In the early morning of October 6th, Craig Carpenter Steedman was called to heaven by his Lord and Savior. Craig was born in Berkeley, California on January 15, 1948. He graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, followed by four years in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam War. He received a Master’s Degree in Entomology from the University of Idaho and immediately began a career in the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, from which he retired in Camp Verde, AZ.
He was a man of many passions including history, trains, science fiction, and nature. He loved working in his garden and transformed his yards wherever he lived. He always had a good story to share with friends over a glass of wine or cold beer. At times a man of few words, but exceedingly generous and kind.
He was preceded in death by his mother Helen E. Steedman and his father George C. Steedman. He is survived by his 2 sons, Peter (Michelle) and Andrew (Sophia); 2 grandsons, Jaedon & Trevin; and his sister, Kathie (Ron) Mettler.
Service will be held on Saturday, October 24th at 10:00 am at the Cottonwood Bible Church, 1020 S. Camino Real, Cottonwood, AZ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Craig Steedman Memorial Fund, c/o Verde Valley Reformed Chapel, P.O. Box 834, Cottonwood, AZ 86326.

Wife, mother, grandmother, great-rrandmother, photographer, author, fused glass artist, Grand Canyon hiker, potter, pen and ink artist, quilter, seamstress, antique glass collector, lifelong rock hound, track and field coach, volunteer and many other accomplishments, died Aug. 13, 2015 surrounded by her family. Bernadette battled ovarian cancer for nearly three years.
Bernadette was born in 1942 in Minnesota. She is survived by husband, Bill; children, Monica, Rick, Anita; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Bernadette was the oldest of seven and is survived by three sisters and one brother.
What my mom has given to us all. When you are watching the world fly by at 75 mph, you are missing more than you think. Pull out of the fast lane, put down the remote, get off the couch, walk off the beaten path, and just take a close look at what we are surrounded by. This world may not be much at 75 mph, but when you stop and take it in, it will blow your mind what we miss every day. Life is never a curse to be endured, it is a gift to be enjoyed and explored. When it is over and you slide into the end, with your hair blown out of whack, sunburned face, and the dirt from the road on your lips, you will know how she lived. When all was done, and we listened close and she crossed over, we can hear her say, “Woo hoo! What a ride!” Great job, Mom. You will be greatly missed by us all.
Funeral mass 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, continued in hall with celebration of life at the Catholic Church of the Holy Nativity, 1414 N. Easy Street, Payson.

Peggy Schuler passed away at age 53 on Oct. 11, 2015.
Peggy was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend. She had been battling breast cancer since 2009.
She was a devout Christian with a heart of unparalleled compassion. She is survived by her loving husband, Bob J. of 26 years; sons, Jesse Schuler (wife Jennifer) and Cody Schuler; and daughter, Vanessa Schuler.
Peggy was the youngest of six children, born and raised in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Peggy will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She had an immense list of friends and family.
Peggy was a Registered Nurse and worked for numerous facilities within the Payson area for many years.
The visitation and funeral service will be held at Messinger Indian School Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Rd. Visitation was at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 16. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Payson, 900 N. Beeline Highway, Payson, AZ 85541. Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Indian School Mortuary.
A Celebration of Life will be Friday, Oct. 23 at 4:30 located at Mountain Bible Church. This is for all family and friends of Peg. Come and share how Peg touched your life and honor her. Refreshments will follow.

Leonard Kilgore was born to Ernest D. Kilgore and Myrtle Hargrove Kilgore on March 22, 1919 in El Centro, Calif. He entered into heaven on Oct. 14, 2015.
In 1948, after graduating from Brawley High School and serving in the Navy during WWII, he moved to Arizona.
Over the years, Leonard and Margaret owned and operated businesses in Gila Bend, Sedona, Tuba City and Scottsdale. As a small plane pilot, he enjoyed flying over the beautiful state that he so loved and appreciated!
After many wonderful years spent on the Navajo Reservation, the Kilgores opened Margaret Kilgore Indian Gallery in Scottsdale and began to divide their time between their beloved Blue River Ranch near Alpine and their new business in the city.
In 2002, Leonard and Margaret moved to Payson where Leonard enjoyed living the remainder of his earthly life. He was highly regarded for his faith and service to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Leonard is survived by Margaret, his loving wife of 68 years; and children, Linda Bernard (Nick), Becky Sopeland (Mark), Marquetta MacLean (Doug), Kelly Chilcott (Bruce), Nathan Kilgore (Mary); plus 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild who all love him dearly!
Because of Leonard’s passion in defense of the unborn, the family suggests memorial gifts to Living Hope Women’s Center, 1000 E. Huning, Show Low, AZ 85900.

