Christopher L. Blazer, 41, of Phoenix and Payson, passed away unexpectedly at home on March 20, 2013.
Mr. Blazer was born and raised in Phoenix and had lived the last eight years in Payson.
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Eleanor and Leroy Lay, Mary and Herview Bertelson, Lewis Blazer and by his father, Harry Blazer.
Mr. Blazer is survived by his mother. Debbie Blazer; brother, Doug (Kim) Blazer; uncles, David Lays and Brad (Leslie) Lay; nephews, Steve, Rich, Stu, Ryan Lay and Nate (Houie), Nick, Chris (Kristen) and Zack Blazer; three great-nephews and one great-niece.
Mr. Blazer was an avid fisherman and loved the Payson, Greer and Colorado fishing areas.
His sudden death reminds us that life is precious and to enjoy each day to its fullest.
“We love you Chris and will miss you dearly,” writes his family.
There will be no services.

Marjorie Alberta (Humphrey) Templeton died March 21, 2013 at her home in Payson. She was born Oct.r 16, 1921 in Athens, Pa. to Cecil J. and Monta (Withey) Humphrey, both of Pennsylvania.
She married Edgar M. Osborne, Sr. (deceased) on March 15, 1938 and the marriage ended in divorce when Edgar entered the Navy during World War II.
She married Tom Ray Allen (deceased) on Dec.24, 1952, first in Mexico, then followed by a ceremony in Tucson.
She married Roy Eugene Templeton (deceased) on Nov. 10, 1962.
Mrs. Templeton worked in a silk factory in Pennsylvania during World War II and came to Ajo, Ariz. in the early 1950s. In Ajo she owned the Ajo Thrift Store.
She was a charter member of the Mogollon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She was a member of the Bradford County Historical Society in Towanda, Pa., the Northern Gila County Genealogy Society and researched the family tree through the Mormon Library.
Mrs. Templeton was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Sylvia I. Osborne of Pennsylvania; and sons, Lawrence S. Osborne of Houston, Texas and Roy E. Templeton, II of Tucson.
She is survived by son, Edgar M. Jr. and Darlene Osborne of Tucson; daughter, Connie Gleason of Payson; son, Richard J. and Debbie Allen of Tucson; and Roger A. and Susan Templeton of Phoenix. She is also survived by a sister, Beatrice and George Gowan of Pennsylvania.
Also surviving are her grandchildren, Jullie Mullis of N.M., Edgar Osborne, III. of Bullhead City, Raymond Osborne of Virginia, Vickie Brown of Phoenix, Randy Robinson of California, David Osborne of Texas, Tristan Womack of Texas, Jason Allen of Tucson, Jaron and Jaimie Templeton of Phoenix; 10 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
Burial of her ashes will occur in Athens, Pa. on the Humphrey Family plot.
At her request there will be no local services.

Elsa (Meemo) LeSage of Payson and Prescott Valley was called to her Heavenly Family on March 21, 2013.
She was born on a farm near Courtland, Kan. on Jan 5, 1913 to Agnes and Charlie Johnson, the third of eight children.
She married Leonard LeSage in 1935 and they had two girls, Joan and Peggy. They moved to Phoenix in 1955 and she worked in retail until retiring in 1985, living in Payson and Prescott Valley.
She is survived by her daughter, Peggy (Bill); granddaughters, Terri Briggs, Gaye Carrillo and Lisa Murphree (Randy); grandson, Chris Cumpton (Lisa); 11 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Joan King; two grandsons, Mike Brown and Rick Briggs; and a great-grandson, Joey Gonzales.
Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 30, with services following at Messinger Payson Funeral Home, 901 S. Westerly Road.

Wanda McHenry, 74, of Strawberry, passed away March 29, 2013 in Scottsdale.
She was born in Sacramento, Calif. and spent her younger years in a rural community in South Dakota.
She graduated from nursing school as a RN and spent most of her adult years as a surgical nurse in Southern California, then retired to her home in Strawberry.
Mrs. McHenry was an avid quilter, an excellent baker of wonderful pies, and a true friend to all who knew her. She never knew a stranger and would strike up a lively conversation with just about anyone.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Alec (Bud) McHenry; brother, Dick Stabnow of South Dakota; and nephew, Scott Stabnow of South Dakota. She is also survived by a wonderful group of friends, both locally and nationwide.
She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
At her request, there will be no formal services.

