LESTER C. "LES" HIXON
Mr. Lester C. Hixon, 88, passed away at his home October 3, 1999. He was born August 8, 1911 in Topeka, Kansas.
Mr. Hixon was President of Hixon Homes and was a retired general contractor and home builder. Les moved to Santa Monica, California in the late 1930's working through WWII in the movie industry. He ran a successful commercial contractors business until 1958 when he, his wife Louise and daughter Kathy moved to Yuma and started building houses. After building approximately 300 houses, he retired in 1982.
He graduated from Dover Kansas High, where he was on the varsity baseball team. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Yuma Rotary Club, and Yuma Golf & Country Club in which he was a past President. He won several golf awards and was past President of California Contractors Association.
Survivors include his daughter Kathleen Louise Hixon of the family home in Yuma, Arizona. Sons; Lester C. Hixon, Jr. and daughter-in-law Celia Hixon of Norco, California. Randy A. Hixon of Phoenix, Arizona and daughter-in-law Chriss Hixon of Yuma. He also leaves 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephew, and cousins.
Mr. Hixon was preceded in death by his wife Louise.
Visitation will be held at Johnson Mortuary Chapel, Thursday October 7, 1999 from 5:00 -7:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be held Friday at 10:00 A.M. at The Johnson Mortuary Chapel with The Reverend Roger Schalm of The Christ Lutheran Church officiating. Cryptside honors will be by Yuma Masonic Lodge 17 F&AM. Final resting place will be Benediction Mausoleum in Desert Lawn Memorial Park.
Pallbearers include sons Lester Hixon, Randy Hixon, grandsons Mark Hixon, Jeff Hixon grand-daughter Sheila Fitzgerald, and friend Bill Esmeier.
Honorary bearers include 3 grandchildren Tim Hixon, David Hixon, Jamie Hixon and 7 great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions suggested to A.R.C. 2720 W. 14th Pl. Yuma, Arizona.
Jimmy Lee
Jimmy Lee, 76, of Yuma died October 9, 1999.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years: Mary. Children: Jimmie Ray (Chery), Bill (Donna) and Jimmy Lee (Patience) West. Jr. Grandchildren: Brian, Amber, Raymond Joseph, Richard David, Nayeli Mary and Billie Jo. One Great-grandson:Alexander Renee as well as several nieces and nephews also survive.
Mr. West was a longtime member of D.A.V., V.F.W., P.O.W., Purple Heart, and American Legion Post #19. He was also a outstanding steel guitar player.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, October 14, 1999 at 2:00 P.M. at the D.A.V., 1313 West 9th Place, Yuma, Arizona.
Burial will be in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Cave Creek, Arizona. Arrangements by Sunset Vista Mortuary, Cemetery, and Crematory.
Eva Jean Pryor
Eva Jean Pryor, 93, passed away at her home October 10, 1999. She was born in Indian Territory, subsequently Oklahoma, on November 15, 1906. Mrs. Pryor was a homemaker and retired office and business employee.
She was a member of The First Christian Church of Yuma for over 30 years and a honorary life member of Yuma Mesa Homemakers Club.
She was preceded in death by her husband Carl Pryor both were active in building the Republican party in Yuma County and in Arizona during the 1950's onward; through employment in the family business (now Associated Citrus Packers) she was active in the development of the citrus industry in Yuma.
Survivors include daughter, Jeanne M. Pryor, brother C.V. Spencer, nephews William E. Spencer II, and Mark Spencer, all of Yuma
Memorial services will be held Thursday, October 14,11:00 A.M. at Johnson Mortuary
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Yuma, 1824 S. 8th Avenue, Yuma AZ. 85364. Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Mortuary.
Altora "Tootie" Stagner
Altora "Tootie" Stagner, 74, of Yuma passed away at home on November 13, 1999. She was born on December 1, 1924 in Grand Island, Nebraska.
As a wife, mother, and friend "Tootie" devoted her life to helping others.
Preceded in death by her husband Bud of 54 years. She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Joann and Doug Hand, Machele and Gary Headington, all of Yuma; daughter Mary Ann Alexander of California, brothers; Kenneth, Roger and Elmer Wiley, sisters; Beulah Kennedy and Shirley Voigt; grandchildren Sherry McBride, Bonnie Jo and Charles Alexander, Braden Hand, Jennifer Martinez, Michael and Heather Headington: and eight great-grandchildren.
Private cremation arrangements handled by Yuma Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Yuma, P.O. Box 4211, Yuma, AZ 85366.