Roger Annabel was born Feb. 15, 1954 in Flint, Mich. He passed away Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Due to his mother’s medical issues, before he was 10 years old Roger became a foster child.
At 18 he joined the Marines and shipped off for his tour of duty in Vietnam. After his tour he lived in Hawaii for 10 years, then moved to Arizona.
In 1984 he met the love of his life, Darla, at Mickey’s Restaurant in east Mesa.
Roger and Darla both worked for Perkins Restaurants in the Valley. Darla logged 17 years with them and Roger 15. Around the year 2000 they learned that the Perkins restaurant chain was closing down, so they needed to plan their next move. Payson had always been their getaway retreat … so they decided to come up to Payson to look for a restaurant to purchase. As a result, they purchased the Crosswinds Restaurant at the Payson Airport.
In 2005, Roger and Darla also purchased the Knotty Pine Restaurant and had daughter Valerie and her husband Jeremy move to Payson to help them run the two restaurants.
Roger loved the fact that in Payson you could still do a deal on a handshake while looking someone straight in the eye. That desire and focus on honesty and integrity was very important to Roger.
Roger and his wife Darla were former members of the original Optimist club of Payson. They furnished food for an untold number of events and special needs in town. From turkeys handed out during the holidays, special food assistance for local events and much more. His daughter Valerie says, “He was always helping out someone.” Much of that was done quietly behind the scenes with no need for acknowledgment or fanfare. It was just simply the kind of guy Roger was.
Roger started life with almost no family, but over the years his family became huge, including all of Rim Country.
Roger is survived by his wife, Darla Annabel; son, Joseph Rogers (wife June); and daughter, Valerie Bolin (husband Jeremy); grandchildren Ross and Joselyn Rogers, and Elora, William, David, Dillon and Natalie Bolin; mother-in-law, Emily Gore; and brother-in-law, Jay Wisemon.
All are invited to a celebration of Roger’s life that will be held at 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 19 in the reception hall at Messinger Payson Funeral Home. The gathering will be informal, as that is how Roger would have wanted it (blue jeans and boots recommended).

Bernice J. May passed away Oct. 7, 2015 in Payson, Ariz. No services are planned.

Ben Hitzhusen passed away July 18, 2015 in Phoenix, Ariz. at the age of 84. Ben, the oldest son of Henry and Jane Roeder Hitzhusen, was born on the family farm in Rockwell. After graduating from Rockwell High, Ben enlisted in the Navy and served on the U.S.S. Henderson for three years during the Korean War. Ben returned to Iowa and attended Mason City Junior College prior to moving to Columbia, Mo. He attended the University of Missouri where he earned a degree in Engineering. Ben met Rochelle Sorin, his wife of 50 years, while in Columbia. Ben moved his family to Arizona in 1973, and continued to work in his own businesses for several years before moving to Payson, Ariz. in 1982. Ben built a home in Gibson Ranch and was very active in the area serving the local Round Valley neighborhood in many ways including keeping the roads up and working with the Forest Service to lower the fire risk. He owned the Video Store, drove for Payson Express, and worked at the Payson Airport for many years. Ben lived in Payson with Rochelle for over 30 years and spent his time riding horses, gardening and volunteering with Gila County Trails. Ben enjoyed dancing, working with his hands, playing cards, and meeting new people. His brothers, Gerald and David Jay; as well as his three children, Kerry, Heather, Melody; five grandchildren; and two great-grandkids survive Ben. We will miss his easy smile and down-home wisdom and wit.

Betty went to be with her Creator and Savior late October 21st. There will be a memorial service at the Church of the Nazarene on Oct. 29th at 2:00 p.m. She was loved by many.