John Kelly Holmes died March 29, 2013 in Payson.
He was born Aug. 30, 1969 in Fairfield, Calif.
A recent arrival in Payson, Mr. Holmes enjoyed donating his time coaching Special Olympics.
No local services will be held.
Donations in Mr. Holmes’ name may be made to Payson Special Olympics, c/o Becky Derwort, P.O. Box 2443, Payson, AZ 85547.

Mary Ella (Cagle) Carlson, 84, of Payson, passed away March 13, 2013.
She was born Sept. 29, 1928 in Black River, Ark. to Edward and Thelma Anderson (both deceased).
She grew up with three sisters, Mae (deceased), Lorene and Helen.
Mrs. Carlson was a beloved wife and she is survived by her husband, Walter Carlson; son, Danny Cagle (Fran); daughter, Linda Prater; stepson, Rick Carlson; and stepdaughter Randi Neideffer. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 3 at Christ’s Church of the Valley, 7007 W. Happy Valley Road in Peoria, Ariz.

John Kelly Holmes died March 29, 2013 in Payson.
He was born Aug. 30, 1969 in Fairfield, Calif.
A recent arrival in Payson, Mr. Holmes enjoyed donating his time coaching Special Olympics.
No local services will be held.
Donations in Mr. Holmes’ name may be made to Payson Special Olympics, c/o Becky Derwort, P.O. Box 2443, Payson, AZ 85547.

Joseph Peter (Pete) Joyce III died unexpectedly March 30, 2013 on the Arizona Trail near Strawberry at the age of 75.
The son of Joseph Peter and Adele Joyce (nee James) of Oak Park, Ill., he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elisabeth (nee Bamesreiter). He is mourned by his children Andrea and Michael; brothers, James and Christopher; sisters-in-law, Jean and Joy; nieces and nephews, Tannisse, Susan, Michael, Joel (Stephanie) and Patrick; and great-niece, Caitlin.
Born in Springfield, Ill. and raised primarily near Chicago, Mr. Joyce graduated from St. Lucy Elementary School in Chicago in 1951, Fenwick High School in Oak Park in 1955, and Xavier University in Cincinnati in 1959. He served in the U.S. Army in Europe and Vietnam and retired from the Reserve as a lieutenant colonel.
He came to Arizona to work for Allied Signal in Phoenix, where he enthusiastically embraced biking, hiking, trail maintenance, camping and learning about the history and culture of the state. After retirement, Mr. Joyce spent most of his time around Strawberry, eventually dedicating his time and effort to helping expand the Arizona Trail system.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to Arizona Trail Association, P.O. Box 36736, Phoenix, AZ 85067-6736 or at www.aztrail.org/memorial.html.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 9 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 2121 S. Rural Road in Tempe.
In addition, a memorial Mass will be offered at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 11 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 511 S. St. Phillips St. in Payson.
Interment will be in St. Germain, Wis. in 2014.

Robert Pogue, 91, died March 18, 2013 in Payson. He was born Sept. 16, 1921, the son of the late Obia and Bethar (Barnes) Pogue of Redford, Mo.
On June 13, 1956, in Hernando, Miss., Bob married Virginia Dare (Patterson), originally of Oklahoma.
Virginia’s son, the late Mark Odell Huskey, preceded Bob in death on Jan. 18, 1980, at the age of 28. Virginia survives in Payson.
Mr. Pogue was a Christian man, being of the Baptist faith. He was a decorated (5-Star Bronze Medal) World War II veteran. He first served his country when drafted into the U.S. Army from Sept. 18, 1942 until Nov. 5, 1945, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force until Nov. 30, 1958. He was a member of the American Legion.
Mr. Pogue was the third of nine children, and is survived by one brother, Amos Pogue. He was preceded in death by seven siblings, “Toots” (Lore) Amsden, Joe, Euel, Gene, Doyle, Dean and Jim Pogue.
Also surviving are his daughter-in-law, Kristie Clarke; granddaughter, Gina Huskey; great-grandson, Richard Valenzuela; and a host of extended family and friends in Missouri as well as Arizona.
No funeral service was held. Burial was March 26, 2013 in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix.
Arrangements were handled by Messinger Payson Funeral Home.

