Ebbert Lee Elswood passed away May 9, 2014 in Phoenix, Ariz. He was born April 21, 1928 in Brigham City, Utah to Author Charles Elswood and Norma Jensen Elswood.
He graduated from Box Elder High School in 1945 and from UCLA in California. Lee married Velma Parker on Feb. 22, 1951 in North Hollywood, Calif. They have two children, Michael and Ardith, and five grandchildren.
Lee was employed by Bell Laboratory until his retirement. He lived with his family in Sierra Madre, Calif. until moving to Payson, Ariz. Lee was preceded in death by his wife Velma, his parents, his son, one grandson and two sisters. He is survived by three sisters and one brother-in-law, Doreen and Bill Weaver, LaRey Peterson and Ardith Levinthal.
Interment was in Phoenix, Ariz. A memorial service will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, June 26 at the Payson Quality Inn, 801 N. Beeline Hwy. (87), Payson, AZ 85541.

Grace Elizabeth Johns passed away peacefully on May 11, 2014 in Missoula, Mont. surrounded by her children and some grandchildren who had arrived to celebrate Mother’s Day with her.
Grace was born Sept. 27, 1917 in Pierre, S.D. to Morton and Belle Helm. She grew up with three older brothers in Fairport, Ohio. In 1938 Grace married Clair Johns.
Grace and Clair shared strong interests in the outdoors, camping, canoeing, birding, bridge, photography, Cleveland Orchestra concerts, and genealogy. They canoed and camped extensively with the Keelhaulers Canoe Club in Ohio. Grace became an excellent photographer and accumulated an impressive collection of photographs, including some magnificent flower close-ups.
Grace and Clair bought a 100-year-old (fixer-upper) farmhouse in Brecksville, Ohio, where they raised their son and three daughters. Grace returned to Kent State University and completed her degree. She then worked several years teaching math in the Brecksville Middle School.
There were many trips tracing their family ancestry. Grace managed to trace hers back to a trip on the Mayflower.
In retirement, Grace and Clair moved to Payson, Ariz. and also bought a summer cabin near Darby, Mont. Clair passed away in 2003. Grace stayed on in Arizona, enjoying her many friends there until moving to Missoula in 2008.
Grace is survived by her children, Ralph in Missoula, Mont.; Susan in Vancouver, Wash.; Joanna in Alliance, Ohio; and Carol in Hamilton, Mont. Grace has also been blessed with nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren scattered across the country.

John Ivan Beresic was welcomed home June 18, 2014. At first, the angels stood behind his bed guarding his every breath. Later, as his breath began to fade, the angels hovered above him, gently lifting his spirit into the heavenly hands of God.
It was the simple things in life that he never took for granted, commenting daily how fortunate and thankful he was. Above all, he was absolutely devoted to his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth Ann. He was a man of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ’s love and beauty and peace that would await him after his passing.
John had a loyal group of friends that he entertained with his jokes since moving to Payson from Phoenix in 1993. He had a love of many things — he enjoyed shooting the breeze with friends at Tiny’s; he loved good food; he loved guns and was a supporter of the NRA. John was a member of Sy Harrison Lodge No. 70, F. & A. M. and Ponderosa Chapter No. 64, O. E. S. in Payson as well as El Zaribah Shrine and the Sheriff’s Association.
John was born on Sept. 10, 1926 and grew up in Beaver Falls, Pa. He moved to Phoenix in 1944. He met Elizabeth in 1961 and the two began their journey together in 1963. The couple built and ran successfully Frontier Electric Company. They retired in 1993.
John leaves behind his beautiful wife, Elizabeth; niece, Arlene Kowaliski; nephews, James, Ben, Danny and Tommy. His friends, Peter and Jacqueline Maffia, also survive him. They loved him and they were as good a son and daughter to him as could be, especially in the last year. John hopes, however, that all will grieve his passing only as long as necessary. They have much living and good work still to do, and they should get busy doing it. Time is flying by.
Friends are warmly invited to join John’s family at his funeral service at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 21, 2014 at Sy Harrison Lodge No. 70, F. & A. M., 200 E. Rancho Rd., Payson. Burial will follow at Mountain Meadows Memorial Park. For those who would like, contributions to Daughters of the Nile, in care of the lodge, have been encouraged.

