Donald Fay "Punkie" Ross - Lucile Canon ­ Wilma V. Parker ­ Dorothy Virginia Delong

Donald Fay "Punkie" Ross

Donald Fay Ross, known by family and friends as Punkie, passed away Friday, Dec. 16, 2005, at the age of 90. The eldest of four siblings, he was born April 18, 1915, in Plainview, Minn., to Fay and Mabel Ross. As a boy, he moved with his family to Faribault, Minn., where he grew up and met Marian Highland, who shared his passion for horses. Don and Marian fell in love and married on Aug. 16, 1940, and later had two daughters, Sharon and Marilyn.

The Ross family stayed in Faribault where Don was an area farrier and worked as the Railway Express agent. An upstanding member of the community, he was actively involved in The Church of Christ, and was a charter member of The Rice County Sheriff's Mounted Posse. In their spare time, the Ross family was devoted to raising and showing quarter horses.

Always an American patriot, Don was honored to serve his country in WWII. He was inducted into the United States Army in 1943 and served with the Bushmasters 158th Regimental Combat Team. This team took part in three South Pacific invasions, and he was also involved with the army occupation of Korea. Having valiantly represented his country in battle, he was awarded several medals, including the Bronze Star, and was honorably discharged December 1945.

Upon his return to life as a civilian, he was employed as a foreman at McQuay Manufacturing Company until his retirement in 1976. Always a Westerner at heart, Don moved to Prescott where he could continue to enjoy his horses in the open nature of Williamson Valley. He made many friends and was happy to remain in Prescott with his family.

Don's greatest pride and joy were his granddaughters, Dani and Kye. He would share his enthusiasm for them with anyone and everyone, which reflected his warm, endearing nature.

Donald Fay Ross is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marian; his youngest daughter, Marilyn Terrasi; his son-in-law, Anthony Terrasi of Prescott; granddaughters, Dani Terrasi of Tucson and Kye Terrasi of Los Angeles; brother, Max E. Ross; and sister, Betty Ross of Faribault; and sister, Jane Hanson of Sacramento, Calif. He was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Sharon Kay Nowlin.

Memorial service will be at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Fort Whipple VA Chapel, 850 Highway 89.

Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home is assisting the family. You are invited to visit www.ruffnerwakelin.com to sign the guest book and to view a tribute to Punkie.

(Information provided by survivors.)

Wilma V. Parker

Wilma Virginia Parker, age 80, of Dewey, died peacefully Dec. 4th.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Welborn. Wilma is survived by her children, Judy Halle (Lance) and James Parker (Jayne); her grandsons, Scott, Bryan, Jason, Ryan; and four great-granddaughters.

Wilma was trained as a home health aide, in Phoenix, in the 1960s and spent many of the years since then caring for people in the central Phoenix area. She is admired by a multitude of loving friends who knew her for her tireless determination and loving care for others during hardships.

Wilma will be remembered at a gathering of close family and friends who will celebrate a significant life that was well lived.

(Information provided by survivors.)

Dorothy Virginia Delong

Dorothy Virginia Delong, 91, of Chino Valley, born Dec. 12, 1914, in Crawfordsville, Ind., died Sunday, Dec. 18, 2005, in Prescott.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at Chino Valley Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements by Chino Valley Funeral Home.

Lucile Canon

Lucile Canon, 90, of Prescott, born July 20, 1915, in Oshkosh, Wis., died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in Prescott.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at Lake View Memorial Park Chapel in Oshkosh.

Arrangements by Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home.