Donavon William Smith
Jan. 16, 1917 - Aug. 30, 1999
Donavon William Smith, 82, a 37-year resident of Tombstone, Ariz., and Huachuca City, Ariz., passed away at home Monday morning, Aug. 30, 1999. He was born Jan. 16, 1917, in Findlay, Ohio, to Charles and Etta Smith.
Mr. Smith served his country in World War II in the Army Air Corp. from 1941 to 1945 as a crew chief on a B-25. He was a lifetime member of the 57th Bomb Wing, Helldorado and Tombstone Vigilantes; 50-year member of the American Legion Post No. 3, Findlay, Ohio; member of the VFW Post No. 10342 Huachuca City; member of the Blue Lodge Chapter Counsel and Commander; charter member of the Zabbar Shrine Temple in Tucson, Ariz., and past patron of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Mr. Smith marriage Pauline M. Bauemlein on Aug. 14, 1955, in Findlay, Ohio.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years Pauline of Huachuca City; sons Larry E. Smith and Donavon D. Smith of Huachuca City; and five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The family will celebrate his life at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 1999, at the VFW Post No. 10342, 1301 Cochise Ave., in Huachuca City.
The family is requesting that memorial contributions be made to the charity of your choice in his name. The family also requests that no flowers be sent.
Arrangements have been entrusted Jensen's Sierra Vista Mortuary LLC.
Peter Dennis Ramos
April 8, 1933 - Aug. 29, 1999
Peter Dennis Ramos, 68 of Sierra Vista, Ariz., passed away Sunday, Aug. 29, 1999, in his home. Peter had been an area resident for five years.
Peter was born April 8, 1933, in New York City, N.Y., to Elvira Siegert and Pedro Ramos.
He entered the U.S. Army in 1953, serving more than 22 years as a member of the military police and the Criminal Investigation Division. His service included tours in Germany, Fort Huachuca, Fort Bragg, N.C., and two tours in Vietnam before retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer II in 1972. Following his discharge from the U.S. Army, Peter worked as an assistant professor in the Criminal Justice Department at the State University of New York, Farmingdale, from 1976 until his retirement in 1994. Shortly after his retirement, Peter moved to Sierra Vista.
In his spare time, Peter enjoyed photography, computers and gardening, with a passion for roses.
Grateful for having shared his life are his children, Staff Sgt. Donna B. Lingo of Fort Huachuca, Cynthia L. Ramos of Greensboro, N.C., Senior Master Sgt. Marc (Leslie) D. Ramos of Dyess AFB, Texas, Sandra A. Ramos of Sierra Vista and Nicole B. Ramos of Miller Place, N.Y., Peter is also survived by his mother, Gloria Pulido of Springhill, Fla.; his sister, Gloria Daddio of Springhill, Fla.; his brother, Armando Carames of Brooklyn, N.Y.; 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Thursday, Sept. 2, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Hatfield Funeral Home, 830 South Highway 92 in Sierra Vista. Funeral services will be on Friday at 10 a.m. at the Hatfield Chapel. Interment with military honors will follow at Cochise Memory Gardens Cemetery, 5590 Charleston Road.
Arrangements are with the Hatfield Funeral Home Inc.
Gregorio O. Figueroa, Sr.
May 9, 1923 - Sept. 4, 1999
Gregorio O. Figueroa, Sr., 76, of Sierra Vista, Ariz., peacefully passed away in Tucson, Ariz., on Saturday, Sept. 4, 1999, after a lengthy illness.
Gregorio was born in Tintown, Ariz., on May 9, 1923, to Vicente and Jesus Ohton Figueroa. He spent his early years in Bisbee, Ariz., before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1944. During World War II he meritoriously served his country, acting as a front-line medic in the 126th Infantry, 32nd Division. He received a number of military commendations for his bravery and service, including the Bronze Star.
He played baseball for a time with the Boston Red Sox minor league team in San Jose, Calif., and also with the Phoenix Senators.
He met his wife of 52 years, Beatrice Sanchez, in California. They were marriage in 1947 and together raised six children. The family lived for a number of years in the Phoenix area before settling permanently in Sierra Vista in 1966. He worked as a civil service employee at Fort Huachuca until his retirement in 1985.
