Sunday, June 12, 2005

Harry Vandevort

Harry Vandevort, age 79, of Prescott, died Friday, June 10, 2005, at the Meadow Park Care Center in Prescott.

Harry was born June 4, 1926, in Brock, Neb., to Raymond and Alma (Kennedy) Vandevort.

He served in the Navy during WWII. He moved to Arizona in 1952 and worked on the Del Rio Ranch in Chino Valley until 1956. Harry then moved to Prescott and joined the Prescott Police Department. He retired as Prescott Chief of Police in 1977, and then worked as a bailiff for Judge Sult until 1993. Upon retirement, Harry enjoyed his many fishing trips.

Harry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rene (Alice), a son Dennis of Crestview, Fla.; a daughter Ann Johnson and her husband Randy of Chino Valley; 5 grandchildren, Sean Vandevort, Justin Johnson, Nicole Payne, April Vandevort and Sarah Vandevort; 7 great-grandchildren; his brother Edgar, a sister Margaret Ann Boon, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Don.

There will be a Gathering of Friends and Family on Tuesday, June 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hampton Funeral Home, 240 S. Cortez St.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, June 15, at 1:00 p.m. at the Prescott United Methodist Church.

At the family's request, memorial donations can be directed to: Hospice Family Care, 100 E. Sheldon, Suite 100, Prescott, AZ 86301.

The Hampton Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

(Information provided by survivors.)

Helen Mattson

Helen Mattson passed away on May 27, 2005. She was born in Belvidere, Ill., on Nov. 17, 1919, the daughter of Foster and Frieda (Heineman) Johnson. Helen married Frank Mattson on July 16, 1942, and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all. She enjoyed cooking, her recipes live on, and she loved an "Old Fashioned" made with water.

A Memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church at 7763 E. Long Look Drive in Prescott Valley; Pastor Kirk Anderson will officiate. Reception will follow at 9541 Serpentine Lane, Prescott Valley.

Helen is survived by her three sons and spouses, Foster (Mecha), Brian (Vicki) and Stuart (Gene); her grandchildren, Leslie and Jessica; and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister, Rachel Messerschmidt, and brother, Dr. Albert Johnson, as well as six nephews and one niece.

Helen was a member of the Friends of the Prescott Valley Public Library and Scandia Lodge 728. Donations may be made to the Friends of the Prescott Valley Public Library. Family wishes to thank her caregiver, Cindy, and her nurse, Betty (Yavapai Long-Term Care) and staff of YRMC during her last nine days.

(Information provided by survivors.)

Norma Miner

On June 2nd, Norma Miner passed suddenly and unexpectedly from this world. She was a wonderful wife, friend, and mother. She was married to Robert Miner for 51 years and had three great kids and six grandkids, all who adored her and thought the world of her.

She was born in Phoenix in 1932, to Robert and Louise Bruce, and spent her youth there, graduating from North Phoenix High School in 1950. Her adventurous spirit showed in her teen years when she won medals for speed skating. After attending business school, she became a secretary and worked until her marriage to Robert in 1954. Both Norma and Robert worked in the public school system, he as a teacher and she as a secretary and later a library assistant.

After 31 years of schoolwork, she and her husband retired to Prescott, and have spent the last 15 years happily remodeling old houses and then renting them out. Norma always had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. For two years, she lived in Guam and the family was able to travel all over the Far East. After retirement, she and Robert took five trips to Europe. In her sixties, she became a wonderful weaver and learned to chase around on a quad with her grandkids. In her seventies, she learned to play the mandolin and took up kayaking, both of which she loved. On the last day of her life, she spent the morning kayaking with family and friends, and the afternoon with her daughter working on a project. Her friends and family were devastated by her sudden passing, but her grandson said it wellŠ "Grama died with her boots on."

There will be a celebration of Norma's life on June 18th, at 2 p.m., at the Miner home.

Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

(Information provided by survivors.)

Doris Patricia "Patsy" Taylor

Doris Patricia "Patsy" Taylor, age 84, died Tuesday, June 7, 2005, at Prescott Valley Samaritan Center in Prescott Valley. She was born June 12, 1920, in Spokane, Wash., the daughter of Ruben and Laura (Matthews) Shafford.