Albert Campeas was born Nov. 23, 1923. He died Oct. 25, 2015.
Al served as a Sgt. in the U.S. Army-Air Force in WWII 1942-1946.
He graduated New York City College with a BBA and was a Certified Public Accountant with positions in controllership, financial and administrative vice-president in electronics, aerospace and motion picture equipment manufacturing industries, until his retirement in 1987.
He and his wife, June, moved to Payson in 1988 where he joined the Kiwanis Club of Zane Grey Country and served as past president. He also served as past treasurer of the Kiwanis Southwest District foundation board. He was also a member of the American Legion.
Al is survived by his wife, June; son, Steve (Carmen); granddaughter, Cassie; grandson, Cole; stepson, “Skip” (Jeanne); four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
A reception for family and friends will be held at Messingers, 901 S. Westerly, Payson; Saturday, Oct. 31 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Edith M. Emmons passed away Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 in Star Valley, Ariz. She was born in New Milford, Conn. April 21, 1921 to Joseph and Gladys Tiberio.
She moved to Arizona with her husband, Donald Emmons, in 1963 and made their home in Mesa. There, Edith raised her two youngest children and followed another of her passions, writing.
She started the Superstition Mountain Scribes and kept the writing club going for more than 30 years. She taught creative writing at Central Arizona College in Apache Junction and gave private lessons in her home. She won the contest that named Camp Tontozona and helped Barry Goldwater write some campaign speeches.
She was preceded in death by grandson, Brandon Emmons; her parents, Joseph and Gladys Tiberio; brother, Edward Tiberio; and her loving husband, Donald J. Emmons, Jr. She is survived by her sister, Marge Fulton of Florida; sister, Leora Pare (Dave) of Connecticut; daughter, Bette Carnrite of Concho, Ariz.; son, Joseph Emmons (Nancy) of Payson, Ariz.; daughter, Lori Meyers (Lee), also of Payson; and son, Donald J. Emmons III of Mesa, Ariz.; grandchildren, Clint Emmons, Jennifer Emmons, Stephanie Hinckley (Sam), Donald J. Emmons IV (Stacy), Sara Anglin (Dawson), Michael Emmons and Danielle Emmons. She also leaves great-grandchildren, Kaylynn Hinckley, Aiden Hinckley, Isabell Hinckley, Walker Emmons, Christina Gonzales, Tony Gonzales, Michael Johnston and Riley Emmons; and one great-great-grandchild, Joseph T. Jantzen; as well as many nieces and nephews and friends. Her family was everything to her and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Services will be at Messinger Payson Funeral Home in Payson at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 2. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice Compassus of Payson, Ariz. in her name.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Batish, 37, died Sept. 6, 2015 at her home in Camden, S.C., following a valiant battle with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. She is survived by her parents, Buddy and Judy Kay Rice of Payson; husband, Lt. Colonel Paul Batish; and brother, Jerry Rice of Mesa, Ariz. 
A graduate of Payson High School, she was an accomplished English and Western equestrian who won the titles of Payson Arizona PRCA Pro Rodeo Queen, Gilbert Days Arizona Rodeo Queen and Ms. Country Western Arizona.
After graduating from Arizona State University in 2000, with a communications degree, Betsy worked in a variety of journalism and communications jobs in Arizona, winning awards from Arizona Professional Writers and the National Federation of Press Women. She was a writer for a Phoenix monthly magazine, award-winning newspaper editor, city public information officer, mayor’s chief of staff and communications specialist for Cancer Treatment Centers of America. After her marriage, she worked as a freelance writer and photographer.
In Arizona, friends can celebrate her life at a joyous Memorial Service at noon, Nov. 7 at the Neese residence, 6436 W. Sun Dance Drive, Queen Creek. Those wishing to attend are asked to email an RSVP to Buddy Rice at jrice@gpstrategies.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Betsy’s memory to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America.

Born April 21, 1939 to Philip W. Reichard and Beatrice Stearns in Glendale, Cal. She attended Glendale Academy and then San Pasqual Boarding Academy. After graduating from high school she traveled to Minnesota with a friend, where she worked in Minneapolis, and met and married her first husband, Charles Rettig.
They came to California before Cynthia, their first child was born. They lived in Orange for a time and it was here that their second child, Scott, was born. After a divorce, she married Paul Pancher in 1968. Her third child, Richard, was born in Orange moved to Yorba Linda, they lived here for a number of years, and when Paul retired they spent time at their place in Cottonwood Cove on Lake Mohave then moved to the White Mountains in Arizona in 1999. Shirley enjoyed Lake Mohave, the desert sun and boating.
Later loved living in the mountains surrounded by beauty and the Heber community where she volunteered for several local organizations serving those in need. Over the years Shirley worked for ITT, Hour of Power, home based court transcribing and handling office of Pancher Crane Rental and even in retirement they started a security business in Heber. She loved dogs treating them a beloved members of the family, Penny the jack Russel Terrier was her most recent companion and gave her joy.
She is survived by her children: Cynthia Lynn Rettig, Scott Frederic Rettig, Paul Richard Pancher, her three grandchildren: Cole, Carly, and Caida Pancher, three siblings: Patricia Goetz, Philip Reichard, and Kathleen Reichard Chitwood Bruce.
Celebration of life: Sunday November 8, 12:00-3:00 Fallbrook, Calif. For more information on memorial contact rpancher@att.net In lieu of flowers: Donations in the memory of Shirley can be made to: Make-a-Wish America, 4742 N. 24th Street, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016-4862 www.wish.org

