Patricia C. Abbott passed away on March 25, 2014, at the age of 66, surrounded by her family.
Patricia was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Daniel T.; daughter, Lisa Abbott-Griffin (spouse Ginger); son, Daniel T. Jr. (spouse Brianna); and granddaughter, Delaney Abbott.
Patricia was the eldest of two children born and raised in Bellflower, Calif. After marriage and the birth of her first child, Patricia and her husband moved to Kirkland, Wash. where their second child was born and they lived for 10 years before relocating to Scottsdale, Ariz.
Patricia spent her career working as an accountant in the country club industry, her last employment being 12 years as controller for Troon Golf and Country Club. Patricia spent her free time sharing her amazing culinary and decorating skills, and while in the Valley, she developed a passion for competing in dog shows with her extremely loved and prized Mastiffs.
After both of her children successfully graduated high school and moved out of their Scottsdale home, Patricia and her husband moved full-time to their weekend home in Payson, Ariz. where she spent her life volunteering and hosting friends and family.
A visitation and funeral mass will be held at St. Luke’s Church on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 10 a.m. with a burial to follow at the Veterans National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Contributions can be made to Hospice of the Valley in Patricia’s name.
Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary.

Another member of an old pioneer family, Sheri Lee, passed away on March 20, 2014. Sheri was the granddaughter of Dallas Wilbanks (deceased) and Helen Walker Ross (deceased). She was born on Nov. 2, 1950 to Lawrence Derks (deceased) and Netti Wilbanks Martin of Globe, Ariz.
Sheri is survived by sons, Francis Coudt, Schylar Cloudt and Shane Brogdon; two grandsons, Cutter Cloudt, Konner Brogdon; a granddaughter, Ryelee Cloudt; and many aunts, uncles and cousins who will miss her dearly.
A memorial will be held at the Lone Pine Hotel on Main Street at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2014.

Albert Gerald “Jerry” Mabry passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 in Payson, Ariz. Jerry was born in 1931 in Crystal City, Texas.
In his early years, he served in the military and later taught school in Flagstaff, before retiring to Payson. He was a long-time adult leader of the Boy Scouts of America and a Silver Beaver recipient.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Renee; son, Mike Mabry (Peggy); and daughter, Paula Smith (Sterling); as well as seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is remembered as a loving husband and father. Jerry was kind and generous; quick with a joke or story. He was much loved and will be greatly missed.
Memorial services for Jerry will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 5 at Messinger’s Mortuary in Payson, 901 S. Westerly Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on his behalf to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, Acct. # 35705164.

Steven J. Salazar, 34, of Lubbock, Texas, entered eternal peace on March 20, 2014. He was born in Phoenix, Ariz. to Robert and Sharon Salazar and raised in Payson, Ariz.
He graduated from Payson High School in 1998 and worked mostly as a train conductor.
Steven Salazar enjoyed working on his Ford pickup trucks, riding his motorcycle, dancing, making new friends everywhere he went and spending time with his son, Lane.
Steven Salazar is survived by his son, Lane H. Salazar; Lindsey Cooper, of Lubbock, Texas; parents, Robert and Sharon Salazar; brother, John Paul Salazar (Nicole); and sister, Stephanie Salazar; as well as countless numbers of good friends.
A celebration of life will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 12, 2014 in Payson, at the Elks Lodge, 1206 N. Beeline Hwy., Payson, Ariz.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting contributions be made in support of Lane Hopper Salazar at Wells Fargo in account #1286686223.

Barbara Ann Riggins passed away on March 27, 2014 in Payson, Ariz. with all of her family by her side. Barbara was born on June 3, 1935 in the District of Columbia.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Walter E. Riggins; and is survived by her children, Cathy Valenzuela, Carolyn ‘Faye’ Sweet, Bruce Riggins, Debbie Abbott, Donnie Riggins and Wayne Riggins; 14 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the American Legion Tonto Rim Post #69, 709 E. Highway 260, Payson, Ariz.
She will be missed by all those who loved her.

Mary Louise Cambier, 75, of Payson, passed away on April 4, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Clarence Archie Thorpe and Ester Lily Bygum Thorpe in Redding, Calif. and was the beloved wife of James Stuart “Jim” Cambier for 53 years, who preceded her in death on July 20, 2012.
Mary is survived by their three children, Amanda Geroux of Spokane, Wash., Christopher of Scottsdale, and Michael (Joyce) of Payson; and eight grandchildren, Elena, Mark, Alison, Michael Jr., Jordan, Camille, Leland and Zackary; and honorary grandchild, Megan. She is also survived by her half-sister Suzanne (Thorpe) Cupp and half-brother Richard Thorpe.
Mary was active in East Verde Park Homeowners Association and Firewise and was the long-time treasurer of the East Verde Park Fire District Board. She loved to visit the casino and play Bunco. Mary was an avid reader and held an amateur radio operator license. One of her favorite pastimes was to watch the wildlife that visited her home each day.
The memorial service will be 11:30 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Messinger Payson Funeral Home, 901 S. Westerly Rd., with an open house to follow at the East Verde Park Clubhouse.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the East Verde Park Fire District Board, specifically earmarked for “Fire Prevention,” 447 Detroit Drive, Payson, AZ 85541.  