Goyo, as he was affectionately known, was a devoted husband and father who dearly loved his family and enjoyed his many friends. Although he will be sorely missed, his kind and gentle nature will live in our hearts forever.
He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as by his brothers, Robert and Tony.
He is survived by his loving wife, Beatrice of Sierra Vista; his children, Gregorio Jr. (Pam) of Sierra Vista, Jesse of Boston, Sylvia (Edward) Schmehl, Martin (Angie) and Edward all of Sierra Vista, Theresa (Joe) Guerrero of Tucson and a step daughter, Rose Marie Perez of California. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Ian, Jeremy and Nina Schmehl, Katherine Sheffield and Jessica Figueroa, Sean Figueroa and Jacob and Leah Guerrero; as well as by two great-grandchildren, Morgan and Trevor Sheffield. He is further survived by two brothers, Frank and Alonzo of Bisbee and by his sister, Alicia Cabello of California.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation this evening from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Rosary service at 6 p.m. at the Hatfield Funeral Home, 830 S. Highway 92, in Sierra Vista. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 800 N. Taylor Drive, in Sierra Vista, with Father Gregory Adolf officiating. Gregorio will be laid to rest at Cochise Memory Gardens Cemetery, 5590 Charleston Road, in Sierra Vista. Following the interment, a luncheon will be held back at the St. Andrews Parish Center.
Arrangements are with the Hatfield Funeral Home Inc.
A Sonnet for my Father
And when I think of all my days gone by,
Which seem like waves that beat against the shore
I bow my head and heave a heartfelt sigh
And wonder if I'll be allotted more
By Him Who in His wisdom governs all,
Or if my days are closing to an end.
And then I try the good days to recall
And ask the Lord those days to send again.
But as I ponder things in such a way
I tell myself you should not muse like this,
But rather ask of God that you not stray
From His good path that leads to perfect bliss
The path that all the Righteous trod before,
That leads us to that Calm beyond the shore. - 1999 Jesse Figuero.
Albert Carl Buchanan
May 13, 1914 - Sept. 9, 1999
Albert Carl Buchanan of Bisbee, Ariz., passed away at his home on Thursday, Sept. 9, 1999. He was born May 13, 1914, in Greens Creek, N.C. Carl came to Bisbee as a soldier/miner after being drafted into the U.S. Army. Carl had worked as a miner at Phelps Dodge Corp.s Campbell Shaft, retiring in 1975. Carl's wife of 47 years, Hester (Howard), preceded him in death in January 1991. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Yvonne in 1977; a son, Carl Ray Buchanan in 1950; and a sister, Daisy Shepherd in 1996.
Survivors are his daughter, Carol, and her husband, Lee Moore, two granddaughters, Andrea Lee and Diane Moore, all of Bisbee; and two sisters, Bird Hall and Julia Beck, both of Sylva, N.C.
A public viewing will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, at Dugan's Funeral Chapel. Funeral Services will immediately follow at 10:30 a.m. at Dugans. Interment services to follow at Memory Gardens.
The clock of life is wound but once,
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
On what day or what hour.
Now is the only time you have
So live it with a will.
Don't wait until tomorrow
The hands may then be still. - Author unknown
James A. Belt
Jan. 16,1913 - Sept. 12,1999
James A. Belt, 86, of Sierra Vista, Ariz., passed away Sunday, Sept. 12, 1999, after a long battle with cancer.
James was born Jan. 16, 1913, in Hardin County, Ill., to Henry and Jane (Pennell) Belt. James was self employed, owning a trucking company, Ford dealership, and a grocery store. He and his wife moved to Sierra Vista 36 years ago, where he operated a vending machine business on Fort Huachuca. Following retirement, they enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling together.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife of 66 years, Opal; three children, Virginia (Harold) Maerker, James Belt and Richard H. Belt all of Illinois; five grandchildren and many dear friends.
A time of visitation will be held Wednesday at the Hatfield Memorial Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. at Hatfield Memorial Chapel, 830 S. Highway 92, in Sierra Vista, with Pastor Edward Galyon officiating. Interment will take place Saturday, Sept. 18, 1999, at Cave Hill Cemetery in Cave-In-Rock, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers remembrances be given to Habitat for Humanity, c/o Sierra Vista United Methodist Church, 3225 S. St. Andrews Drive, Sierra Vista AZ 85635.
