Obituary: Howard Ellis Staley

Howard Ellis Staley, 81, of Prescott Valley, Ariz., passed on to a better place on Feb. 23, 2013.

Howard was an accountant for 56 years, the majority of that time spent with the Souvall Companies in Salt Lake City, Utah, never completely allowing himself to retire. Howard loved the outdoors never missing an opportunity to go camping and fishing with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Howard was an avid sports fan, especially professional and college football and basketball. He was a member of the American Legion Post 108. He was a very generous and charitable man; the charities he supported are too numerous to list. He served honorably in the United States Navy from January 1951 to October 1954.

Howard and Betty Louise Flagler were married on Jan. 8, 1955, and enjoyed 58 years in love together. Howard is survived by his wife Betty; sister Jean Barber of Iola, Kan.; son Frank Staley of Peoria, Ariz.; daughter Gail Porter of Prescott, Ariz.; five grandchildren, Melissa Merrill, Ryan Staley, Derik Staley, Crystal Pierce and Jennifer Pierce; two great-grandchildren, Taylor Merrill and Paige Merrill; one nephew, Barry Barber; and two nieces, Brenda Bumgardner and Belinda Bertincino. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Howard "Dude" Staley and Veda Staley.

Services will be at 1 p.m. on March 5, 2013, at Sunrise Funeral Home, 8167 E. Highway 69, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314, (928) 772-7475. There will be a reception following, location TBA.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be made to the American Diabetes Association and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Thank you.

Information provided by survivors.