Marilyn Ann Altman, 67 of Payson, Ariz., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015 in her residence.
She was born Sept. 15, 1948 in Royal Oaks, Mich. to Richard and Joan Lynd. She married Gary E. Altman May 2, 1972 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Gary survives along with one son, Matthew Altman of Moab, Utah; and her father, Richard Lynd of Payson, Ariz.
A son, Scott Altman, and a brother, Rob Lynd, and her mother, Joan Lynd, preceded her in death.
A memorial service will be held at Mountain Bible Church of Payson, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015 at 11 a.m.; friends will be received immediately following services. Mrs. Altman was a member of the Mountain Bible Church.

John E. Kirkpatrick Sr., 68. John’s spirit crossed over Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015.
John was the brother of Robert Kirkpatrick Jr.; father of John, Kelly, Erin and step-father of Daniel and Lori; grandfather of 8; and uncle of Rob and Heidi.
John retired in 2003 after working 33 years at the Ford Motor Co. in Cleveland, Ohio. John served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam.
John and his wife were members of the Payson Center of Spiritual Awareness.
R.I.P. Love.

October 3, 1924 – November 2015
Edwin A. Welge, born in Decatur, Ill. has just passed away this November. Ed had just celebrated his 91st birthday. Ed was a WWII veteran. He married Vena “Patty” in 1948 and enjoyed 67 years of marriage before she passed earlier this year. Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. He is survived by his daughter, Kristine Keith; son, Peter Welge; son-in-law, Marshall Keith; granddaughter, Jennifer Welge; and great-grandson, Maddox Welge-Kett; and his loyal kitty, Belle.
After high school, Ed attended and graduated from Kings Point U.S. Merchant Marine academy as an engineer. For the next four years, Ed sailed supplies such as high octane airplane fuel, across the Atlantic through the Nazi U-Boat net to the U.S. allies in the UK. He went straight into the U.S. Navy as Lieutenant JG after the merchant marines. Ed served on the U.S.S. Houston and was honorably selected to sail the U.S. Goodwill Tour around the world at the conclusion of WWII. His next stop was a geology and petroleum engineering degree from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and graduate studies at the University of Nebraska. He finally retired as Deputy Supervisor for the California Division of Oil and Gas after working decades in the oil field.
Ed was an excellent and daily gardener, an avid reader, and lover of animals; he fed many of the rascally little creatures that wandered into his yard. He was always known to have a story to tell to his many neighbors, both here and up in Pine. He had many good friends from all generations who enjoyed his company, anecdotes and advice. He was a daily regular visitor at Walmart, and was easily recognized by his U.S.S. Houston Navy cap. Several more know Ed from his many provocative local editorials, which would bring both cheers and jeers from his audience of readers. Ed will be missed deeply by so many, but he will never be forgotten, and always loved.
“Ed, on to your next journey to join Patty.” God Bless you, Dad.

Robert Morton Holmes passed away peacefully on Nov. 18, 2015 to be with his Lord and Savior at age 75 in Payson, Ariz.
He was born in Altadena, Calif. on Sept. 29, 1940, and lived in Monrovia for 42 years. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Alice Cook and Frank Holmes Sr. He married Margaret Holmes on Dec. 29, 1967 in Pasadena, Calif. Bob and Margaret both went to the same schools in Monrovia, where they got married.
He retired from Bakery Industrial Services in Pasadena, Calif., where he worked for 12 years. They moved to Payson in May 2005, to be closer to their children in Phoenix.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Margaret Holmes; and two children, Teresa Kay Holmes-Haag and her husband Jerry Haag Sr., son Thomas Robert Holmes and his wife Esther Holmes; five grandchildren, Michael Krieger, Curtis Krieger, Margaret Haag, Jerry Haag Jr. and Georgia Haag; a sister, Sandy Dessy-Schitheiss; brother-in-law, George Schitheiss; and nephew, Mike Dessey.
There will be a celebration of life held on Dec. 12, 2015 at his home at 356 N. Deer Creek Dr., Payson, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Robert’s interment will be in Glendora, Calif.

Payson, Ariz. resident and fifth-generation Arizonan, Jack M. Belzner Jr., 78, passed away peacefully on Nov. 18, 2015 in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was born on Jan. 23, 1937 in Clifton, Ariz. to Jack and Ida Belzner. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Belzner. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Belzner; and children, Steve Belzner (Caytie), Todd Belzner (Angela), John Belzner (Kim), and Jacilyn Wallace (Mike), as well as his 8 grandchildren.
Jack graduated from Phoenix College and attended Arizona State University. He carried several executive positions in the Phoenix area school districts. Jack had a passion for woodworking, specifically creating walking sticks. He was a prankster who taught us all “Paybacks are Hell.”
Per his request, no services are planned.

