Marjorie Layton
Funeral services for Marjorie Layton, 82, a lifelong resident of Thatcher, were conducted Monday, Oct. 4, at the Thatcher LDS Stake Center by Brother Preston Alder.
The family prayer was offered by Jim Alder. Janice Holladay served as organist. The opening hymn "I Wonder When He Comes Again," was sung by Marjorie's grandchildren. The invocation was given by John McAtee, followed by the life story offered by Brenda Alder, Carol Lee McAtee and Cindy Bryce. President Jay G. Layton gave the sermon. The closing hymn, "Mary's Lullaby" was played from a recording made by Marjorie and her sister, Bernice Stowell. Concluding services followed in the Thatcher Cemetery.
Marjorie Phillips Layton or "Lady," as she was affectionately known by many, was born Jan. 19, 1922, in Thatcher, the daughter of Jesse and Sarah Phillips. She was the youngest of seven children.
At the age of 2 Marjorie's father passed away. Following her formal education at Thatcher Schools, Marjorie married Glen Layton on Aug. 26, 1939, in Lordsburg, N.M. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Arizona Temple on March 26, 1953.
To their union were joined four children, Brenda, Carol Lee, Jay and Cindy. As Glen worked to provide for the family, Marjorie remained in the home nurturing and caring for the children. In the mid 1970s, Glen became ill. Marjorie dedicated her time to caring for Glen. On March 17, 1984, Glen passed away. Following Glen's passing, Marjorie continued to reside in Thatcher, where she continued to serve her family. Her love, support and service to her family were evident throughout her lifetime. Marjorie's four great loves were for her husband, her family, the gospel and music. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Thatcher Seventh Ward. Marjorie passed away Sept. 28 at her residence in Thatcher.
Marjorie is survived by her three daughters, Brenda (Jim) Alder of Thatcher, Carol Lee (John) McAtee of Thatcher and Cindy (Ron) Bryce of Pima; her son, Jay (Diane) of Thatcher; 15 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Her husband, Glen, preceded Marjorie in death.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.
Retta Lofgreen
Retta Elizabeth Crockett Lofgreen, 92, was born April 21, 1912, in Pima.
She passed away Sept. 23 in Mesa. She was the third child and first daughter born to Hyrum W. and Elizabeth J. Lamb Crockett.
She married Fonzo Lofgreen in 1932 and lived all of her adult life in Central. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Relief Society, Mutual, Primary, did visiting teaching and was the ward organist and chorister for many years. She gave piano lessons on and off for more than 40 years. Retta spent a lifetime giving her time and talents serving others.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fonzo; five brothers; one sister; one grandson and two great-grandchildren.
She is survived by daughters, Joyce B. Kirby of Safford, Karen Garner of Chandler; one son, DeVirl Lofgreen of Mesa; 14 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by two brothers, Osmer Crockett of Pima and Elmo (Jennie) Crockett of Casa Grande; three sisters, Dorothy (Eugene) Nielson of Utah, Irene Angle of Safford (who is serving a mission with her husband, Eldon, in Samoa) and Doris (Gerald) Montierth of Safford; as well as numerous nieces and nephew.
Services were held Oct. 1 in the Central Ward LDS Chapel in Central. Interment followed at the Central Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Morris Safford Funeral Home.
Lola Norton
Funeral services for Lola Norton, 98, of Central, were conducted Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 10 a.m. at the Central LDS Chapel.
Lola was born Aug. 17, 1906, in Eden, Arizona Territory, to James Abner Martin and Adah Alzina Harper.
Lola attended school in Central, graduating from the eighth grade in 1920. She attended the Gila Academy in Thatcher until her junior year. She married Cecil E. "Tom" Norton on July 30, 1926, in Globe. Tom and Lola bought their farm and raised six children on 36 acres.
Lola worked at JC Penney's for 23 years, retiring in 1971. She was the alteration lady and worked full time in women's apparel.
