She was a graduate of Penn State University, and a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, local Palo Verde Chapter, and a member of the American Diabetic Association for over 50 years.
She served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where she was the hospital dietician of the 33rd General Hospital. She served 28 months in the Mediterranean Theater, and was discharged with the rank of captain.
Survivors include her niece, Catherine Van Ness and nephew, George F. Hellick III.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Roberts, in 1971; stepdaughter Margaret H. Roberts, in 2000; and her brother, George F. Hellick, Jr., in 1989.
Services will be held at a later date in Easton, Penn.
Arrangements were by the Wickenburg Funeral Home.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
Jan 20, 1956, p. 1
PHOEBE ROBINSON Auto Accident Victim
Mr. & Mrs. Forrest WOIRHAYE received a telegram Wednesday telling them of the death of Mrs. Phoebe Robinson, age 80, which occurred in Cedar City, Utah, January 15 and was the result of injuries received in an automobile accident near there. Mrs. Robinson was enroute with Mr. & Mrs. Byron GOODELL from Butte, Montana, to spend another winter in Wickenburg at the Goodell home at 82 South Jefferson.
The telegram, from Mrs. Robinson's daughter, Mrs. Terfia ROACH, of California, said the body of Mrs. Robinson would arrive in Wickenburg Friday morning and it is assumed that funeral services and burial will take place here. The Goodells are still confined to the hospital in Cedar City with injuries they received in the accident, no details of which are available.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
February 15, 1957, p. 1
Bill ROBINSON Goes To Mother's Rites
Funeral services and burial for Mrs. GERTRUDE C. ROBINSON, mother of Bill ROBINSON of Dean
Kingston's, were held in Denver, Colorado, Tuesday. Mrs. ROBINSON died in St. Luke's Hospital,
Denver, February 7 following a heart attack. She was well known in Wickenburg where she
visited two years ago and four years ago, staying at the Flying E Ranch.
Son Bill left Wickenburg Saturday morning by automobile with Art CARD of Estes Park, Colo., a friend who had been visiting here to attend the services.
Surviving, in addition to the Wickenburg son, are two daughters: Mrs. Kenneth SUHER of Aurora, Colo., and Mrs. J. J. DEAVER of Denver. Mr. ROBINSON died a year and a half ago.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
June 23, 2004, p. A10
MARY ROBINSON, 67, died June 16, 2004 at Thunderbird Hospice. She was born June 20, 1936. Mary was a resident of Wickenburg, Ariz. and was a member of Grace Chapel church. She was preceded in death by her husband Sam Robinson, who died June 14, 2004. She is survived by daughter Rebecca Johansen of Branson, Fla. Her son Jonathan preceded her in death in 2001. Memorial services will be held Tuesday June 29 at noon at Grace Chapel, 885 America St. in Wickenburg. Grace Chapel is located behind Double D on W. Wickenburg Way. Camelback Sunset Chapel Funeral Home handled arrangements.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
June 23, 2004, p. A10
SAM OLIVER ROBINSON, 69, died June 14, 2004 at Thunderbird Hospice. He was born Nov. 27, 1930. Sam was a Wickenburg resident for many years and was a member of Grace Chapel. His wife, Mary Robinson, died two days later on June 16, 2004. He is survived by his mother Bonnie DeWall, Kellseyville, Calif.; brothers Gary Robinson; Ron Robinson, Boise, Idaho; Monty Robinson, Bow, Wash.; Randy Robinson; John Robinson, Tucson, Ariz. Daughters Karen Robinson, Lacey, Wash.; Lynn Robinson, Idaho. Son Richard Robinson, Washington. Aunt Mary Nye, Boise, Idaho. Memorial services will be held Tuesday June 29 at noon at Grace Chapel, 885 America St. in Wickenburg. Grace Chapel is located behind Double D on W. Wickenburg Way. Camelback Sunset Chapel Funeral Home handled arrangements.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona
April 21, 2005