Joseph Peter (Pete) Joyce III died unexpectedly March 30, 2013 on the Arizona Trail near Strawberry at the age of 75.
The son of Joseph Peter and Adele Joyce (nee James) of Oak Park, Ill., he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elisabeth (nee Bamesreiter). He is mourned by his children Andrea and Michael; brothers, James and Christopher; sisters-in-law, Jean and Joy; nieces and nephews, Tannisse, Susan, Michael, Joel (Stephanie) and Patrick; and great-niece, Caitlin.
Born in Springfield, Ill. and raised primarily near Chicago, Mr. Joyce graduated from St. Lucy Elementary School in Chicago in 1951, Fenwick High School in Oak Park in 1955, and Xavier University in Cincinnati in 1959. He served in the U.S. Army in Europe and Vietnam and retired from the Reserve as a lieutenant colonel.
He came to Arizona to work for Allied Signal in Phoenix, where he enthusiastically embraced biking, hiking, trail maintenance, camping and learning about the history and culture of the state. After retirement, Mr. Joyce spent most of his time around Strawberry, eventually dedicating his time and effort to helping expand the Arizona Trail system.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to Arizona Trail Association, P.O. Box 36736, Phoenix, AZ 85067-6736 or at www.aztrail.org/memorial.html.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 9 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 2121 S. Rural Road in Tempe.
In addition, a memorial Mass will be offered at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 11 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 511 S. St. Phillips St. in Payson.
Interment will be in St. Germain, Wis. in 2014.

Joseph Peter (Pete) Joyce III died unexpectedly March 30, 2013 on the Arizona Trail near Strawberry at the age of 75.
The son of Joseph Peter and Adele Joyce (nee James) of Oak Park, Ill., he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elisabeth (nee Bamesreiter). He is mourned by his children Andrea and Michael; brothers, James and Christopher; sisters-in-law, Jean and Joy; nieces and nephews, Tannisse, Susan, Michael, Joel (Stephanie) and Patrick; and great-niece, Caitlin.
Born in Springfield, Ill. and raised primarily near Chicago, Mr. Joyce graduated from St. Lucy Elementary School in Chicago in 1951, Fenwick High School in Oak Park in 1955, and Xavier University in Cincinnati in 1959. He served in the U.S. Army in Europe and Vietnam and retired from the Reserve as a lieutenant colonel.
He came to Arizona to work for Allied Signal in Phoenix, where he enthusiastically embraced biking, hiking, trail maintenance, camping and learning about the history and culture of the state. After retirement, Mr. Joyce spent most of his time around Strawberry, eventually dedicating his time and effort to helping expand the Arizona Trail system.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to Arizona Trail Association, P.O. Box 36736, Phoenix, AZ 85067-6736 or at www.aztrail.org/memorial.html.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 9 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 2121 S. Rural Road in Tempe.
In addition, a memorial Mass will be offered at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 11 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 511 S. St. Phillips St. in Payson.
Interment will be in St. Germain, Wis. in 2014.

James R. Ward, 72, of Payson, formerly of Glendale, Ariz., went home to Glory to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Feb. 27, 2013.
Mr. Ward was born June 26, 1940 in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Robert and Lucille Ward. He graduated from DeVilbiss High School class of 1959.
After a bit of college, he married his high school sweetheart and started working in the wholesale beauty supply industry selling supplies and equipment to salons and schools. He tried opening his own supply house and then decided to move with his family to Arizona from their seven-acre horse property in Swanton, Ohio in 1971.
He held sales and sales management and warehouse management positions at Phoenix Beauty Supply in Phoenix until moving to Strawberry in 1994. There, at the urging of a close friend, he began a new career as a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Bishop Realty where he was still employed. A Realtor for 15 years, he earned a number of awards during that time and enjoyed the folks he worked with.
Mr. Ward was preceded in death by both his sister and brother. He is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Dee (Dorette). She worked alongside him, as a Realtor, assisting him for the last 10 years.
He enjoyed his horses, dogs, motorcycles, boating, fishing, hunting, golfing, family fun and get-togethers over the years. He was bit by the “cruise bug” in later years and he and Dee really enjoyed several of them to the max!
Mr. Ward is also survived by his sons, Jim Ward, Jr. (his wife, Mardi) and Greg Ward (his wife, Nancy). He considered Mardi and Nancy the daughters he never had. Also surviving are four grandsons, Branden, Chase (his wife, Gina), Garrett and Jacob Ward; four great-grandchildren, Chastity, Harmony, Evan and Zoey; a cousin; and a number of nieces and nephews and their children, in California.
Donations can be made to the Humane Society of Central Arizona in his name.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 13 at Strawberry Chapel in the Pines in Strawberry..