Lola had many talents and was a hard worker. She was a seamstress, an excellent cook and candy maker. She crocheted, made quilts, embroidered and taught her talents to anyone willing to learn.
Lola was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Norton. She is survived by three sons, Keyte (Kay) of Chattaroy, Wash., Brooks (Golda) of St. George, Utah, and Tom of Corrales, N.M.; two daughters, Neva Rae (Gary) of Thatcher, Mary Lou (Guy) of St. David; one sister, Mona Rogers of Mesa; 25 grandchildren; 79 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Friends gathered Wednes-day morning at the Central Ward LDS Church.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.
Mary Briggs Kirkham Purdy
Funeral services for Mary Briggs Kirkham Purdy, age 84, who passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at the University Medical Center, Tucson, were conducted by Bishop Bruce Dodge at the Thatcher Stake Center.
Internment followed in the Thatcher Cemetery.
Mary was born June 29, 1918 in Moroni, Utah, to Mary Ann Briggs and George Erastus Kirkham. She spent her younger years in Provo, Utah, and attended Brigham Young University where she graduated at the top of her class. She married William Earl Purdy in the Salt Lake Temple on Sept. 8, 1949.
She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, William Early Purdy; her children William K. Purdy of Thatcher, Richard K. Purdy and wife Susan of Tucson, Shauna Ana' Thee and husband See Ba of Laie, Hawaii, and Ann Charlene Clouse and husband Terrill of Mesa; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a sister, Maxine Larson of Overton, Nevada.
A life-long educator, she taught at different educational institutions, including Brigham Young University where she taught nutrition and was head of food services during World War II. After World War II, she was sent by the government to organize the school lunch program in Switzerland. After returning she was appointed by the governor of Utah to head the food services program for the state which, at the time, was the highest position for a woman in the state government. Later she was employed as County Home Agent in St. George, Utah, at Eastern Arizona College and Pima High School, where she taught in the Home Economics departments, and Fort Thomas Elementary School where she taught art and was the librarian.
An outstanding educator, she was beloved by her students and professional associates. She loved teaching art at Fort Thomas and had students who won state and national honors.
A life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many callings in the Relief Society, Sunday School, Primary and the Mutual Organizations. With her husband she served two missions for her church. The first was in the Granite Vault in Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake City, Utah, and the second at the Family History Genealogy Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. She also participated in the Extraction Program for 10 years. Always willing to serve wherever asked will be Mary's legacy.
Gregarious and outgoing, she loved being involved in many civic and art organizations, including Delta Kappa Gamma, Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild, Republican Women and The Arts Council. As a signature member of the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild, she had paintings exhibited in six consecutive major art shows in Tucson. As a superb watercolorist, her paintings hang in public and private collections throughout the West.
Mary found great joy in serving her family. Throughout her last years, she remained independent and strong, always wanting to live life to the fullest. Her faith gave her hope and strength to continue on. She will be forever remembered by her family as a loving, caring, giving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Jesus M. Escamillas
Jesus M. Escamillas or "Cheuy," as he was affectionately known by many, was born Dec. 5, 1929, at Metcalf. He grew up there, obtaining his education from Metcalf and Morenci schools.
Following his graduation from Morenci High School in 1951, Cheuy enlisted in the United States Army to help support the effort abroad of the Korean War. In 1953, following an honorable discharge, Cheuy returned home to Morenci, obtaining work with Phelps Dodge Mining Corporation.
In 1955, Cheuy met Juanita Sierra. They were married later that same year. In 1961, Cheuy and Juanita moved their young family to California, where he obtained work with the Fasson Paper Company in Cucamonga. In 1989, following more than 20 years of dedication to the paper company, Cheuy retired.
He and Juanita returned to Arizona, making their residence on the ranch just outside of Duncan. Cheuy could often be found out and about working on the ranch. He reveled in telling stories of his life growing up in Lower Eagle Creek, his childhood and of his lifes experiences. Cheuy was a kind and caring gentleman who never knew a stranger. He will be remembered as a loving father, husband, brother, grandfather and friend. Cheuy's faith in God, love for his family and zest for life will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Cheuy was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Mission Parish and a Korean War Veteran.