MERCEDES ROCHA, 82, passed away April 14 in Yuma, Ariz. She was born September 8, 1922 in Phoenix, Arizona. She was raised in Congress, attending school in Congress and Wickenburg. She worked briefly as a waitress until her marriage in 1956 to Heriberto in Blythe, Calif., where they made their home for a short time. They moved to Aguila, where they raised a family of five children. Mercedes enjoyed being a homemaker, the ranch-style life, raising her family and caring for her animals. She is preceded in death by her husband Heriberto in 1993, brother Freddie URQUIDEZ in 2004. She is survived by children Teresa JONES of Yuma, Ariz., Mike REZA of El Paso, Texas, Reymundo REZA of Aguila, Ariz., Diane HAZELHURST of Wyoming, Elizabeth ECHEVETTIA of Houston, Texas; brothers Bobby URQUIDEZ of Wickenburg, Ariz., Jimmy URQUIDEZ of Buena Park, Calif., Pete Urquidez of Kingman, Ariz.; sister Rosie Chavez of South Gate, Calif.; and 30 grandchildren. Visitation was held April 19 at Frey-Wickenburg Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at Congress Cemetery today (Wednesday, April 20) at 10 a.m. with Father Brian BELL officiating.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona
December 21, 1962
ROBERT RODGERS Rites Thursday
Funeral services for ROBERT S. RODGERS, 70, were scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday of this week in the Wickenburg Chapel with the Rev. James Wilson, Presbyterian minister, officiating. Burial was to follow in the Wickenburg Cemetery. Mr. Rodgers, who had been ill for a long time, died Monday afternoon at 512 Weaver Street in the home of his son and daughter-in-law Mr. & Mrs. Art RODGERS, with whom he resided. Mr. Rodgers was a retired miner. He was born in Visalia, California, April 24, 1892, and had resided in Wickenburg since 1957. Survivors include three sons, Art of Wickenburg, Ralph of Fort Sumner, N.M., and John who is in the Air Force and stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho; one sister, Mrs. May KLINE of Phoenix; four grandchildren; and a stepson, Pat W. HAYES of Scottsdale.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona
26 January, 1962
Rites In Kingman for T.J. RODGERS
Funeral services for THOMAS JEFFERSON RODGERS, 76, were held in Kingman Tuesday afternoon. Burial was in that city. Mr. Rodgers, a miner who resided in Alamo Crossing, died in Community Hospital Sunday morning. Mr. Rodgers was born in California July 1885. Surviving are the widow, May; one brother, Sherman RODGERS of Wickenburg, and one sister, Mrs. May KLINE of Phoenix. Art RODGERS of Wickenburg is a nephew.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
August 6, 2008, p. A3
CHARLOTTE ANN ROEHLER, 74, died peacefully at her home in Two Harbors, Minn., on July 15, surrounded by Bob her husband of 58 years and all of her children.
She was born Jan. 2, 1934 to Henry and Florence CONOVER. Her paternal grandmother, Anna LESTER was an Arizona pioneer.
She attended St. Peter and Paul, Mansfield Jr. High and graduated from Tucson High School in 1951.
Throughout the years, Charlotte’s greatest joy was her family.
Survivors are her husband Bob; her children Robert Jr. (Alondra), Patricia (Steve Johnson) and Michael (Christine) and grandchildren Gabriel, Joel, Michelle, Andrew, Audrey, Emily, Joel and Andrew; great-grandchildren Joza and Cameron. All deeply feel the loss of the love, support and encouragement Charlotte provided.
After Bob’s retirement From Hughes Aircraft Co. in 1985, the couple resided in Forest Lakes, Colo.; Peeples Valley, Ariz.; Silver City, N.M.; and in 2005 settled in Two Harbors, Minnesota.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
April 16, 2008 p. A9
SARAH KERKES ROEHLK, 86, passed away April 5. Sarah was born January 22, 1922 in Golden State, Ariz., to Milan and Anika Kerkes.
Sarah resided in Wickenburg and Phoenix until her marriage when she moved to Pendleton, Ore. She returned to Phoenix and was employed by the Phoenix Union High School System until her retirement.
Sarah was known for her sense of humor and famous cinnamon rolls.
Preceding her in death was her son Paul Roehlk and an infant daughter. Sarah is survived by her son Michael Roehlk, granddaughter Andrea Nemitz, sister Annie Passey, eight nieces in Arizona and nieces and nephews in Pendleton, Ore.
Visitation services were held on Friday (April 11) at Menke Funeral Home, 12420 N. 103’ Ave., Sun City, Ariz. Burial will be in Pendleton, Ore.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
May 2, 2007 p. A14
JOEL A. ROGERS, 99, of Sun City West died April 26 in Sun City West. He and his wife Bobbye were from St. Louis, Missouri, and also resided in Wickenburg.