Quentin Kermit Ford, Jr. of Chicago, Ill. and Payson, passed away March 27, 2013 at the age of 79. Born in Chicago on March 18, 1934 to Quentin K. Ford, Sr. and Agnes Wild Ford, he graduated from Arlington High School in Arlington Heights, Ill. and Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. earning degrees in business management and production control.
He was employed by A.B. Dick Mimeograph Corporation, Garlock Corporation and Abbot Laboratories before founding his own corporation, Manufacturing Control Associates based in Palatine, Ill.
He was an early member and certified fellow of the American Production and Control Society (APICS), an association for operations management. He was an enthusiastic member of APICS and he led committees focused on education, training and research.
Mr. Ford was a lifelong member of the Boy Scouts of America. He served as a Scout, a Scoutmaster and a District Commissioner for the Northwest Suburban Council of Boy Scouts. In recognition for his service, he was later awarded the Silver Beaver award by the council. This is a distinguished service award given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication and many years of service. It is only given to those who do not actively seek it.
Upon retirement he moved to Strawberry in 2006.
He is survived by his former wife, Kay Ford; daughters, Kathryn O’Connell, Krista Ford, Kimberly Ford and Kjestine Ford; sons, Quentin K. Ford III (Elizabeth) and Kevin Ford; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his sister, Mrs. A Patricia Burke; and the Rev. Norman C. Burke.
He was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where he served as lay reader and chalice bearer and he was a member of Romeo Club of Payson.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 27 at St. Paul’s Church in Payson. A service will also be held at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Palatine, Ill., with interment at Arlington Memorial Gardens in Arlington Heights, Ill.
Donations in Mr. Ford’s name may be made to a memorial fund established at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1000 Easy St., Payson, AZ 85541 to benefit St. Paul’s Building Fund.

Lawrence (Larry) F. McHugh, age 81, of Payson, formerly of Chicago, Ill., a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, passed away peacefully April 4, 2013. He was born Feb. 26, 1932 and resided in Payson with his loving wife, Gervaise, for the past 17 years.
He was the son of the late Lawrence and Christina McHugh (nee O’Reilly); beloved husband for 62 years to Gervaise (nee Parks); loving father to Larry (Alice), Bonnie, Tim, Colleen (Brent) Lowe (Nassau, Bahamas); proud grandpa to Larry (Sarah), Caitlin, Kara, Kassy (McHugh), Sarah and Aidan (Lowe). He was also a fond brother to Anne (late Jerry) Ryan, Tom (Mel), Pat, Roseleen, Marvin, Marie (Tom) Stasch and the late Mary (Brady) and Gerard McHugh and uncle to many nieces and nephews; cousin to late Annie and Luke McCabe, Rosaleen (Hugh) McBride and Maura (late Denny) Vogler. Mr. McHugh also shared fellowship with many friends.
Mr. McHugh was a retired master carpenter (Chicago Local Union 13 and CTA).
A memorial service will be held in Chicago, Ill. at a later date.
The McHugh Family thanks Hospice Compassus and Payson Care Center for their kindness and compassion.
Donations may be sent to Hospice Compassus of Payson, 511 S. Mud Springs Rd., Payson, AZ 85541 in memory of Lawrence F. McHugh.

James Evans Matych, 79, of Payson, passed away April 2, 2013 in Phoenix. Mr. Matych was born in Big Rapids, Mich. to George and Leona Matych.
A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Matych retired from the electronics industry and has resided in Arizona for the past 16 years.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Joleen; son, Steve (Theresa) Matych; daughters, Cindaleen (Michael) Cummings, Aleshia (Gary) Sacks and Kimberlee (Claudio) Franca; brother, Harry E. Matych; sister, Clara Jo Altenbern. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Timothy.
A celebration of life will be held June 10, 2013 in Payson at a time yet to be determined.
Please visit www.menkefuneralhome.com to share memories and leave condolences for the family.

Helen Johanna Titus, 88, of La Grande, Ore., and formerly of Payson, passed away April 3, 2013.
Mrs. Titus was born Sept. 16, 1924 in Parco (now known as Sinclair), Wyo. She was the first female child born in the newly organized town of Parco. Her parents were Sam and Jorid Sannes.
She graduated from Rawlins High School in Rawlins, Wyo. and attended the University of Wyoming. On May 16, 1946 she married Wilbert F. Titus in Jackson Hole, Wyo. They were later divorced.
She was employed as a bookkeeper most of her working life. She enjoyed needlepoint and was an avid bridge player.
She is survived by her children, Terry Titus and his wife Tulip, of Casper, Wyo., Nancy Eggert of La Grande, Ore. and Tom Titus and his wife Starla, of Young, Ariz.; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and nine nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her former husband, Wilbert; parents, Sam and Jorid; and three sisters, Mary Sannes, Ruth Brayman and Bettie McDermott.
Services will be planned at a later date in Wyoming.
Memorial donations may be made to Sinclair Parco Museum, P.O. Box 247, Sinclair, WY 82334.
Online condolences to the family may be made at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.

