Robert L. Roark, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, was born in 1925 and died in 2015.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Maxine, who died in 1999 after 51 years of marriage.
Survivors include his wife, Glenda Carol Roark; daughters, Debra, Glenda and Patricia; grandchildren, Marni, Burke, Elizabeth, Caroline, Suzy, Yancy, Niki; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Robert sold display advertising for Oklahoma Publishing for more than 30 years and owned a small grocery store in Wheeler, Texas.
He also loved rose gardening and artistic endeavors with silver jewelry.
He was the most kind, polite, honest and compassionate man and will be missed by all.

Judith Ann (Dahlhauser) Gagnier, 75 years old, from Payson, Ariz., was granted her Angel wings on Thursday July 16, 2015.
Her sister, three daughters and five grandchildren were surrounding her, holding her and each others’ hands, late in the afternoon as she made her transition.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Sunday, July 26, 2015 at Green Valley Park, Payson, Ariz. (at the west end of Main St. off Hwy. 87) followed by a reception luncheon at the Payson Senior Center, 514 W. Main St., where Judy volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels for the past eight years.
Judy was the first child born to Edmund and Arlene (Banwart) Dahlhauser in Algona, Iowa on Sept. 29, 1939.
Judy remained a high-spirited woman who loved walking in the forest, dancing, singing and reading books. She was passionate about her many beautiful crystals and delighted by the rainbows and prisms that were cast throughout her amazing home as the sun’s rays were filtered through.
Daily she sat on her porch watching the clouds drift by and identifying the many birds she fed. She taught her daughters about family, integrity and honor. She taught each of her grandchildren how to love unconditionally and to be one with nature.
She is survived by four siblings, Jerry, Jean, Joel and Joann; three daughters, Danielle, Dionna and Dana; seven grandchildren, River, Tiffany, Noah, Jessica, Kaitlin, Sam and Grae; four great-grandchildren, Matthew, Summer, Rachel and Aurora; and her pets, Girl, Abbey and Blackie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jim and her two infant sons.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in her memory can be made to the Payson Senior Center.

Cynthia Allen Bartholomew, formerly of Oakmont, Pennsylvania, daughter of Dr. Thomas E. Allen (dec.) and Ruth J. Allen (dec.) passed away in Payson, Arizona, on July 24, 2015 at the age of 64. She is survived by her loving husband, Herbert, two step-children, Carrie Quist and Kurt, and five siblings: Cathy Allen, Christine (Allen) Murray, Carolyn Allen, Thomas J. Allen, and Candace (Allen) Uricchio. Cindy was funny, smart and generous, and she loved to laugh. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the Payson off leash dog park where she and Herb loved to walk their dogs. She will be sorely missed by her family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Payson Area Woofers Society (P.A.W.S., P.O Box 1108, Payson, AZ 85547).

Wallace Michael Addington passed away at his residence in Bonita Creek, Ariz.
Mike was born in Pikeville, Ky. He was a graduate of Paul Blazer High School and the University of Kentucky where he was provided an opportunity to play basketball, an accomplishment he was very proud of. After college, Mike moved to “The Wild West” where he was a realtor in Scottsdale, Ariz. and a retired rental property owner in Phoenix, Ariz.
Mike was always a strong supporter of the underdog and was very passionate about helping youth strive for success; some of his favorite memories were coaching club basketball. His strong desire for adventure was fueled by many whitewater rafting trips with close family and friends. He came alive and was happiest at the bottom of the canyon. He took great pride in his family and was a devoted father and grandfather.
He leaves behind two daughters, one son and four stepsons; Kayla (Addington) Tutay, Phoenix Addington, Bryson Addington; granddaughters, Gabriella Mongalo and Presley Tutay; his mother, Nola; and one sister, Sandra Kay; and family in Ashland, Ky. Not to mention his trusted and faithful companion King-dog.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at Wells Fargo “In memory of Wallace Michael Addington” account #7588532213. To help fund the kids’ trip one last time down the canyon to spread his ashes as that was his only wish.