He was a medical publisher and served in the U.S. Army. Private service will be held out of state. Memorial contributions may be made to the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg or a charity of choice.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
May 18, 2005, p. B10
BETTY L. ROHRIG, 67, a lifelong resident of Wenden, Ariz., entered into rest on May 9 after a long struggle with cancer, a battle she endured with bravery. She was a wonderful and loving mother and grandmother, who thought of her children first before herself. She is survived by her husband Lowell Rohrig, Sr. (47 years of marriage); daughters Lowette Dihel and her soul mate Andy Ripberger), Alexa Rohrig (and her soul mate Jim Cox) and Kimberly Carter and son-law Danny Carter; son Lowell Rohrig II and daughter-in-law Susan Rohrig; 13 grandchildren – Jory, Ashley, Shawn, Kristee, Carabeth, Seth, Alyssa, Austin, Gareth, Jenessa, Nicholas, Cody and Danielle; two great-grandchildren – Kariz and Emily; and two cousins, who were more like her sisters, Frances Baird and Donna Oldham. She was preceded in death by her grandmother Frances Orosco and her mother Stella lee. Betty loved gardening, cooking, her grandkids and her precious dog “peanuts.” No one will ever fill her shoes. She was one special lady; a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. A private cremation has taken place. No services were held.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
Nov 10, 1962
Hold Funeral For DENNIS O. ROLLER
DENNIS O. (DAN) ROLLER, Wickenburg resident for the past 17 years and a well known small mine operator, died in a Phoenix hospital last Saturday morning. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon in the Wickenburg Chapel with the Rev. James B. Wilson, Presbyterian minister, officiating. Burial was in the Wickenburg Cemetery with the Veterans of Foreign Wars conducting graveside rites.
Mr. Roller, who was 74 years old, was born in Hanover, Pennsylvania. He was in the mining business in Arkansas, Texas and New Mexico before moving to Arizona 25 years ago. He resided in Globe and Aguila before coming here.
A former secretary-treasurer of the Arizona Small Mine Operators Association, Mr. Roller had mining properties in Arizona and in California.
During World War I Mr. Roller served in the Cavalry in France and was a past commander of the VFW Post here.
Surviving are the widow, Naomi Ruth Roller; one daughter, Anna Jane; and three sons, Robert, William and John. All except John, who resides in Yuma, live in Wickenburg. Three grandchildren also survive.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
Nov 7, 2001, p. A22
BONNIE ROSS died Oct. 26, 2001 at the Yavapai Medical Center in Prescott.
She was 62.
Bonnie was born May 21, 1939 in Jackson, Mich. And had moved to Arizona in 1978.
Her parents were Earl and Loretta (WEEKS) MEAD.
She and her daughter Jodie owned the B & J Cafe in Salome.
Survivors include her daughters Jodi Moore, Lauri McPhall and Kimberly Ross and son Joey.
Private family services will be held.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
Dec 30, 1955, p. 8
Mrs. Courteen's Mother Summoned In New York
Mrs. Jo COURTEEN flew to Newburgh, N. Y., Tuesday where she had been called by the death of
her mother, MRS. EDWARD CLELAND ROSS, who passed away early that morning at the age of 88 following a long illness. Services were held Thursday in Newburgh where Mrs. Ross had lived
all of her life. Immediate survivors, besides Mrs. Courteen, are two sons, Cleland ROSS of
Newburgh and Carol ROSS of Reseda, Calif.
Mrs. COURTEEN expects to return to Wickenburg Saturday.
The Wickenburg Sun
March 28, 1958
MARY ROSS, Former Resident, Summoned
MARY TALLY ROSS, 88-year-old former resident of Wickenburg, died at her home in Lancaster, Calif., March 20, according to word received here this week by Mr. & Mrs. Ben Pollman. Burial was in the Joshua Memorial Cemetery at Lancaster. Surviving are three daughters, Lillie Bode, Marie McNeill, and Nina Crabb, all of Lancaster; and one son, Rev. Lloyd Talley of Orange Cove, Calif.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
May 31, 1940
Two Die in Auto Accident Sunday
Mrs. MARGUERITE IRENE LOVE ROTH, 23, Kansas City, Mo., and CLYDE POWELL, 24, Evansville Ind., were killed in a traffic collision between a wild-cat bus and a large truck early Sunday morning, one mile south of town. Mrs. Roth’s two-year-old son Conrad, who was almost scalped, is reported to be improving today. John Selby, 23, Phoenix, said State Highway Patrolman Byron Blackburn, to have been driving the truck, escaped injury. Ed Comstock, 26, Evansville, Ind., and Clifford C. Harris, Sioux City, Ia., also passengers in the bus were injured.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
June 27, 2007, p. A10
FRITZ ROTHERMEL, a well-known Wickenburg artist, passed away June 19 at his home. For the past 27 years, he was a successful artist having developed his own media, “Coppergraphics,” a method of painting on panels of embossed copper. His work has been shown at the Gold Nugget Art Gallery for many years. He was a military veteran, having served with distinction in World War II and Korea. Fritz was born, raised and educated in Pennsylvania.