Carole White, 73, of Payson, passed away April 12, 2013. Born to Troy and Eleanor Colvard in St. Paul, Minn., she was the third of their four children.
She married George White in 1962, and together they raised their family in Concord, Calif.
After a career as an RN in dialysis, OB/GYN, and psychiatric care, she and George moved to Payson in 1995.
She was an amateur radio operator (KC7 MMT) and was active in the TARA amateur radio club, where she served terms as vice-president and president.
Mrs. White enjoyed creating pottery designs at Potter’s Vision in the Swiss Village.
She is survived by her husband; her three children, Andrew, Lorraine and Blain and their spouses; and four grandchildren.
Memorial donations in Mrs. White’s name may be made to Hospice Compassus, 511 S Mud Springs Rd., Payson, AZ 85541.

Dorothy (Dot) Morgan Sutton, 79, of Strawberry, passed away April 7, 2013. She was born Aug. 7, 1933 in Jayess, Miss.
She married James (Jim) R. Sutton, the love of her life, on Aug. 26, 2000.
She enjoyed reading, embroidery and shopping with Jim. She loved hearing and watching the Gaithers, singing along with them, and expressing her love for her Lord.
Mrs. Sutton is survived by her spouse, James (Jim) R. Sutton; daughter, Audrey L. Demson of Phoenix; sons, Alvin R. Van Norman of Louisville, Ky. and Daryl K. Van Norman of Meadville, Pa.; grandchildren, Tanya and Justin Hendrickson, Matthew Demson, Bryan and Jonathan Van Norman; sister, Mary Ann Morgan Wesley; niece, Deborah Green Sitman of Baton Rouge, La.; nephews, William (Bill) H. Green of Plain Dealing, La. and Dustin M. Tolar of Baton Rouge, La.; as well as two aunts in Louisiana and numerous cousins.
Also, her beloved canines Cindy Sue and Juliette survive her. She believed in rescuing animals, and would have taken them all home with her if she could have.
The family of Dorothy Morgan Sutton wish to thank Mary, Erica and Martha of Hospice Compassus for all their tender care over the past few months.
A memorial service, beautifully conducted by Pastor Rich Richey, was held on April 11 at the Payson Church of the Nazarene.
Memorial donations may be given to Hospice Compassus, 511 S. Mud Springs Road, Payson, AZ 85541 or the Humane Society of Central Arizona, 812 S. McLane Rd., Payson, AZ 85541.

Bert (Bertha) Foy, 80, entered into rest on April 15, 2013 in Payson.
She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, John Foy Jr.; two sons, Tom Foy and John Foy III; and two granddaughters, Ashley and Christine Foy.
Mrs. Foy was known for her wonderful personality and unconditional love. She will be missed terribly by her family and all the friends that knew her. Heaven will be fortunate to receive her.
As an alternative to a funeral, she has donated her body to science care in the hope of improving the quality of life for others.

Ruth G. Wallace took her last earthly breath and her first heavenly one April 11, 2013. She will get to celebrate her wedding anniversary with her loving husband, Dave, in heaven this year.
She is survived by two children, Vicki Jackson (Bob) and Craig Wallace (Alana); six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was born Ruth Barger on Jan. 15, 1927 in Decatur, Ill. During World War II, she and her mother took civil service positions in Key West, Fla. and Ruth sang with the USO Band on the Navy base.
Within a year they were promoted and moved to Washington, D.C. to work at the Pentagon. After moving back to Illinois, she worked as a surgical LPN and a Realtor.
In 1959, she came to Phoenix and became an executive secretary and bookkeeper. She was an active member and assistant director of the Phoenix Kachina Sweet Adeline Chorus. She met her husband, Dave, through music as he performed in barbershop quartets.
In 1975 they moved to Page. While Dave worked for SRP, Mrs. Wallace enjoyed owning a beauty salon and served as choir director at their church.
In the fall of 1994, they moved to Payson and became very active at Mountain Bible Church. Mrs. Wallace was known as the “soup lady,” bringing homemade soup to those ill and homebound, and was the church’s first wedding coordinator.
She also provided baskets and children’s items for New Beginnings and the Time-Out Shelter.
She will be buried beside her husband in the family plot at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City. A graveside committal service will be held there at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 20.