Patsy and her husband Bayard were married March 28, 1945, and shared 60 loving years together. The couple moved to Prescott Valley from Phoenix in 1988 where they spent their retirement years. Patsy was a member of St. Germaine Catholic Church in Prescott Valley. She and her husband enjoyed traveling, and Patsy would spend many pleasant hours in her garden tending to her flowers. Patsy was proud of her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

Patsy is survived by Bayard, her loving and caring husband of Prescott Valley; daughters and sons-in-law, Mary and Roy Fontinel of Payson, June Taylor of Riddle, Ore., and Laura and Keith Giles of Prescott Valley. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kira, Mark, Jaymes and Jeffrey.

Visitation for Patsy will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 13th, with a scripture Rosary service at 7 p.m., led by Deacon Tony Humphrey. A celebration of Patsy's life and funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, June 14th, at 10 a.m., at St. Germaine Catholic Church, 7997 E. Dana Dr., Prescott Valley, with Rev. John Shetler presiding. Final commendation and farewell will take place at 2 p.m., at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on Cave Creek Road, in Phoenix.

The family suggests contributions in Patsy's name to Northern Arizona Alzheimer's Association, 225 Grove Ave., Suite B, Prescott, AZ 86301.

Arizona Wakelin Bradshaw Chapel assisted the family with arrangements.

(Information provided by survivors.)

Kathryn G. Kujawa

Kathryn G. Kujawa, age 54, a resident of Prescott, died June 10, 2005, in her family home. Kathryn was born Oct. 4, 1950, in Libby, Mont., to Raymond and Nora Kujawa.

She graduated from Montana State University in 1972. She taught art in Australia prior to completing her masters in library science at Emporia State University in Kansas. Some of her fondest memories were from traveling the world with a backpack. She spent decades improving public library services, most recently in the Prescott Public Library. In addition, for several years she managed a veterinary hospital in Prescott for her husband, Dr. Richard Fisher.

Survivors include her son, Patrick Quavow Fisher; her husband, Richard Fisher; her sisters, Marie McAlear of Helena, Mont., and Irene Truscott of North Epping, New South Wales, Australia, and their families.

An informal remembrance gathering is planned for the future. The family suggests memorial donations be made in Kathryn's name to the Prescott Public Library or any local public library.

Cremation was private at Bradshaw Crematory in Prescott Valley.

The family was assisted by Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home.

(Information provided by survivors.)

Dorothy Jean Langham

On June 7, 2005, Dorothy Jean Langham went home to be with the Lord, joining her husband, Jack. Dorothy was born in Sedan, Kan., on Sept. 13, 1924, to Floyd and Hazel (Jay) Casement.

She moved to Arizona in 1943 and, on Aug. 5, 1952, she married the love of her life, Jack Langham. Dorothy was a loving wife and mother, raising two children. She loved playing cards and gardening. She was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Moose Lodge, Fleet Reserve Association and D.A.V. Those who knew Dorothy best will remember the sense of humor that she had.

Dorothy is survived by her son and his wife, Jay and Mary Jeanne Langham of Prescott; her daughter and her husband, Joy and Paul Richards of Glendale; grandchildren, Travis, Austin, Rhonna, Sean and Jessica; and great-grandchild, Ashley.

Services are at 11 a.m. Friday, June 17, at Word of Life Assembly, 2200 N. Hwy. 89, Prescott.

Dorothy passed away peacefully at home watching the birds. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice Family Care, 100 E. Sheldon, Suite 100, Prescott, AZ 86301.

Arrangements were entrusted to Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home.

(Information provided by survivors.)

Kenneth Paul Green

Kenneth Paul Green, 75, of Dewey, born July 25, 1929, in Tulsa, Okla., died Saturday, June 11, 2005, in Dewey.

A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Heritage Memorial Park in Dewey.

Arrangements by Sunrise Funeral Home.

Leland Woodward

Leland Woodward, 86, of Chino Valley, born Sept. 12, 1918, in Winthrop, Wash., died Monday, June 6, 2005, in Chino Valley.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, at the First Southern Baptist Church in Chino Valley.