Mark Larson, 57, of Payson, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Oct. 20, 2015 where he resided with his wife, Peggy, of 25 years.
Originally from Edison, N.J., and Peggy from Scotch Plains, N.J., they met on a camping trip in the Catskills of NY State and were married in Feb. of 1990. They decided to make their home in Payson in 1998.
He is survived by 7 brothers, Ray, Al, Erick, Roger, Peter, Jeff and Matt, and their families; his wife, Peggy, and her family; and many friends.
Services will be held in N.J. at a time not yet determined.

Marilyn Ann Graham of Payson, Ariz. left us to be with Jesus on Nov. 19, 2015.
She was born April 24, 1926 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Marilyn was an accomplished athlete in her younger years and was active in synchronized swimming with the Aquarells in Iowa.
She retired from the Maricopa Sheriff’s Office in 1988.
Marilyn’s family’s happiness was the most important passion in her life. She was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. Marilyn is survived by her husband Wandel (Bill) Graham of Payson, Ariz.; and her children: James Frazee III (Judy), Molly Parton-Shumway, Jay Frazee (Debra), Brian Berry, step-daughters Colleen Pointer and Connie Farnum; 10 grandchildren, 23 great- grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Harriet Hayes; brother, James Hayes; infant daughter, Debra Ann Berry; and grandson, James Frazee IV.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015 at the Messinger Funeral Home in Payson Ariz., with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations on her behalf may be made to Payson’s Sheriff Department Search and Rescue.
Marilyn will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Kenneth Lee “Kenny” Christensen, 54, of Payson, Ariz., passed away Wednesday Nov. 25, 2015.
Kenny was born in Grand Junction, Colo. on March 24, 1961. Kenny married Patti Murray on Sept. 17, 1983 in Payson.
Kenny is survived by his wife Patti of 32 years, daughters Heather and Katie Christensen, son Shawn Christensen, grandchildren Max and Emma, parents Jan and Wayne Christensen and brother Keven and (Phyllis) Christensen.
Kenny was a Journeyman Lineman/Foreman for 30 years at Arizona Public Service and was a 1979 graduate of Payson High School.
Kenny was a devoted and loving husband, father, papa, son, brother and friend to all that knew him. Kenny adored his many extra children and loved life in general.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 5 at Payson High School Auditorium; a reception will immediately follow at the Tonto Apache Gym.

John Wayne Scott, formerly of Roosevelt, Ariz., passed away Nov. 23, 2015 at the age of 78. 
He married Nona Peters in 1958 and was the father of three boys, one girl, seven grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. 
There will be no services per John’s request. 
Interment will be at a later date.

Hansford Jr. Coker (known by many as “Jc”) was born in Edinburgh, Texas in 1938. He was the eldest son of Alvin and Evylen Coker. They settled in Mesa, Ariz. when he was 7 years old. He was always ambitious and worked hard in his chosen field of glazing and auto glass installation, beginning at the bottom with helper and shop maintenance responsibilities. Over the next 25 years, with the help of his wife, Joyce, he built JC’s Glass Service, the largest privately owned single location glass shop in Arizona and the first to become computerized.
In his retirement, Hansford enjoyed several cruises and RV travel across the U.S. with seasonal living in his 3 homes in Arizona and Colorado. He loved fishing and hiking and all of nature, especially Rosie the bear he encountered by surprise in Alaska.
Hansford, who passed peacefully from this life on Nov. 14, 2015 in his Payson home, is survived by his wife, Ruth Joyce Coker; and daughters, Tina Shepherd and Gina Sanderson; step-sons, Steven Daniel and Charles Daniel; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and his sister, Judy Campos of Gilbert, Ariz. His beloved brother, Leroy, passed earlier this year.
He will be remembered as a man with an outstanding work ethic, brilliant mind, generous heart, and an impeccable eye for detail, by all those who knew him.