During World War II, he was one of the two founding officers of the 94th Bomb Group. He served as adjutant throughout the formation and training stages in the United States. The group and its four squadron of B-17s, “Flying Fortresses,” were assigned to the Eighth Air Force in England where Rothermel served as group adjutant for two years. Its bombing expertise brought the group two presidential citations. Later in war, Rothermel was adjutant of the Base Air Depot 2, at Warton, England. This was the largest aircraft maintenance and repair depot ever assembled.
After World War II he worked for various utilities in Brazil and the United States. During the Korean War, Lt. Col Rothermel was commanding officer of the 111th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, a Pennsylvania Air National Guard Unit called to active duty. Later, he was deputy for personnel, 32nd Air Division with assignment in Newfoundland, Labrador, and Greenland. Fritz arrived in Arizona in 1953 and worked for the Arizona Public Service Company. In 1971 he moved from Phoenix to Wickenburg where he was involved in real estate and built the Wickenburg Country Club Villas. Fritz is survived by his wife of 42 years Susan; sons Peter of California and Michael of Texas; daughter Cindy Schuck of Wickenburg; and six grandchildren. Memorial services were held Monday, June 25 at The Wickenburg Funeral Home with Pastor Rodney Hackett officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Del E. Webb Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home.
Former Wickenburg resident BEATRICE B. ROTON died April 21, 2001 in Phoenix. She was 85. Mrs. Roton was born Jan. 9, 1916 in Cairo, Illinois, and had worked as a dietician at the Wickenburg hospital for more than 20 years. Survivors include daughters Roxie Adams of Phoenix and Linda Phillips of Riverside, Calif.; sister Thelma Stewart of Austin, Texas; grandchildren David and Dan Tomlinson of Phoenix, and John and Jessica Phillips of Riverside, Calif.; great-grandchild Chris Tomlinson of Riverside. She was preceded in death by her husband Jay Roton, sister Alice Hodges, and brothers Ed Farrow and Jack Farrow. A private family visitation was conducted. Funeral services will be held Thursday (April 26) at 2 p.m. at Wickenburg Funeral Home, with burial to follow in the Wickenburg Municipal Cemetery.
December 24, 1954 p. 1
Services Today For ANTON RUBASH
Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock this afternoon (Friday) at the Wickenburg Chapel for ANTON RUBASH, widely known mining man of this community, who passed away at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Community Hospital. Dr Charles S. POLING will officiate and burial will be in the Wickenburg Cemetery. Mr. Rubash, who was a hard rock miner in the old Octave Mine from 1936 until 1941, had been in ill health for nearly 12 years and had been hospitalized frequently in recent years.
He was born August 28, 1887, in Chadron, Neb., and worked in coal mines in Oklahoma before coming to this section in 1936. He had many friends throughout this area and was highly regarded by all.
Ten Children
Ten children survive. They are Arthur, Anton, Jr., Danny and Jimmy, all of Wickenburg; Mrs. Ethel MONROE of McAlester, Okla.; Mrs. Ruby McLAUGHLIN of Phoenix; Grover of Cortez, Colo.; Mrs. Helen CARTER of Holbrook, Ariz.; Mrs. Phyllis ONSTOTT of Adak, Alaska, and Mrs. Doria ONSTOTT of San Diego, Calif. One brother, Joe RUBASH of Pensacola, Fla., also survives, and the surviving sisters are Mrs. Annie McCUTCHEON of McAlester, and Mrs. Ethel SUMPTER and Mrs Mary SMITH, both living in California. Twenty-one grandchildren also survive. Mrs. Rubash passed away in 1947.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
June 3, 2009, p. A13
JAMES W. RUCKER was born July 8, 1940 in Little Rock, Ark., and raised in Congress, Ariz., which he considered his home. He passed away on May 18 in the V.A. Hospice in Prescott from lung cancer. He was also a patient of Hospice of the Pines in Dewey, Ariz.
He is survived by his wife Evelyn; stepchildren Russ Shafer of Congress, Pat Grantham, and Paula Shafer; eight step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren from the Grand Rapids, Mich., area; his brother-in-law and his wife John and Ruth Hufford of Clearwater, Fla.; his sister Reba Reason of Lubbock, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his dad James Rucker, his mother Thelma Gray, his stepfather Raymond Gray, and his brother-in-law Eddie Reason.
He served in both the Army and the Navy and was proud to be a veteran, member of the American Legion, and lifetime member of the NRA.
He spent about 20 years as a structural ironworker on the West Coast and then spent 12 years driving an 18-wheeler. His hobbies included guns, horses, cars and BSing at cafes with friends and strangers.