Cheuy is survived by his wife of 48 years, Juanita of Duncan; his daughter, Rosanna (Jess) Lopez of Pomona, Calif.; two sons, Jess and Larry (Angela) of Tucson; his brothers, Marcelino Aragon, Catalino Aragon and Pete Aragon of Calif.; his daughter-in-law, Diana R. Escamillas of Tucson; and eight grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Oct. 3 at St. Mary's Catholic Mission by Rev. Raul H. Rosales. Committal with military rites conferred by the Clifton American Legion Post # 28 followed in the Duncan Cemetery.
A rosary and prayer vigil was recited Oct. 2 at St. Mary's Catholic Mission.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.
Emerson Goseyun "Big Bell"
Emerson Goseyun "Big Bell," 57, of Bylas passed away July 30, 2003, in Mesa. Emerson was born Sept. 26, 1945, in Bylas to the late George and Nellie Goseyun. Memorial services were Saturday, Aug. 9, at Vonda Cassadore's residence, where everyone was welcome to share his or her memories of Emerson.
Funeral services were Aug. 9 in the Bylas Our Savior's Lutheran Church with Pastor David Malchow officating. Interment followed at the Navajo Point Cemetery -- Morris Safford Funeral Home.
Sharon A. Bouriaque
Sharon A. Bouriaque, 56, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2003, in Morenci. She was born on Oct. 5, 1946, in Springhill, La., to Jewel and Mary Woods. Visitation for Sharon was Friday, Aug. 8, at Assembly of God Church in Morenci. Service was Aug. 9, with intermenty following at Sheldon Cemetery in Duncan -- Morris Safford Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Eleanor Cleland Teague, 84, of Thatcher will be conducted Monday, Aug. 11, at 9 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Safford.
Interment will follow in the Safford Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday evening from 6-7 p.m. at Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.
Meta Darleen Reed
Meta Darleen (Morgan) Reed, 55, passed away July 15, 2004, at her residence in Safford.
Darleen Reed was born May 16, 1949, in Morenci to Goldie and W.L. "Red" Morgan. She grew up in Duncan and obtained her education from Duncan schools.
Following her education, Darleen met Robert "Bobby" Johnson. They were married Jan. 16, 1966, in Lordsburg, N.M. Together, Darleen and Robert resided throughout the southwest. In 1989, Darleen married Charles Reed in Elko, Nev. In August of 1992, Charles passed away. Soon thereafter, Darleen returned to the Gila Valley.
Darleen had many interesting jobs during her lifetime. While working in the mines in Nevada, she drove the big Wabco trucks and was a helper, carrying explosives with a "High Packer" crew. She also worked in the casinos.
In addition, she worked all over Nevada and Arizona as a waitress, drove schoolbuses in Sahuarita and Safford, and drove buses hauling Hot Shot firefighters to fires in New Mexico, California and Arizona. She also worked at the Thatcher Post Office and the Safe House.
The last few years she worked in the home health care field. She enjoyed painting, reading, crocheting and playing cards with her family and friends.
Darleen was preceded in death by her parents, W.L. "Red" and Goldie Morgan; her late husband, Charles Reed; her sister, Addie Lucille Burke; and her brother, Sammy Wayne Morgan.
Darleen is survived by her daughter, Ruth Ann Johnson of Safford; three sons, Robert Johnson II of Duncan, Russell L. Johnson and Roy D. Johnson of Safford; her sister, Margaret R. McBride of Safford; three brothers, J.W. "Bud" Morgan of Duncan, Lyle Ray Morgan of Buckeye and Bonner Lee Morgan of Mariposa, Calif.; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private family services will be held in the Sheldon Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are by Bunker's Caldwell Chapel, Safford.
Benjamin Nelson Primm
Benjamin Nelson Primm, 75, of Safford went home to be with the Lord Friday, July 23, 2004.