Venla Allen Tayrien, 84, of Pine, Ariz. passed away on July 29, 2015.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George; infant son, Georgie; her parents, Mel and Lola Allen; and her sister, Cleo Stapley.
She is survived by her children, Jere (John) Diehl, Grant (Donetta) Tayrien, Tracy (Sam) Scott, Edward (Kathy) Tayrien; sister, Carrie Ellsworth; brother, J Mel Allen; 25 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren.
Venla was the best mom and grandma ever, writes her family.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Chapel in Pine, Ariz.
A visitation was held an hour prior to the funeral service. Interment will follow in the Pine Cemetery.

Marty has gone to be with the Lord following a free fall accident Aug. 3 over Elgin Air Force Base, Fla., where he was stationed.
He was with the 24th Special Operations Wing. On Sept. 5, 2015 he was to be sent to Okinawa, Japan for four years to finish his 20 years of service and retire. He was born Oct. 18, 1979.
He is survived by wife, Jen; son, Otis, 8; daughters, Isabel, 6, and Molly, 4; two stepdaughters, Kalyn, 16, and Olivia, 13; father, Leonard of Eugene, Ore.; mother, Christina of Olympia, Wash.; brothers, Lucas and family of Austin, Texas and Adam of Olympia, Wash.; grandmother, Shirley (Bill) Jacobs of Payson, Ariz.; grandfather, Leonard of South Dakota; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his baby sister, Rachelle; grandfather and grandmother Noga; and an aunt, Janet.
Military services will be held in Florida on Friday, Aug. 7 with burial on Aug. 8.

Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Gossett, 76, of Payson, Ariz., went to be with the Lord Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015.
Dr. Gossett, a longtime resident of Payson, was founder and director of Indian Trails Missions, which serves the indigenous people of the Southwest and Mexico.
Dr. Gossett is survived by his children, Rev. Richard Gossett and wife Rebecca of Merrill, Mich., daughters Michelle D’Addabbo and husband Steve of Payson, and Kimberly Murphy and husband Ken of Payson; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister Sharon Philp and husband Chuck of Bellevue, Mich. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sharon, mother Pearl and father Thomas C. Gossett.
Dr. Gossett was born July 26, 1939 in Battle Creek, Mich. and grew up in nearby Bellevue. It was on a high school mission trip to Arizona in 1957 where he found his love and passion for the Native People, a love and passion he shared with then girlfriend Sharon who shared his vision; he promised the people then that one day he’d return and start a work for them and in the summer of 1969 that promise was made good and Indian Trails was founded.
In 1972, a door was opened to expand the work into Mexico and a few short years later Senderos de Misiones, the Mexican counterpart to Indian Trails, was founded there.
Both of these works have continued to grow and expand over the years and the work he started will continue.
Following with his wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial service for him at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015 at Payson First Assembly of God, 1100 W. Lake Drive. Memorial donations may be made to his life’s work, Indian Trails Missions, P.O. Box 1797, Payson, AZ 85547-1797.

William (Bill) Pletka Jr., age 66, died at Lund Family Hospice Home, Gilbert, AZ. Thursday, August 6, 2015.
Born January 30, 1949 in Plymouth, Indiana to William and Estelle Pletka. He spent much of his adult life in Texas after graduating from Ambassador College in California and spending a few years in the Seattle area. Bill married his beloved wife, Diane in 1971 and was blessed throughout their years together with many wonderful friends and family. He was a talented and respected manager at TXU and Capgemini. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, helping others, fishing, and road trips. Bill was a planner and always working on a project for himself or others.
A faithful follower of Jesus, his actions and words made it evident that Jesus was living in and through him. Bill was a prayer warrior and prayed continuously for all of his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Diane; son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Jennifer Pletka; daughter and son-in-law, Janelle and Craig Banta. In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren, Kate, Will, Hunter, Elijah, Silas and Margot; his sister and brother-in-law, Ellen and Mike Holman; and many nieces and nephews. Bill was a member of Mountain Bible Church, where a memorial service will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Autism Speaks. https://www.autismspeaks.org/

Van Thomas Madra was born on Nov. 6, 1946, to Roy Thomas and Dorothy Henrietta (Becker) Madra in Tarboro, N.C. He attended Downey High School in Downey, Calif., and then enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam era. After faithfully serving his country, he came back home to Downey and worked for a Maytag Home Appliance store.
Van was a hard worker preferring to work six days a week. After moving to Arizona in 1992, he owned and operated laundry mats in Camp Verde and Payson. His last job was working as a security guard at the Mazatzal Casino in Payson.
Van enjoyed woodworking, building birdhouses, fishing, target shooting with his son Brandon, and listening to country western music. He loved spending time with his family. He was especially protective of his twin daughters. Brandon was special as he was his only son.
Van is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Brenda Madra; his three children, Brandon, Vanessa and Melissa; his three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Van passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, Aug. 9, 2015 at the age of 68 at his home in Payson with his family by his side.
Van will be greatly missed by his family and friends in many, many ways. He will always remain in their hearts.
May God bless the memory of Van Madra.