Michael E. “Mickey” Scott, owner and operator of Payson Radiator Sales, Inc., died June 18, 2014 in Payson, Ariz. after battling a short illness.
Mickey moved from LaPorte, Ind. to the Phoenix, Ariz. area with his parents in 1954, and after graduating Camelback High School moved back to LaPorte/Michigan City where he had a gas station/automotive shop.
In 1988, he moved back to Payson, where he worked for Walmart several years before starting his radiator business, presently located in Rye, Ariz.
Mickey is survived by his mother, Maryann Scott-Allen; sister, Jacquelyn Jantz; and daughters, Gina Keeling-Hatcher and Jennifer Wilson. His dog “Rusty” also greatly loved Mickey and misses him, as we all do.
Mickey’s daughters are presently continuing to run his radiator business.

Margaret Theresa Settelmeyer, 98, peacefully passed away at her Payson, Ariz. home June 20, 2014. Born Aug. 24, 1915 to the late Magdalena and John Hitz in North St. Paul, Minn., she was raised in Bremen, N.D. Margaret graduated from New Rockford, N.D. High School and later from Valley City Nursing School.
A registered nurse by profession, she worked at New Rockford City Hospital and Clinic. In 1942, Margaret married George Settelmeyer. Together they raised four children and farmed in New Rockford.
Margaret is preceded in death by her husband, George, in 1988; her son, Jake, in 1982; sisters, Ann and Barbara; brothers, Frank, Louis and George. She is survived by son, Dale O. Settelmeyer (Sandy) of New Rockford, N.D. and two daughters, Marilyn A. Jacobs and Susan M. Ryden (Jerry) of Payson, Ariz.; grandchildren, Tony Settelmeyer (Anca), Tim Ryden (Lura), Max Ryden (Carol-Lyn), Nikki Settelmeyer and Jake Settelmeyer; and seven great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 511 S. St. Philips St., Payson. Burial alongside her husband and other family members will take place in New Rockford, N.D.
Contributions honoring Margaret Settelmeyer may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
 

Laura Hammond of Strawberry died peacefully in her home on June 6, 2014. She left this world surrounded by her beloved pets.
She was known by many as a trusted dog-sitter and lovingly cared for a multitude of pets from all over the area for many years. She loved them as her own and never turned an animal away.
She also loved the Dallas Cowboys and never missed a game. She had a passion for Tigers and was able to fulfill her dream with a trip to Africa.
Laura had a heart of gold and will be truly missed by her human friends as well as all her furry friends waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge. She is survived by a sister and stepson.

Edward Lester Trapeur, of Sun City, Ariz., died Sunday, June 22, 2014 at age 70.
A memorial service will be held at Ponderosa Bible Church in Payson, Ariz. at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 22, 2014.
In addition, a graveside service is being held in Elmwood, Neb. at the Elmwood Cemetery at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014.
In support of life, the body was donated to advance medicine through Science Care, a whole body donor program.
Edward was born Aug. 16, 1943 to Lester and Lorraine Trapeur in San Francisco, Calif.
Survivors include his wife, Pamela (Rase) Trapeur of Sun City, Ariz.; his son, Chad Trapeur and wife Kelsey; three grandchildren, Sydney, Macy and CJ, all of Glendale, Ariz.
He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Sean Trapeur.
He moved to Sun City in February 2013 from Payson, Ariz. and resided there until his passing.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ed’s memory can be sent to any of the following:
Hospice of the Valley https://www.hov.org/donate-now
Alzheimer’s Research https://www.alz.org/join_the_causedonate.asp
Gideon International https://www.gideons.org/sendtheword/
The family expresses their appreciation.

Todd Shawn Ralls of Strawberry, Ariz. passed away on July 4, 2014 at the age of 47.
Todd is survived by his wife, Kristen; two daughters, Rachel and Rebecca; brother, Tanner Ralls; sister, Tara (Sky) Hill; father, Ernie (Sherry) Ralls; three nieces and one nephew.
He is preceded in death by his, mother Jennifer Ralls; and son, Devin.
A Celebration of Life for Todd will be at Tonto Rim Search and Rescue in Strawberry at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 12. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Kimberly Sue Zuber lived at the Rim Country Health in Payson, Ariz.
She was born Aug. 4, 1960 and passed in Payson on June 26, 2014 after a long illness.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Glenda Ruth.
Kimberly is survived by former husband, Johnny Bond; daughters, Alexandra and Muffin; sons, Adam and Allen; and four grandchildren; sister, Dawn Lynne Zuber; brothers, Ronald Earl Zuber (Christene), Michael Earl Ketchum (Crystal), Lee Theron Ketchum, Gregory Zuber (Linda) from Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Deanna and Christene at Rim Country Health for the love and support they showed Kim throughout her stay.
There will be celebration of life at 4 p.m., Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Geronimo Estates on 1579 Paint Pony Drive, Payson AZ 85541 with music and camping out like Kim would have loved.