Jack A. Brown was born on May 2, 1929 in St. Johns, AZ, one of eight children of Joseph Albert Brown and Elda Whiting. He passed away October 28, 2015 in St. Johns. He was a fourth generation Arizonan and was blessed to live a long and full life spent doing what he loved: ranching, farming, and raising a family. Jack served in the Arizona State Legislature for over 36 years as a “cowboy legislator,” revered for his ability to bridge partisan differences. He served as the Senate Floor Leader, Senate Minority Leader and House Minority Leader and championed rural interests. In 2008, the Arizona Republic named him one of the “Greatest Arizona Lawmakers of the Modern Era.”
Jack served as President of the Apache County Fair Commission and the Kiwanis Club. He was an active member of the Arizona Town Hall, Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association and Arizona Farm Bureau.
In addition to a lifetime of public service, Jack also enjoyed his participation in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as a missionary in Brazil from 1948 to 1951, and as a Bishop for many years.
Jack was a dedicated public servant as well as successful businessman, but perhaps his greatest accomplishment was in successfully raising his family who follow his example of service. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Anna Vee Smithson Brown, in 1993. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Beverly Butcher Brown, and her daughter Heidi; his sister, Louine Shields; and his children: David (Roxanne) Brown, Norman (Karen) Brown, Cynthia (Dave) DeCoursey, Douglas (Cindy) Brown, Carol (Orlando) Mora, Michael (Tiffany) Brown, Janna (Christopher) Day; 36 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 9, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center, 2000 W. Cleveland, St. Johns, AZ. Visitation will be Sunday, November 8 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Monday, November 9 from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. at the Stake Center.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Apache County Historical Society, PO Box 146, St. Johns, AZ 85936 or the LDS Church Humanitarian Services, c/o LDS Philanthropies, 450 N. University Ave., Provo, UT 84604.

Gilbert Eugene Stage was born to Claud and Mabel Stage Jan. 2, 1935 in Anderson, Ind. The family moved to the Phoenix area around 1945. He died Oct. 9, 2015.
He met Mary Ann Preston in 1953 and they married on May 28, 1955.
He worked as a chef in Phoenix for many years. He loved to fish, hunt and all outdoor activities. He and Mary Ann moved to Payson June 13, 1998, his dream was then fulfilled.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings. He is survived by two brothers and two sisters. He is also survived by four children: Sheryl Lavoie of Phoenix, Brenda (Charlie) Smith of Payson, Preston (Elizabeth) Stage of Payson, and Kevin (Kala) Stage of Phoenix; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; and wife, Mary Ann, of 60 years.
Services were held Oct. 12, 2015 at The Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Interment was at Mountain Meadows Memorial Park, Upper Round Valley, Payson, Ariz.

Bernis VanCamp went to be with her Lord on Oct. 17, 2015. She was a beloved sister of seven brothers and one sister. She loved the Lord, playing games, singing hymns and family get-togethers. She is survived by three brothers and one sister and a lot of nieces and nephews.

Celebrating the life of Patricia “Pat” Marie Mouradian, age 73, who passed away on Nov. 4, 2015 surrounded by family, peacefully at her home in Payson, Ariz. Patricia was born on Oct. 23, 1942 in Maywood, Calif. to Edward and Honore O’Hara. Pat is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Sarkis, of 54 years; her daughters, Darlene Persons (Brian) of La Plata, Md., Carolyn Whitley (Randy) of Payson, Ariz., and her son, Joseph Mouradian of Orange, Calif. She will also be deeply missed by her sisters, Elizabeth and Jean; brother, Jack; six grandchildren, Melissa, Mark, Stacey, Nicole, Joe, Sara; six great-grandchildren, Amber, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Gavin, Quintin and Claire; six nieces and nephews and 13 great-nieces and nephews.
Pat retired with her husband, Sarkis, to Payson from California in 2004. In their years together they loved going on cruises and traveling across the country. She was married to the most devoted husband and father and loved him very, very much. She loved her family with all her heart and especially enjoyed when all the little ones came to visit. Pat will be remembered as a wonderful, loving, caring, funny and amazing woman. She was inspirationally strong and positive, because no matter what she was going through, there was always a big smile on her face. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her.
Visitation will be Friday, Nov.13, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. Rosary at 5:30 p.m. at Messingers. Services to be held Saturday, Nov.14, 2015 at 12 p.m. at St. Philip the Apostle 511 S. St. Phillips St., Payson, AZ 85541. Interment following services at Mountain Meadows Memorial Park, Upper Round Valley, Payson, Ariz. The family would like to thank Hospice Compassus for their loving care.