Mary Leone Schmidt fell asleep in death Aug. 6, 2015 in Payson, Ariz.
Leone was born May 10, 1919 in Lime Springs, Iowa, the second child of Theophilus and Elsie Herpelinck. She had an older brother, Howard.
The family lived on a small farm and raised dairy cows and chickens. They also had horses, ducks, dogs and cats, many of which were special pets. Leone had a cat named “Pesty” who would be the first in a long line of cats throughout her life.
In the early 1900’s, Leone’s mother began to read sermons in the newspaper written by Charles T. Russell. She knew she had found the truths from the Bible that she had been searching for. She shared what she had read with the family. As a young child, Leone came to love and appreciate God’s Word.
In 1935, Leone was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
In 1940, Leone married Elmer Schmidt. They were married for 55 years until his death in 1995.
They moved to Phoenix, Ariz. in 1948 and lived there for many years.
When Elmer retired, they moved to Payson, Ariz. Leone lived there until her death.
Her health declined in recent years, but she never lost her zeal or love for Bible truths; she was a faithful, loyal servant of Jehovah. We look forward to seeing her again in Jehovah’s due time. “He will call, the dead will answer.” Job 14:14, 15
Leone is survived by her niece, Susan Mattis and her husband Daniel. Also surviving are a nephew, Douglas Herpelinck; several cousins and many friends.
A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1616 N. McLane Rd., Payson, Ariz. at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015.
Donations may be made to the local animal shelter of your choice.

Peter Cruz, born Jan. 21, 1964, died Aug. 14, 2015.
Services will be held at Messinger Mortuary at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Verna Ann Combs, known by some as Ann Powell or Annie Combs, was born April 22, 1939 in Matador, Texas to JB & Christine Dulin. She was in the middle of nine children.
After she married Gene Powell, they would have four children and she would call Star Valley home until the end. She died Aug. 14, 2015.
In her younger years, she waited tables and tended bar at Pete’s Place when it was a steak house and bar. She will be remembered as one of the great lunch ladies at the school cafeteria when they actually cooked for the kids. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by sons, Donny Powell (Lisa) and Bill Powell; daughter, Yvonne Webster (Kelly); brother, Arlin Dulin (Sharron); sister, Janet Dunn (Floyd); grandchildren, Dashney, Dana, Garrett, Timbur, Cami, William, Karlyn, Skyler; great-grandchildren, Sailem, Chandra, Dia, Railee, Carlin, John, Wyatt; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Gene Powell; grandson, David Powell; and six siblings, Red, Bobbie, Billie, Delores, Pat and Sue.
Services will be held Friday Aug. 21 at Pioneer Cemetery. Viewing will from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by the services, then those attending will go to Rumsey Park for food and memories.

John “Johnny” Allen Morris, 60, of Payson, Ariz. succumbed to cancer Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015 at Hospice Compassus surrounded by family. 
John was born Feb. 26, 1955 in Mesa, Ariz. to Bill and Dessie Morris. He spent almost all his life in Tonto Basin, Ariz. and Payson, Ariz.
He was the strongest man I have ever known, writes his daughter Michaela Lopez, and despite getting run over in Alaska by a D3 Dozer he loved a good horse shoe tournament, bowling, hunting, fishing, shooting, Ranger riding and anything outdoors. His family was his life and he never turned a friend away who needed help. His kind heart will be missed greatly and maybe a little bit of his orneriness. 
He is survived by his four children, Michaela Lopez and husband Michael of Phoenix, Ariz., Jennifer Melbourne and husband Michael of Prescott, Ariz., David Morris and wife Jessica of Payson, Ariz., and Danny Morris and his wife Jeslyn of Payson, Ariz. 
Also surviving are his 11 grandchildren: Gauge, Kaiden, Triston, Michael, Wyatt, Skylar, Mia, Masyn, Conner, Owen, and Logan; his mother Dessie Morris; and his 2 brothers Glen Morris and Junior Morris; also his many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Believe you me we could go on forever, daughter Michaela writes. 
He was preceded in death by his father Bill Morris, his brother Hanky and his sister Debbie. 
There will be a celebration of life at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015 behind 77 E. Arena Dr. Payson (where Debbie Haught used to live). This will be a potluck, so please bring a side dish. 