Rita Mary Finley was born in Detroit, Mich., Wayne County April 6, 1918 to Frank and Genevieve Koss. She was a graduate of Holy Nativity High School in 1935. She did office work in Detroit before moving to Phoenix, Ariz. in 1948, where she continued to do office work until she retired in 1966.
Rita moved to Payson in 1972 where she volunteered for several businesses in the area.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Finley; her parents and stepfather; Thomas Doyle, her first husband; brothers (Frank, Bob, William) and sisters (Marguerite and Delores).
Rita is survived by brothers Thomas (Joann), Gerald (Kathy), Charles (Lorraine); and one grandson, David (Penny) Anschutz; and two great-grandchildren, Brett and Paula; along with many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 12 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, arrangements were handled by Messinger Payson Funeral Home and condolences can be left online at www. messingermortuary.com.

Cynthia Kay McCannon, 68, of Payson, passed away on June 30, 2014 at her home. She was born on April 2, 1946 in Washington, Iowa.  
Cindy moved to Payson from Peoria, Ill., where she was a member of Northwood Community Church. In Payson, Cindy and her husband Mike purchased The Buffalo Bar & Grill.  
She is survived by her husband, Michael McCannon; son, Brad Sundin; daughters, Shelly Zaborac and Debra Neff.  Survivors also include her brothers, Don Moody and Bruce Brown; as well as her sisters, Connie Wagner, Pam Mier and Robbie Cicalo. Cindy will also be missed by her nine grandchildren.  
As per her wishes, no formal services will be held. There will however be a celebration of her life held at a later date. The family asks that memorial contributions be made in Cindy’s memory to Whispering Hope Ranch. Contributions can be made at the Chase Bank branch, in the account of Michael McCannon for the Cindy McCannon Memorial Fund.  Contributions can also be made at the Buffalo Bar and Grill.  
Arrangements were entrusted to Messinger Payson Funeral Home and online condolences can be left at www.messingermortuary.com.

Robert Ray Lynch, born on Aug. 5, 1927 on the Lynch Farm in Blackhawk County, Iowa, was called to heaven on July 1, 2014.
During his lifetime, Robert was a devoted son, husband and father. He was a World War II Army Air Force veteran. Robert worked for John Deere in Iowa, in Long Beach, Calif. at the Terminal Island shipyard, as well as for 35 years at American Pipe and Concrete/Ameron Pipe and Concrete in both Long Beach and Phoenix, Ariz.
An avid hunter, he was an Eagle Scout, Scout Master, and a softball player with the Payson Cougars until he was 80. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Claude Clifford Lynch; mother, Alice Laverne Meyer; stepfather, Leo James Heid; wife, Gertha Mae Heller; daughter, Linda Rae Lynch (Grossenbacher); son, Craig Henry Lynch; and son-in-law, John Garrison Epps. Robert is survived by brothers, Roger Lynch, Larry Heid and Jim Heid; his oldest daughter, Kathy Lynch Epps; daughter, Patty (Patrick) Lynch O’Donnell; sons, Kirk (Maria) and Jim Lynch. Robert was also blessed with 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He will be laid to rest next to his beautiful and loving wife of 46 years at Rose Hill Cemetery, Grundy Center, Iowa.

Bud Harper — Willis Everett Harper — was a happy-go-lucky guy who was fun to be with and seriously dedicated to his Heavenly Father and always walked his Christian life, did not just talk it. In addition, he was a loving, dedicated patriarch of his extensive Harper family. He had five children — a son, Arch, recently passed.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rose of Strawberry, Ariz.; daughter, Cynthia of Long Island, N.Y.; son, Steven of Pine Grove, Pa.; daughter, Georgiann of Strawberry, Ariz.; son, Will of Prescott, Ariz.; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, and three more on the way, one to be named “Harper” after her great-grandpa.
He entered into this life in Phoenix, Ariz. June 21, 1927 along with his twin sister, Wilma Darlene, who preceded him in passing in 2005. His three brothers and two of their wives also preceded him in passing. Sister-in-law Phyllis of Phoenix, Ariz. remains with us.
He started his career working for some packing houses in Phoenix and one large one in California. He bought fat cattle for the meat companies. Cattle and ranching were in his blood. While working for others, he dreamed of ranching for himself. Jim Hughes and Ganz Cattle Company helped him get started on his own. When Jim saw he was doing fine, he backed away, thus the birth of Fargo Cattle Company. In return, he helped others to become involved in the business. He developed many ideas over the years dealing with cattle and was much in demand for his mental expertise to advise others. The phone still rings.
He never met a stranger. He loved cattle and ranching and loved living in the Rim Country. He said, “we moved to God’s country.” He went to live with his Heavenly Father June 16, 2014 in the lovely Rim Country Health facility. He created so many memories for his family and friends that he will be with us forever.
The last generous thing he did was to donate his remains to medical study. A Celebration of Life will be held at Messinger Payson Funeral Home, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014 at 2 p.m.