Dorothy Welch Dixon passed away March 30, 2014 at the age of 90. She lived every day with kindness, excitement and a giving attitude. She was born in Alhambra, Calif. on Sept. 27, 1923 and was one of six children born to Orrin and Elizabeth Welch.
In her early years, Dorothy was a telephone switchboard operator before marrying a U.S. Navy sailor, Mickey Rose, as he was going off to war. She then became a wonderful mother who raised three sons: Mike, Bill and Jack; and then a grandmother and a great-grandmother.
Raising Mike and Bill in the San Bernardino Mountains of California and then widowed, she married Gene Dixon, and moved to Gisela, Ariz. to raise Jack.
Her life was an adventure and she loved to travel, visit family and looked forward to spending time with friends.
A day didn’t go by without her asking ‘who wants to get beat at…’ a loved hand of Skip Bo, a mean game of Scrabble or the challenge of a good crossword puzzle.
She never slowed her pace as even in her seventies, she took up the shooting sport of trap and became a four-time gold medalist at the Senior Olympics. She loved to sew and knit just to gift the wonderful bounty to close friends or new acquaintances she just started a conversation with. She seemed to always be there to lend help when there was the need of a helping hand, prayer or inspiration.
Always happy, always fun-loving, always with a sense of humor, Dorothy was loved by anyone who came in contact with her and will be deeply missed. She may be out of our sight, but never out of our hearts. Enjoy your travels with the heavenly Angels.

Frederick William Smith Haught of Clarkdale, Ariz., was born July 9, 1934 in Globe, Ariz. to Simon and Margret Gruber Smith. He died March 31, 2014 in Payson Care Center, Payson, Ariz.
After the death of his parents, Fred was adopted by longtime friends of Si and Margret’s, Walter and Mae Haught of Star Valley, Ariz. in December 1937.
Fred graduated from Payson High School in May 1951 and attended Arizona State College in Flagstaff, Ariz. for two years and then in December 1953 joined the U.S. Navy. Fred served on a destroyer during the Korean Conflict and received an honorable discharge from the Navy in September 1961.
Upon his return to civilian life, he finished his college education at Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz., graduating as an electrical engineer. Fred worked as an electrical engineer throughout Arizona and Nevada on projects from the nuclear-fired power plant at Palo Verde, Ariz. and the coal-fired power plant at St. Johns, Ariz. He was working for Bechtel Corporation in Winnemucca, Nev. when he retired.
Fred and his long-time companion collected everything from old quilts and Navajo rugs to old bottles and glassware and enjoyed every minute of it. They visited every ghost town and old community they could find in Arizona and Nevada. Fred especially liked to remember and keep in touch with his longtime friends from grade school through college.
Fred is survived by his dog, Keno; his sister, Pat Cline and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; niece, Alice Mathews; sister-in-law, Toni Neely and her children and grandchildren.
Fred’s wishes were to have no services and to be interred in the Winnemucca, Nev. Cemetery in the vault of his longtime companion.

Howard Combs Sr. passed away on April 7, 2014 in Carson City, Nev. Howard was born April 1, 1942 in Phoenix. Ariz. He attended South Mountain High School and was in the U.S. Army for one term.
He lived in Payson at Jim Chilson’s old house in Star Valley. He is survived by wife Carole in Carson City; son Howard Jr., in Clinton, Iowa; stepson Rocky Reid in Hawaii; brother Fred Combs III; and mother June.

On Friday April 4, 2014 at 12:45 a.m., David O. Humphrey moved on to his next adventure, “Heaven.”
Although he most recently lived in Green Valley, Ariz., he passed away in Tucson, Ariz., but was most widely known here in Payson. He worked at Crosswinds Restaurant when it first opened and then he worked at the Swiss Village Bakery. He was also a very proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp. He will be greatly missed.
David O. is survived by his wife Claudia; daughter Katharine Humphrey; granddaughters Bailey, Paige and Tatum Wilson; brothers Dan Humphrey, Richard Lyon, Bill Lyon, James Lyon; and sisters Maryanne Collins, Debra Lyon, Vickie Ryan and Sara Gober.
A Memorial Service will be held at noon, Saturday, April 26, 2014 at St. Francis in the Valley Episcopal Church, 600 S. La Canada Dr., Green Valley, AZ 84165. For information, please call Katie at (928) 951-4444.