Doral Romberger, 77 of Payson, Ariz., was called to her home in Heaven Monday, Aug. 24, 2015 surrounded by her family.
She was born Jan. 11, 1938, in New York City to Alexander and Dorothy Behnes. She graduated from Bayside High School and went on to obtain a degree as a Registered Nurse at Flower-Fifth Avenue Hospital in New York City.
Married to Wesley Romberger in 1957, she became a world traveler following him in their U.S. Air Force assignments. She excelled as an artist, gardener, designer and drew the plans herself for their house when they retired in Payson.
Survivors include Wesley Romberger, her husband; daughter Cynthia Lee of Chandler, Ariz.; sons Charles Romberger and his wife Mimi of Payson; Wesley Romberger III of Whittier, Calif. and his wife Rebecca; Alex Romberger and his wife Shannon of Star Valley; and a brother Malcolm who lives in Ohio. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
Her love of life and joyful laugh will always be remembered.
A gathering of friends and family will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 12 at Mt. Cross Lutheran Church, 601 E. Highway 260, Payson to celebrate her life.

Charles J. Klein left us and went to heaven on Aug. 21, 2015. He was born in Chicago in 1930.
He served honorably in the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Air Force. He retired from American Airlines after 30-plus years and moved to Payson over 25 years ago.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harriet and Joseph; and his sister, Harriet.
He is survived by his wife, Carmela; brothers, Richard (Magda), Thomas (Carolyn), and James; his daughter, Annmarie (Patrick) Hurley; grandchildren, Sarah and Jacob; two step-children; three step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.
He is now with God and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Services will be held at CCV East Valley, 1330 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa, AZ 85209 at 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 3.

Jeannette Leister, our sweet dear mother is now in the arms of the Lord. She passed away Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015 in Irvine, Calif. She was born March 29, 1917 in Maquoketa, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Charles, her parents Edna and Archie, brothers Max and Vince and grandaughter Joann Elizabeth. She is survived by her daughter Gail, of Payson, Ariz., son Charles, of Costa Mesa, Calif., brother Harlan, three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and seven nieces and nephews.
Jeannette worked in Corona, Calif. as an elementary school teacher for 30 years and a school counselor for three years. She was also a proud member of P.E.O. and the American Legion. Jeannette loved everyone she ever met, and was especially loved by her family, friends and students. Jeannette was a marvelous cook, seamstress, and mandolin and piano player. She loved to dance, and she and her husband, Charles, won many dance contests during college years. One of her favorite times was when the family lived on Catalina Island during World War II.
Fond memories of Jeannette will be forever in our hearts and minds.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Sept. 6 in the chapel at Pacific View Cemetery, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Costa Mesa, Calif. 92625.

Jon Bright, age 63, died from sudden cardiac arrest and went home to his Father in heaven on Monday, Aug. 31, 2015.
Jon lived the majority of his life in Southern California and ran a successful printing business for more than 30 years. Ten years ago, he and his wife joyfully moved to Payson. He became a realtor here and relished in showing people the town he loved so much, and helping them find the perfect house.
He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, the love of his life, to whom he has been married for 44 years; and his two children, Ben and Sarah Bright, both from Anaheim, Calif. He was greatly adored by his family and friends, and will be missed immensely.
Services for Jon will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 5 at Mountain Bible Church, 302 E. Rancho Rd., Payson, Ariz.  Friends are welcome to join the celebration of his life.