Frances Marie Power, 87, of Phoenix, passed away July 7, 2014.
She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She ministered to all. Frances will be missed by everyone.
Visitation will be at 9 a.m. with a funeral service at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ.

Kevin “Scotty” VanEckhoutte, age 59, of Overgaard, Ariz. passed away June 26, 2014. Scotty resided in Durand, Mich. before moving to Arizona. He worked for the Forest Service, Tonto Village Fire, and for the last 10 years worked for Christopher Kohl’s Fire Department. Scotty loved being a firefighter.
He was born in Flint, Mich. June 30, 1954, son of Lewis and Phyllis (Asselin) VanEckhoutte. Scotty loved his family and friends, his animals and life itself.
He is survived by his wife, Electra; mother, Phyllis (Asselin) VanEckhoutte of Bancroft, Mich.; brother, Rodney VanEckhoutte of Farmington, N.M.; and sister, Dawn (Larry) VanNewkirk of Bancroft, Mich. He leaves behind several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Scotty’s memorial will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, July 19 at R-C Scout Ranch, 19887 E. Highway 260 by Christopher Creek. Bring your Scotty stories.

Jerry was born on Jan. 23, 1948 in Miami, Ariz. to the late Vernon and Dorothy Daniels. Jerry, also known as J. D., was a three-sport athlete at Miami High School, graduating in 1966. He then attended Arizona State University, majoring in history.
On June 5, 1970, Jerry married the love of his life, Darlene Warter. He taught at Miami High School from 1971 until 1974. From 1974 until 1985, the Daniels family lived in Tucson where Jerry taught at Sunnyside High School. In 1985, he moved his family to Payson. After a short stint out of the classroom, he taught at Payson High School from 1988 until his retirement in 2010.
During his 36 years of teaching, Jerry also coached boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, softball, baseball and football, impacting the lives of thousands of young men and women. Jerry passed away on July 9, 2014 after a year-and-a-half long battle with cancer.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Darlene; his four sons, D. J., David (Melissa), Derek and Daren; four grandchildren, Jason, Emily, Troy and Shea; and his mother-in-law, Myrtle Warter. He will be remembered as a loyal and loving husband, father and friend.
Friends are warmly invited to join Jerry’s family to celebrate his life at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2014 at Mountain Bible Church, 302 E. Rancho Rd. in Payson.

Paul James Bennick, 82, died July 9, 2014 at his home in Payson, Ariz. Paul was born Oct. 16, 1931 in Rockford, Ill. In 1959, he moved his family to Phoenix, Ariz.
Paul, best known as PJ, founded the PJ Bennick Company in 1976, where he worked with two of his children. Tom and Julie learned the business from their Dad and eventually took over when PJ retired. Whoever thought he wasn’t pulling the strings (us) when he “retired” was grossly mistaken! The respect he showed not only his customers, but his employees is what set PJ apart.
His business acumen, passion, leadership and foresight was evident in every part of the business. Paul had a great dedication to providing for his family. His work ethic is only one example of his legacy to his family. There will never be another PJ Bennick Co., just as there will never be another PJ. He will be missed by all (except Obama).
Paul was fortunate to have two loves of his life. His first wife, Ann, his high school sweetheart passed away in 1983. Together they raised four children. In 1992, Paul met and married Carole just a short year later. Life together was full of friends, travel and family. Paul enjoyed winning at cards, playing Mexican train and enjoying a good glass of wine. He and Carole took great trips with dear friends throughout the country. There were fun trips to Alaska and Hawaii as well as travel to Canada and Europe.
Many memories were made throughout his life. Paul was a fun-loving, caring, adventuresome, one-of-a-kind guy whom so many of us loved. We were all fortunate to have him in our lives.
Paul is survived by his wife, Carole Bennick; his children and spouses, Jodi (husband, Mark), Tim (wife, Suzanne), Julie, and Tom. Paul also had three adult stepchildren and 16 grandkids.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at the Messinger Mortuary, Fountain Hills, located at 12065 N. Saguaro Blvd.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mayo Clinic Arizona for heart research. For additional information, contact Messinger Fountain Hills, (480) 837-5588.