Jennie (Juanita) Munoz Ornelas
Jennie (Juanita) Munoz Ornelas, 68, passed away November 12, 1999 at her home in Somerton, Arizona. She was born February 11, 1931.
Mrs. Ornelas was a homemaker and a member of The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Somerton.
Survivors include her husband; Victor Ornelas of Somerton, Arizona, sons; Victor M. Ornelas Jr. of Pomona, California, Sammy M. Ornelas, Freddy M. Ornelas, both of Yuma, Arizona, Ruben M. Ornelas and Stevie M. Ornelas both of Somerton, daughters; Bertha O. Rodriquez of Somerton and Olivia O. Santa Cruz of Yuma, brothers; Elias Munoz and Louis Munoz of Somerton, sisters; Tonia Reyes, Lupe Paz, and Tina DeSantiago all of Somerton. She is also survived by twenty-one grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fortunato and Elijia Munoz, brothers, Roman and Victor Munoz, sister, Chila M. Felix.
Visitation will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Somerton Arizona Tuesday, November 16, 1999 at 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m with the rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday November 17, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Perez officiating. Final resting place will be Desert Lawn Memorial Park.
Pallbearers include Victor Ornelas Jr., Sammy Ornelas Sr. Freddy Ornelas Sr., Ruben Ornelas Sr., Richard M. Ornelas, Joe Rodriquez, Chuck Santa Cruz, and Stevie Ornelas Jr.
Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Mortuary.
Ruth Victoria Maye Bradford- "Mrs. Elwood W. Bradford"
Ruth Bradford passed away on Friday, the 12th of November, at Yuma Regional Medical Center. She had seen declining health for several months.
Mrs. Bradford was born in Tucson on November 4, 1913, the daughter of an Irish immigrant. She marriage Elwood Bradford a Yuma native on August 17, 1938 in Tucson, Arizona.
After the Second World War Ruth and her husband returned to Yuma where they made their life-long home.
Mrs. Bradford was active in civic and social organizations including the Yuma County Democratic Pary, The Immaculate Conception Alter Society, The Arizona Beta Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi and a number of bridge groups. She served as secretary to the Superior Court Judge John McGuire in the 60's and 70's having previously worked in the principals office at Yuma High and the County Clerks Office.
Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Elwood "Brad" Bradford; son Michael and daughter-in-law Jean; daughter Julie and son-in-law Wayne Battenfield; brother, Fred Maye of Guadalajara, Mexico; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Yuma. Services will be at St. Thomas Indian Mission on Wednesday at 1:00 P.M. with Fr. Rusty Monahan officiating.
Lisa Marie (Foster) Gordin
Lisa Marie (Foster) Gordin, 36, passed away March 9, 2000 in Yuma, Arizona. She was born July 9, 1963 in Tucson, Arizona. Mrs. Gordin retired from the United States Air Force. She was a member of the Garden Club, and First Christian Church. A loving mom, devoted sister, caring daughter, she loved flowers, cooking, arts & crafts, and had a beautiful smile. Mrs. Gordin graduated from high school in Lake Havasu and in the top of the class in leadership skills in Military.
Survivors include her husband Stuart Gordin, son David R. Moddrelle, and daughter Sarah K Moddrelle all of Yuma, Az., father and stepmother Jerry Foster (Sue) of Croften, KY., stepfather and stepmother Harold and Martha Hawes, brothers James W. Foster, Joseph B. Foster , and Michael Hawes, and sister Melanie Cheung all of Yuma.
Mrs Gordin was preceded in death by her mother Kathryn Hawes.
Graveside services will be held Monday, March 13, at 10:00 a.m., with Dr. John Parish of First Christian Church officiating.
Pallbearers will include James Foster, Joseph Foster, Harold Hawes, Peter Cheung, Mike Hawes, and David Moddrelle.
Memorial donations suggested to Hospice of Yuma.
Joseph "Joe" Mazur
Joseph "Joe" Mazur, 85 Died Sunday, February 13, 2000 at St. Luke's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born Friday, October 16, 1914 in German Town, Pennsylvania; the son of Steven and Josephine (Brandau) Mazur.
Joe's life Experiences
Joe served his country in the United States Army Air Corps for five years. He worked as an electrician for Luke Air force Base for 23 years and retired in 1979 because of his disability. Joe moved to Tucson from Cambria, California in 1952 and later moved to Groom Creek in 1973 and in 1974 he moved to Yavapai Hills. He then moved to Prescott Valley in 1992. he met and later marriage Rita J. Zahn on August 18, 1992 and shared 7 loving years together. Joe was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Bishop Green Assembly, Knights of Columbus 4th degree, also holding an honorary life membership in the Knights of Columbus, Joe was also a member of the American Association of Retired Persons. Joe loved to play dominoes with friends and family, he enjoyed panning for gold, and traveling. There was nothing like a good game of bridge for Joe, but when he was not enjoying the many activities which made up his spare time, Joe loved to watch golf. He was proud of his family and his many accomplishments, and will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends he has made in his life's journey.