Earl Patrick Joachim, age 86, passed away Aug. 12, 2015 in Surprise, Ariz.
Earl was born April 5, 1929 in Detroit, Mich. to Walter and Helen Joachim. He was raised there until age 14 when he moved to California. He worked as a pastry chef with Hilton Hotels primarily in Los Angeles and later in Anaheim.
Earl retired in 1999 after 50 years of service. He moved to Payson, Ariz. in 2000 to live near his brother Marvin. He was a member of the Catholic Church of the Holy Nativity in Payson. As well as the ROMEO club (Retired Old Men Eating Out) in Payson.
In 2011 he came to Wickenburg. Earl was preceded in death by his wife Ellen in 1971. He is survived by his daughters Laura (Gilbert) Bagaman of San Francisco, Calif., Kristin Joachim of Ft. Collins, Colo., and brother Marvin (Anne) Joachim of Wickenburg, Ariz., and grandchildren Megan and Sarah Bagaman. A Committal Service will held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015 in the Memorial Garden of the Church of the Holy Nativity, 1414 N. Easy St., Payson, Ariz.
Friends may offer online condolences at www.wickenburg funeralhome.com. Arrangements under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory.

Virginia Adair Chilson passed away quietly on August 31, 2015 at the age of 87 at the residence of her daughter and son-in-law in Portland, Oregon surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Though she had lived in Portland for six years, her roots were solidly in the Southwest, having been born in Pine, Arizona on Oct. 16, 1927 to Guy R. Adair and Irene Pearl Fairchild. As a young woman, Virginia enjoyed being a double in several well-known westerns, including “The Streets of Laredo” working with Gregory Peck and others. Virginia was a full-time mother of four children. As each grandchild and great-grandchildren arrived, it only added more joy. Some of her fondest memories centered around her life as the wife of a real cowboy on the H-Bar ranch preparing the meals for the hands during roundup. After many wonderful years at the ranch, when her husband, Fred passed away, Virginia, at the age of 78, served an 18-month mission for her church in West Virginia. Upon returning, she then was a temple worker in the Mesa, Arizona temple fulfilling a lifelong dream to follow in her grandmother Almira (Miley) Hamblin Adair’s footsteps. She was known for her laughter, great cooking, love of all animals and nature. Her home was always sparkling clean, full of great food, love and music.
She is survived by a sister, Peggy Reynolds and her husband Sam; children, James Medlock and wife Tomi, Jacki Hunlow and husband Rick, Mark Medlock and wife Jane, and Franki Hall and husband Mike; two step-children, John Chilson and wife Jeri, Mary Randall and husband John; 17 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond and Dennis Adair; her first husband, Ray Thomas Medlock in June of 1986; and then later her beloved husband, Fred Chilson in February of 2005.
Virginia was cremated and her ashes will be taken to Payson, Arizona to be placed in the private family burial grounds on the H-Bar ranch. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mothers Monument Project at: www.fundly.com/mmp.

Jim said good-by at age 75 on Sept. 7, 2015 at home in Payson, Ariz.
Jim was born in Lake Odessa, Mich. in October 1939 to James “Woodrow” Scheidt and Elaine (Wanamaker) Scheidt. He is survived by his wife Barbara (Harper) Scheidt, son Jeffrey Scheidt and wife Carrie of Virginia, daughter Jeanine (Scheidt) Hollebrands and husband Michael of California, sister Sally (Scheidt) Churchill and husband Dennis of Michigan, and sister Susan (Scheidt) Backofen and husband Jack of Kansas.
Jim spent most of his professional life in public service. As a 20-year veteran and leader of the Lansing, Mich. Fire Department, a building official in Santa Paula, Calif., and a civic volunteer in Payson, Jim was a tireless contributor to his community. He served seven years in the U.S. Marine Corps, and was an active member of the Marine Corps League.
Jim and Barbara were married in Lansing in 1963 while working in the family hardware business. While living in Lansing, they were active members of St. Casimir’s Catholic Church where Jim served as a lay-person and scoutmaster for the parish Boy Scout troop. His leadership and dedication positively influenced hundreds of Scouts, and ensured nine of his troop reached the highest rank of Eagle Scout.
In retirement, Jim enjoyed traveling with wife Barb, visiting their four grandchildren, golfing with friends and helping neighbors with home improvement projects.
The family requests memorial donations in lieu of flowers to St. Vincent dePaul food bank or Hospice Compassus of Payson, Ariz.