Mary Trenasty “Baba,” 79, of Strawberry, passed away Nov. 1, 2015 in Payson, Ariz. She was born Jan. 4, 1936 in South Lyon, Mich. She spent the last 30 years in Strawberry, Ariz. She was married to Charles Trenasty for 53 years before his death in 2011.
She is survived by her children: Linda Lawson (Bob), Steven Trenasty (Debbie), and Donald Trenasty (Rhonda); 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She loved to travel, cook, dance the polka to Czech music, and spend time with loved ones. Mary loved her cabin in Strawberry where she spent a lot of her time watching her soaps, doing puzzles and playing cards. She also met a dear friend, Walt White, while at the casino. Walt made her smile and live life to the fullest the last year she was with us.
Mary was a loving wife, mom, grandma “Baba,” great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She created many traditions and memories that will live on. She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Nazdrovja!
Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2015 at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, with a memorial celebration to follow.

Larry Olson was born Sept. 14, 1952. He always had a love for fishing. There was not a day that he did not wish that he was dropping a line in the water. Now, he gets to fish every day in the most epic fishing hole ever. Larry passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015. He had a luster for life.
He was always willing to help a friend or neighbor without expecting anything in return. On any given day you would see Larry mowing somebody’s lawn or just giving a helping hand. He was never known to be one that liked being inside.
One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his family outdoors. He loved wood cutting, camping and teaching his kids and grandchildren how to fish. He would always come back telling you that he caught “The BIG ONE” that was 18 inches; in actuality it was a minnow.
Larry was a world renowned “knowologist.” If you asked a question and he wasn’t sure of the answer, his reply would be, “Let me tell you a story about Uncle Jed.” Larry was full of “Uncle Jed” stories. The lingo that was often heard in these stories came straight out of “Larry’s Factionary.” If you happened to see Larry out and about, you better not be in a hurry. He had the gift of gab for sure. He was a social butterfly that even his wife couldn’t reel him in.
He is leaving behind “his angel,” Marcia Olson of 42 years. They have three amazing children, Christopher, Mandie and Elizabeth; and one adopted son, Jeremy. They have one grandson, Zacharie and fiancée Missie; two granddaughters, Maleka and Dakota; and one great-grandson, Ethan.
He loved singing Christmas carols, eating his sweets, enjoying a 7-N-7, beer and his breathing treatments.
Come join the family in celebrating the life of Larry on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015. The celebration will begin at 2 p.m. at their home. For the address, please call Marcia at (928) 978-2257.
“Just another day in paradise.”

Robert “Joe” Wells, 91, of Payson, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Nov. 10, 2015.
He was in the Army Air Corp in World War II.
He and his wife, Peg Wells, shared in 66-½ years of marriage, before she passed away in 2009.
He was a firefighter in Long Beach, Calif. and retired as Captain in 1977.
He and Peg then made Payson their home.
He is survived by daughter, Shari (Dennis) Stutzman; great-grandson, Brian Foster; and many friends.
Per Joe’s request, no services are planned. He will be laid to rest at Mountain Meadows Memorial Park next his wife, Peg.

Long-time resident of Tonto Basin, Elsie Neomia Worrell, passed away at age 93 on Nov. 12, 2015 in Payson, Ariz. She was born on Aug. 14, 1922 in Sayre, Okla. to Elisha Andrew Cox and Linnie Pearl Funderburg Cox. Elsie was 1 of 11 children.
She is survived by sisters, Catherine Horton and Alice “Babe” Broyles; her son, Bill (Chris) Bartlett from Montana; grandchildren, Louis (Amy) Bartlett, Josh (Shiloe) Bartlett, Bay Brown, Danny Brown, Dee “Bucky” Brown, Eric Brown, Velvet, Stephanie and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; eight brothers (Carl, Olen, Elmer, Bob, George, Emsely, Ralph and Victor); her son, Stanley “Logan” Bartlett; and her husband, Sebert Worrell.
Elsie was an avid reader, loved to paint, dance and sew. She had an amazing love for the Lord. She enjoyed sitting on her front porch watching the many hummingbirds that came around.
She had a huge heart and will be missed by many.
Elsie’s Celebration of Life will be on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015 at the Desert Community Christian Fellowship in Tonto Basin, Ariz. Visitation will start at 1 p.m., followed by the service at 2 p.m. The graveside service will be at 3 p.m. at the Tonto Basin Cemetery in Tonto Basin, Ariz.