Survivors
Spouse: Rita Mazur of Prescott Valley, Arizona
Daughters: Kathy Wise of Prescott Valley, and Paula Brazil of Phoenix
Sons : Charles Mazur of Aurora, Colorado, and Joe Mazur of La Quinta, California
Sisters : Jane Agiles, and Nellie Koczer both of Pennsylvania
Grandchildren: Aaron Jones
Services were 2:30 p.m. Saturday, February 19, 2000 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Fleury,Prescott, with Rev. Fred LeClaire, C.M.F. presiding.
Louis A. Graveline, Sr.
Louis "Lou" Graveline, Sr., 71 died,Sunday, September 5, 1999 at his home in Prescott Valley. He was born June 28, 1928 in Ludlow, Massachusetts the son of Louis and Gertrude (Pellrin) Graveline
Life Experiences : Lou grew-up in Ludlow having to use crutches until he was a young man and received an operation by the Shriner's Hospital in Boston. While growing up Lou was very involved with the Boy Scouts of America, earning the highest rank of Eagle Scout. At 17, Lou, and the love of his life; Shirley Forkey were marriage on April 26, 1947 and shared 52 loving years together. Lou had graduated from Springfield Technical High School and became a journeyman machinist. His knowledge of mathematics allowed him to progress rapidly at Hamilton Standard Aircraft a member of United Technology's group until he was shift Forman. He continued with the company until the late 60 when he journeyed on his own forming Hi-Arc Manufacturing Company, Incorporated. Lou was very successful in this endeavor and quickly gained the confidence of the company he formally worked for by being awarded contracts to produce aerospace components for them. Lou was a family man first, being very involved in local politics, he was often quoted in the local newspapers of Enfield Connecticut. He was a true outdoorsman, enjoying fishing in both summer and winter when he would park out on the ice of a large lake, drill several holes, set his type and wait for the big one. Lou also loved to hunt in the mountains of Vermont and spent many hours with his two sons, teaching them the tricks of good and safe hunting. As a father, Lou was very involved with Scouting, being a Scoutmaster for many years, he had earned the organizations highest award for leadership, the Woodbadge, he later became a District Commissioner before retiring. To say Lou enjoyed camping would be an understatement, he would be out roughing it as much as possible throughout the year. At home, he enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden and in later years his flowers or fruit trees. He had a passion for football and baseball and saw his first Diamondback's game in person, earlier this year. He was a member of Saint Germaine's Catholic Church in Prescott Valley, Knights of Columbus Council #8386. Lou was also a member of the Lions International in Ludlow, Massachusetts. Lou was proud of his family and his career as Master Machinist, and will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends he leaves behind.
Survivors Include:
Spouse: Shirley of Prescott Valley
Daughters: Linda Roberts, and Tricia Graveline both of Prescott Valley
Sons : Lou Jr., and Gary Graveline both of Prescott Valley
Sister : Anita Clifford of Hampden, Massachusetts
Grandchildren: 9
Great-grandchildren: 7
Clifford P. Chalfant
Clifford P. Chalfant, 72 of Prescott Valley died Sunday, March 12, 2000 at Heritage House Care Home, Prescott Valley
Clifford was born on Wednesday, July 27, 1927 in South Gate, California, the son of Earl and Nellie (Ketwell) Chalfant
Life Experiences : Clifford served his country in the United States Army, he later met and marriage Joyce Godard on February 14, 1952. Clifford and Joyce moved to Chandler from Chatsworth, California. He worked for Orbital Science in Chandler for seven years as a Mechanical Engineer and retired in August of 1992 when the couple moved to Prescott Valley. Clifford was a member of the Gary Streeter Post #108, American Legion here in Prescott Valley, he enjoyed camping and was most gratified when the rockets he designed worked properly. Clifford was proud of his family, but especially his two grandsons.
Survivors Include:
Spouse: Joyce of Prescott Valley
Daughters: Laura Chalfant of Kapaa, Hawaii
Sons : Gregory Chalfant of Chandler, Arizona
Grandchildren: 2
Services (time, date and place): A private cremation was held at Bradshaw Crematory in Prescott Valley
Memorial Contributions: family suggest contributions to YRMC Hospice restricted fund, 3262 North Windsong, Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314