Grubbs, Michael M., 81, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away March 30, 2014.
Michael was born Dec. 26, 1932 in South Bend, Ind., the oldest child of Robert and Bertha Grubbs. He married Mary Ann Eufemi on Aug. 16, 1952 and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
In 1964, Michael and Mary and their six children moved to Arizona. They have resided in Payson since 1971. He was a member of the local American Legion Post 69 for nearly 20 years.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandsons, Nathaniel Grubbs and David Grubbs. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Grubbs of 61 years; his children, Marc Grubbs, Michael Grubbs, Lisa Williams, Patrick Grubbs, Jon Nick Grubbs and Christopher Grubbs and their spouses; 21 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Marilyn Welborn, Linda Wallace and Steve Grubbs.
A graveside memorial service will be held at the Payson Pioneer Cemetery, Sunday, April 27 at 12 p.m. with gathering for food and refreshments at the American Legion, Post 69, 709 E. Highway 260, Payson, Ariz.
With loving gratitude, the family would like to thank Hospice Compassus and our father’s caregivers, Brittany, Julia and Sheri with Lutheran Services.

Lorraine Adele Brunson, 89, passed away on April 13, 2014 in Scottsdale, Ariz. She was born to Herman and Lucile Shafer in Los Angeles, Calif. on May 8, 1924. She was the older of two daughters. Her sister, Bernice A. Craig is deceased.
She grew up in Oakland, Calif. and graduated from Fremont High School in 1942. She graduated from Arizona State University in 1963 at the age of 39 with a bachelor’s of arts degree in education and taught third and fourth grades in the Isaac School District for five years.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Payson and later a member of Southside Baptist Church in Tempe. She and her first husband were among the first families to move into Quonset huts in Polo Village at the University of Arizona after the World War II. She loved to read, swim, garden, crochet and knit afghans. She made more than 100 afghans and gave most of them away to friends. She was married to Robert L. Norton (deceased), a civil engineer for 20 years, and they had two children, Carol L. Hill (Kevin) and Barry Norton (Debbie); three grandchildren, Holly Rynne (Jon), Derek Norton (Deanne) and Kelly Clark (Ben); five great-grandchildren, Ava and Dylan Rynne, and Abigail, Jacob and Emily Norton. She was married to Riley J. Brunson (deceased) who worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 32 years. They were married for more than 40 years and had one daughter, Bonnie Creighton (Kevin) and two grandsons, Connor and Dylan Creighton.
She is survived by a dear nephew and his wife, David and Carol Craig and five dear friends, Suzanne Abbot, Carol Massey, Ella Lee Owens, Doris Young and Marilyn Flowers. A viewing was held at 9 a.m., Thursday, April 17, 2014 at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 East Main Street, Mesa, Ariz., with services following at 10 a.m.

Jackie Hickerson, 61, died of natural causes at the Payson Regional Hospital Ordinary Lifestyles, 401 Laredo Lane, Payson, Ariz. April 14, 2014. She was born Jan. 24, 1953 in Phoenix, Ariz.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Knight, and mother, Barbara (Beard) Knight. She is survived by three sons and several grandchildren.
At her request, there will be no services.

Vicki Georgann Parangan passed away Friday, March 21, 2014 in Mesa, Ariz. at the age of 70 from complications attributed to diabetes and congestive heart failure. She was the first child born to Herman Albert Meyer and Kathryn Jones Keplinger on April 8, 1943 in Sacramento, Calif.
Mrs. Parangan attended Herschel V. Jenkins High School in Savannah, Ga. and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Before retiring, Mrs. Parangan had been a department head at K-Mart and, most recently, supervisor of the Keno Department at the Fort McDowell Casino, Fort McDowell, Ariz.
Mrs. Parangan enjoyed playing video poker with her large group of friends and loved visiting the butterfly pavilion at the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Ariz. Mrs. Parangan had an extensive collection of dragons and other items related to Asian culture, and her favorite color was hot pink.
Mrs. Parangan is survived by her husband, Sgt. 1st Class (US Army, Ret.) Edward (Kimo) Parangan of Mesa, Ariz.; daughter, Dianna Barrett of Radcliff, Ky.; and mother, Kathryn Keplinger of Payson, Ariz.; brothers, Steve Meyer (Pam) of Carmel, Calif., Richard Meyer (Prudence) of Durham, N.C., and sister Col. (USAF, Ret.) Patty Hunt (Jim) of Payson, Ariz.; two grandchildren, Samantha and Anthony Madden of Radcliff, Ky. Predeceasing Mrs. Parangan was her father, Maj. (USAF) Herman Albert Meyer, stepfather, Col. (USAF, Ret.) Donald L. Keplinger and son, John Lee Madden. Mrs. Parangan will be dearly missed by her entire family, including her beloved dogs, Typsi and Pyper.