He was described by a relative as being a big teddy bear - tough on the outside but a softie on the inside.
Per his request, his body was donated to the International Institute for the Advancement of Medicine (IIAM) for research, and will then be cremated. There will be no memorial service, per his wishes.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona
October 24, 1947
HALF CENTURY RESIDENT OF ARIZONA DIES
Funeral services for ERICK NELSON RUDD,, a resident of Wickenburg for more than 50 years and a close friend of the late Henry Wickenburg, legendary mining character for whom the town was named, were held last Saturday afternoon at the Wickenburg Chapel, followed by burial in the Wickenburg cemetery. Rev. STUMP conducted the service. Mr. Rudd, who was more than 86 years of age, was ill only two days, passing away early Friday morning of last week.
Born in Modum, Norway, in 1861, he came to this country in 1883 and to Wickenburg in 1894, when there was no town here and only a few prospectors living in and around the area, one of whom, Wickenburg, Mr. Rudd stayed with for several years and during that time acquired what is probably the only true story of Wickenburg’s discovery of the fabulous vulture Mine southwest of the city. That story The SUN hopes to relate in a later issue.
Presented To King
While still residing in Norway, Mr. Rudd took military training and was an outstanding athlete. He won national honors in broad jumping and was presented before King Oscar of Norway for his feats.
Mr. Rudd spent most of his life, until old age forced his retirement, as a prospector and miner in this region. At one time he was employed at the Gold Bar mine and later at the Monte Cristo mines.
Mr. Rudd never married. He has a brother and sister still living in Norway and a niece, Mrs. Monte RAY, who came to Wickenburg from Wheaton, Illinois, in February, 1945, to take care of her aged uncle.
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
June 23, 2004, p. A10
MARJORIE McPHAIL RUNNER of Wickenburg passed away on June 20, 2004. She was born Jan. 1, 1916 on a ranch near Saratoga, Wyo., where she grew up and graduated from Saratoga High School before marrying JOHN WAYNE RUNNER on June 4, 1933. They ranched near Saratoga, Elk Mountain and Pavillion, Wyo. before retiring to Niland, Calif. and Wickenburg. "Grandma" Runner is survived by five sons, Jack (Barbara) Runner, Tonopah, Ariz.; Bill (Charlene) Runner, Kinnear, Wyo.; Bob Runner, Stewart (Betsy) Runner, Tonopah, Ariz., and Tom Runner, West Palm Beach, Fla. She is also survived by two sisters, Mildred Bashore, Riverton, Wyo., and Margaret Runner, Chino Valley, Ariz., as well as 11 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband John and grandson Don Runner. She will be missed by her many friends and relatives. Memorial service will be held on June 25, 2004 at 10 a.m. at Frey Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to Sun Health Hospice or the Saratoga Eastern Star, where she was a 50-year member and past worthy matron. Arrangements were handled by Frey Funeral Home.
The Wickenburg Sun
Jan 6, 1961
EUGENE RUSHING Rites Pending
Funeral services are pending for EUGENE RUSHING, 54-year-old Aguila resident, who died in his trailer in that town at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday. No announcement has yet been made as to where the services and burial will take place. Mr. Rushing had resided in Aguila since 1950 and was a heavy equipment operator for Aguila Farms. He and Anton Edling, another Aguila Farms employee, lived together in a trailer there. A brother, Robert, of Blythe is a survivor.
Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona
January 10, 1996
DONALD RUSHMORE, of Deming, N.M. and formerly of Wickenburg, died Dec. 10 in Deming. He was 91. Mr. Rushmore was born Aug. 17, 1904 in Jamaica, N.Y.
Mr. Rushmore married Margaret JAMES on Nov. 10, 1929 in Cascade, Montana. He formerly owned and operated a printing business called Thumper Press in Wanakena, N.Y. He moved to Deming in 1991 from Wickenburg. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wickenburg for 18 years. He is survived his wife Margaret "Peg"; daughters Ruth SMITH of Rexford, N.Y., Janet Hinkle of Deming, N. M., and Doris MacDonnell of Big Moose Lake, N.Y.; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry S. and Julia CARTER RUSHMORE, and son Thomas James, who died in 1938. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Wickenburg. The Rev. W.W. Hutchison will officiate. Arrangements were handled by Baca's Funeral Chapel, Deming N.M., and Baca’s Mimbres Crematory.
Many Thanks to 
for transcribing and contributing these obituaries to the AZGENWEB project.
You can find more Arizona obituaries, including more Wickenburg obituaries at Arizona Obituary Archive
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