On Saturday, June 21, 2014, Lily, age 77 years, went to be with Jesus. She passed peacefully, with dignity and grace, in the arms of her husband and daughters in Payson, Ariz.
Lily, also known as Georgia Dee, was born, one of 12 siblings, May 12, 1937 to John E. and Minnie B. (Gates) Fisher in Altoona, Pa. Lily was a happy, kind, hard-working compassionate woman, who went out of her way to help others who could not help themselves.
Lily labored as a waitress in her younger days, eventually becoming a home health aide for the Berks Visiting Nurses and then as an aide at the Hamburg Center, from where she retired, in Hamburg, Pa. Lily was also a successful entrepreneur with Harry Lloyd’s Christmas Around the World, achieving numerous awards and placing number 17 in sales nationwide among thousands of other people.
Lily was most recognized for her fabulous voice and band known as Georgia Dee and the Country Gentlemen. She met Bruce Heffner during her singing career and he became her steel guitar player and husband. Her band was extremely popular in the Berks and Schuylkill County areas, having a successful run of 20 years. Her voice had a quality and range few people could match.
Lily resided 37 years in Hamburg before moving in 2012 to Arizona. In her Arizona retirement, Lily enjoyed playing cards with her Payson circle of friends and an occasional vocal appearance among the pickers and players at Jake’s Corner.
Lily is survived by her husband of 33 years, Bruce Weston Heffner; daughters, Deborah E. (Weber) Hughes, wife of Michael Hughes of Payson, Ariz.; Tina M. (Weber) Hayes of Apache Junction, Ariz.; Bonnie L. (Weber) Wilkins, wife of Mark Wilkins of Allentown, Pa.; Robin L. Weber of Grants, N.M.; and foster daughter Sandra L. (Weber) Lee, wife of Roger Lee of Apache Junction, Ariz. There are 15 grandchildren and 28 greatgrandchildren. Brothers, 1st Lieutenant Charles W. Fisher, USAAC retired WWII P-47 combat pilot of Bedford, Pa.; Master Gunnery Sergeant Dennis B. Fisher, USMC retired Southeast Asia combat veteran of North Carolina; and John E. Fisher of Altoona, Pa.; and sister, Barbara J. Nichols of Ohio also survive. Lily is sadly missed by her German Shepherd, Nikita, who stayed by her side while Lily was passing.
Preceding Lily to the afterlife are her parents, John E. and Minnie B. Fisher; brothers, Donald L. Fisher, Paul G. Fisher and E. Wayne Fisher; sisters, Yuvette L. Orischak, Catherine G. Henry, Arlene Engle and June C. Lightner; grandchildren, Bobbie Jo Faust and Zack Hughes. Lily is looking forward to a greeting by her great German Shepherds, Little Wolf, Leroy, Lucy, Lester, K9 Otto and K9 Willow on the far side of the Rainbow Bridge.
Friends are warmly invited to gather to share memories and music with Lily’s family from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014 in the community room of Messinger Payson Funeral Home, 901 S. Westerly Rd., Payson.

Jerrold Myers, age 75, passed away peacefully Sunday night, July 13, 2014.
He is survived by his wife, Sally; sons, Mitchell Todd, Mathew Cory, Michael Chad and Nathan Brent; his brothers, George and Lester; his sisters, Marylee and Saramae; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
While serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he was wounded in Vietnam. He helped form the U.S. Marine Corps League in Payson, Ariz.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 19, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 918 Ponderosa, Payson, Ariz.
Donations in Mr. Myers’ memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Lucinda (Cindy) Machen died at home July 15, 2014 at 7:39 p.m. She was 83 years old with a bad heart. She left two daughters, April and Sherry; and one husband, Des, to whom she was married for 64 years.
She lived in Payson for 20 years and was active in the choir, bell choir, Old Time Music Maker Band, and played the organ and piano for several churches.
The memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 1, 2014 at the Methodist Church, 404 Easy Street, Payson.