In the early morning of April 15, 2014, our beloved Steve passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family.
Steve was born in Buffalo, N.Y. on Sept. 30, 1959 and moved to Arizona with his wife and two sons in July 1988. He was a man of courage, strength, compassion and inspiration and he will truly be missed.
Steve is survived by his wife, Susan; his sons, Chad and Sean; his mother, Patricia; his sister, Tina; his daughter-in-law, Laura; and his two grandsons, Aydan and Vincent.
Arizona services will be held at the Best Western in Payson on Saturday April 19, 2014 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. New York services will be held on May 24, 2014 in Canandaigua, N.Y. All who knew Steve are welcome to attend.

Gary Walter Taylor, 75, of Strawberry, Ariz., passed away peacefully from acute leukemia in Phoenix on Friday, April 18, 2014. Gary was born in Phoenix, Ariz. to the late Walter K. and Virginia Mae Mortensen Taylor. He graduated from North Phoenix High School in 1957 and in 1961, graduated with a degree in business from Arizona State University.
A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pine, Ariz., Gary was always in the service of his church and helping others. Along with Big John, Jim and Richard, Gary was an expert wood-cutter and helped many with snowplowing.
A devoted husband and loving dad and grandpa, Gary will be missed by his wife, Sharon, whom he married in 2004; his daughter, Tammy Noel Payne; his son, Lieutenant Commander Todd Nathan Taylor, USN (Julie); and his grandchildren, Nathan and Gabrielle Taylor; his sisters, Janice Johnson (Von), Jane Bowden (Jim); and brother, Marc (Cindy).
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marcia Diane Erickson, mother of Todd and Tammy.
Friends are invited to join the family at Gary’s funeral on Saturday, April 26, 2014 in the Pine Chapel, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pine, Ariz. beginning with visitation at 10 a.m followed by the service at 11 a.m. Afterward, burial will take place at Pine Cemetery.

Steve Biltz, 89, of Payson, passed away April 11, 2014. He was born Dec. 25, 1924 in Kansas City, Mo. to Imogene and Sylvain F. Biltz Sr.
Mr. Biltz is survived by a daughter, Kenyon Biltz of Phoenix; stepdaughter, Pam Latham of Texas; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Steve served his country as a pilot in the U.S. Navy. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander.
Upon retirement, Steve began manufacturing golf clubs specializing in woods. He was an innovator, holding a patent on field adjustable woods.
Steve was an active bowler in Payson and enjoyed painting, sewing and crossword puzzles.
Services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, May 2 at St. Maria Goretti Church in Scottsdale, with a military service at Phoenix National Memorial Cemetery at 1:15 p.m., Friday, May 2.

James Clayton Wilson, 87, died peacefully at home in Payson, Ariz. the morning of April 19, 2014 with his “beautiful bride” Judy Schuller, and three of five grown children by his side. 
A Californian by birth, Aug. 7, 1926, a sports enthusiast and Portland, Oregon hall-of-famer in both football and baseball by natural athleticism; a businessman in economics by education and applied skill, a church and community leader by heart and mind, a horse rancher in Colorado by avocation, a cook, world traveler, backpacker, fly fisherman, golfer, and reader for adventure, Jim retired after being CEO of Rocky Mountain Energy Corp. to his dream home in Chaparral Pines. 
He is survived by his caring heart-mate, Judy Schuller, and all five children — John, Judy, Jill, Jean and Jeff, who thank him for instilling in them the love of life-long learning, a solid work ethic, the skills and courage to be self-sufficient and independent while also nurturing strong, loving relationships. 
“Jim, Dad, you remain alive and with us in our hearts and minds.”

James Arnold McCaw slipped from our arms and into God’s arms April 12, 2014.
Born Feb. 1, 1947, Jim was proud to have served our country during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1969. He loved to have fun, boating, fishing and mostly taking care of the ones he loved so deeply.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Gladys McCaw; two brothers and his son Tom McCaw. He left behind his wife, Rosann McCaw; son, Shadd McCaw; Shadd’s wife, Amy McCaw; and four beautiful grandchildren, Chase, Dakota, Savannah and Rachel McCaw.
Services were held on Good Friday at the Messinger Funeral Home April 18, 2014.
The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

Another member of an old pioneer family, Sheri Lee, passed away on March 20, 2014. Sheri was the granddaughter of Dallas Wilbanks (deceased) and Helen Walker Ross (deceased). She was born on Nov. 2, 1950 to Lawrence Derks (deceased) and Netti Wilbanks Martin of Globe, Ariz.
Sheri is survived by sons, Francis Coudt, Schylar Cloudt and Shane Brogdon; two grandsons, Cutter Cloudt, Konner Brogdon; a granddaughter, Ryelee Cloudt; and many aunts, uncles and cousins who will miss her dearly.
A memorial will be held at the Lone Pine Hotel on Main Street at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2014.