Arrangements are with the Hatfield Funeral Home Inc. in Sierra Vista.
Mary E. Rubin
Feb. 25, 1953 - Sept. 13, 1999
Mary E. Rubin, 46, of Tombstone, Ariz., passed on Monday, Sept. 13, 1999. She had been a Tombstone resident for the past year.
Mary was born Feb. 25, 1953, in Marion, Ohio, to Donald and Betty Johnson. She attended schools in the Las Vegas area and graduated from Valley High School. Mary worked as Cath Lab Tech at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas for 18 years where she continued her education in this field and advanced herself to supervisor. She was always trying to help people and was very caring. She had an enlightened personality which gave way to her songwriting, poetry and artistry. She always had a kind word.
She was preceded in death by her husband Butch Rubin in 1998.
Mary is survived by her parents, Don and Betty Johnson of Las Vegas; sisters, Donna Idol, Sandura Serrao and Theresa Najemian; and stepson, Marty Rubin.
A celebration of Marys life will be held on Friday, Sept. 17, 1999, at 2 p.m. at the Hatfield Memorial Chapel with Pastor H. Lee Erwin officiating. Interment will be private.
I guess its time to say goodbye
My work here now is through
For God has called me, to his light
And I must be leaving soon
But before I go, Id like to say
How much I love you so
And Im really sorry, I cant stay
Its just, my time, to go - written by Mary in 1994
Arrangements by the Hatfield Funeral Home Inc. in Sierra Vista, Ariz.
Belle Victoria Lopez
Sept. 14, 1922 - Sept. 11, 1999
Belle Victoria Lopez, 76, of Sierra Vista, Ariz., passed away Saturday, Sept. 11, 1999, at the Sierra Vista Regional Health Center. She had been an area resident of Sierra Vista for the past four years.
Belle was born Sept. 14, 1922, in Fort Lewis, Wash. Belle traveled throughout the world with her husband Joseph, who was in the military. She was a very active member of the DAVA. From 1995 to 1996, she was the past commander for the state of Washington. She was also a member of the DAVA Post No. 14 in Sierra Vista.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Joseph K. Lopez of Sierra Vista; a daughter, Karen Rousseau of Seattle; a son, Larry (Erma) Rousseau of Sierra Vista; four grandchildren, Annabelle (Allen) Clawson of Spencer, N.C., Raymond Rousseau of Sierra Vista, Justin Rousseau of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Lennie Rousseau of Salisbury, N.C.; 14 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 18, 1999, at 2 p.m. at the Golden Acres Estates Club House, 3623 Finch Circle, in Golden Acres.
Memorial contributions may be made in Belle V. Lopezs name to the Town and Country Preschool Special Education Program, 1313 Lenzner Ave., Sierra Vista AZ 85635.
Arrangements are by the Hatfield Funeral Home Inc. in Sierra Vista.
Leota A. Garey
Feb. 4, 1909 - Sept. 15, 1999
Leota A. Garey, 90, of Hereford, Ariz., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 15, 1999, at Sierra Vista Regional Health Center in Sierra Vista, Ariz. She had been a local resident for the past four years.
Leota was born Feb. 4, 1909, in Centerville, Iowa, to Frank and Alice (Davison) Shepard. She was raised and attended school in the Centerville area. After high school she marriage her husband of 50 years, Carl James Garey and the couple then moved to California. There they owned and operated Mi-Mamas Pastry Shop in Eureka Calif., for many years. During that time, not only did they make pastries, but they made many friends. After selling the business, they traveled all over the United States. Leota loved photography and took many pictures while traveling. She loved her family and was a very friendly person who loved everyone. She will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James in 1976.
She is survived by her sister, Dora Tow of San Francisco, Calif.; three daughters, Patricia Tennis of Barstow, Calif., Betty (Ed) Harnay of Sacramento, Calif., and Darlin (Richard) Arnold of Hereford; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 18, 1999, at 2 p.m. at the Country Estate Baptist Church, 5700 S. Highway 92, in Hereford, with the Rev. Michael Bergman officiating. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made in Leota's name to the Country Estates Baptist Church, Youth Camp Group, P.O. Box 1406, Hereford AZ 85615.
Arrangements are by the Hatfield Funeral Home Inc., in Sierra Vista.