Arrangements by Chino Valley Funeral Home.

Peter Hord

Peter Hord, 63, of Prescott, born Sept. 7, 1941, in Rhinelander, Wis., died Friday, June 10, 2005, in Prescott.

No services are planned at this time.

Arrangements by Chino Valley Funeral Home.

Walter Claeys

Walter Claeys, 93, of Prescott Valley, born May 11, 1912, died Tuesday, June 7, 2005, in Prescott.

Commemoration services will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, June 13, at Sunrise Funeral Home.

Beatrice Mary Tyler Olson

Beatrice Mary Tyler Olson, 86, of Prescott, born Sept. 19, 1918, in West Lubec, Maine, died Friday, June 10, 2005, in Prescott.

Private cremation was at the Wakelin Bradshaw Chapel, Prescott Valley.

Arrangements by Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home.

Beryl Prestrud

Beryl Prestrud, age 101, courageously surrendered in her battle with a disabling illness with characteristic grace and dignity at home the morning of June 6, 2005.

She is survived by her loving, devoted husband of 71 years, Lars, who was by her side as usual holding her hand. Also many nieces and nephews from out of state; Beryl had no children of her own.

Beryl formally lived in Kansas and Colorado, spending the last 34 years equally between Sun City and Prescott Country Club (Dewey), Arizona.

Beryl was known as the elegant lady with beauty, refinement and wisdom. She was an exquisite homemaker and gourmet cook. Beryl was chosen by her peers as "The Cook of the Month" in Colorado and rewarded with a trip to Great Britain and Europe to meet with great chefs there.

Beryl was an accomplished singer in great demand at weddings. She was an avid reader and book reviewer. Beryl was an expert bridge player and had been invited to participate in an International Bridge Tournament in Canada. Beryl loved to travel with her husband. Together they visited many countries of the world, all provinces of Canada and Mexico, and every state capital city of the USA.

Beryl's appetite for life was immense. She had a keen interest in politics and was one of the youngest at age 25 elected to public office as County Clerk and Recorder. Beryl was Vice-President and program chairman of the Bradshaw Mountain Republican Women's Club. She was the first woman elected to the Board of Directors of the Colorado Hereford Association as Secretary/Treasurer. She was the first President of the Mile High Cowbell's of Denver. Beryl volunteered at Boswell Memorial Hospital in Sun City for 7-1/2 years.

At Beryl's request, no services will be held. Her husband, Lars, suggests and appreciates, in lieu of flowers, that memorial contributions may be made in Beryl's name to YRMC Hospice, P.O. Box 26565, Prescott Valley, AZ 86312.

The family was cared for by Sunrise Funeral Home and Crematory of Prescott Valley.

(Information provided by survivors.)

Robert E. Funk

Robert E. Funk, age 77, died June 8, 2005, in Prescott, after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born Oct. 26, 1927, in Altoona, Penn., to Roy and Margretta (Beam) Funk.

Robert attended and graduated from Penn State University. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Robert worked for General Dynamics Electronics and the North Island Naval Air Station.

He retired in 1993 and moved from San Diego, Calif., to Prescott. Robert enjoyed traveling with his wife, Peggy, to visit with family.

Robert was a member of the Elks and he and Peggy were both members of the United Methodist Church.

Robert will be remembered as a loving and caring man who was always there for his family.

Robert is survived by his wife, Peggy; sons, Roy and daughter-in-law, Charlotte Funk of San Diego, Calif., and Robert David Funk of Prescott; daughter, Sharon Latham of North Carolina; and three granddaughters, Kirsten Funk, Heather Latham and Melissa Palmer.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, June 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Sunrise Funeral Home in Prescott Valley. Commemoration services, in honor of Robert, will be 11 a.m., Thursday, June 16, at Sunrise Funeral Home, with Pastor Cynthia Kristopeit.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made in Robert's name to the American Cancer Society.

The family was cared for by Sunrise Funeral Home and Crematory of Prescott Valley.

(Information provided by survivors.)


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