Erma was born Oct. 22, 1909 in Pine, Ariz. and died Dec. 2, 2015. She was the fifth of 12 children born to Frank C. Randall and Lucinda H. Leavitt Randall. She lived in Pine through high school. On Feb. 7, 1931 she married Hale W. Brimhall, and they moved to Show Low, Ariz. for a teaching position in 1933. In 1937 they moved to Globe, Ariz. where Hale eventually became principal of the Globe High School. Erma worked in the Ryan Evans Drugstore for about seven years during that time. She was also active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where she played the piano in both the Relief Society and Primary, and taught Sunday School in her early years of service. Erma’s husband Hale died in September 1955.
In 1958 she met and married Jim Blackburn and settled in Pine, Ariz. Jim died on Feb. 16, 1999. Erma stayed in the home they built on Randall Place with the help of her daughters.
Erma loved the outdoors and once caught a 6-½ pound trout that measured 26-½ inches long. She also loved hunting and camping and once bagged a deer. In quiet times she loved reading and music. Her favorite flowers were pansies.
Erma is survived by her daughters, Lucinda Mooney of Pine, Diane (Bob) Short of Globe; stepson, Jimmy Lee Blackburn of Salina, Utah; grandchildren, Mark Mooney, Richard (Laura) Short and Cindy (Jimmy) Goga; great-grandchildren, Lucinda (Daniel) Retzloff, Chris Mooney and Noah Short.
A graveside service will be held at the Pine Cemetery at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015.
The family would like to thank the Pine Ward and Hospice of Payson for the loving care given to Erma. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Isabelle Hunt Memorial Public Library, P.O. Box 229, Pine, AZ 85544.

Olive Leah (nee Singer) Poisall, daughter of Clarence Edward Singer and Opal Edna (nee Lambeth) Singer, passed away Dec. 4, 2015 in Payson, Ariz. Born Feb. 13, 1925 in Billings Mo., she lived most of her life in Winslow, Ariz.
She retired from the Santa Fe Railroad as a train orders operator.
A life-long horsewoman, she pursued pleasure riding to dressage. Preferring to be outdoors, she cut her own lawn with a push-mower for exercise until she was 85. Other interests included water skiing, hiking and exploration, rock hounding, bird watching and gardening.
During evenings and cold days she produced many award-winning quilts, hand-stitched so perfectly she was accused of being a machine.
She was much-loved by a tribe of relatives who depended upon her sage advice. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Bill; daughter, Donna Leah; her parents and brother, Clarence Edward Singer, Jr.
She is survived by daughters, Gail and Jordyn Lynn; grandchildren, Kaleb McGehee, Brianne Diego and Jeffrey Barker; five great-grandchildren; nephews, Mitchell Singer, John Paterick and Charles Edward Poisall; and nieces, Lynn Marie Biel (nee Poisall) and Sherry Keith (nee Paterick).
Memorial donations may be made to Winslow Animal Shelter, 548 Barrigan Road, Winslow, AZ 86047.
A memorial service is at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 13 at Greer’s Chapel, 316 W. 2nd St. Winslow, Ariz.

Leo Lee passed away on Dec. 3, 2015 in Payson, AZ. He was born on April 25, 1934 in Lawton, OK and moved to AZ as a baby. He served in the National Guard for 2 yrs. and the U.S. Navy for 4 yrs. He was preceded in death by his parents Monsie and Willie Mae Lee, brother Adolphus, daughter Linda Marie and son David Alan. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Phyllis, son Steven (Debbie), daughter Sandy Confer, daughter Gail Rochwalik (Joe), 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, sister Avis Lee, brother John (Phyllis), sister Sharron (Tom) and numerous nephews and nieces. He will be remembered for his great love of his family and will be greatly missed by all. Services will be held on Dec. 19, 2015 at 10:30 am at Messinger Mortuary - 901 S. Westerly Rd, Payson, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Building Fund- 1000 E. Easy St., Payson, AZ 85541.

A silvered scion of Arizona, Kevin Newman, whose heart was so full of mischief, he rendered us one last laugh and then flew off. Kev came along September 23, 1950, and moved along Friday, December 4, 2015.
With his large and loving family, Kevin settled in the unpaved deserts between Mummy and the McDowell Mountains in 1957. From there, he came to know the canyons and creeks, the buttes and the peaks of the Grand Canyon State like few others.
From Loloma School then Kiva, Kev was briefly at Brophy Prep’ until he was “invited not to participate”, after an incrimenating team-photo. He then became part of the first graduating class at Saguaro High School, Scottsdale, where he was named All State in football.
Kev pioneered the entirely verboten practice of Water Skiing the Arizona Canal and was once plucked off the Praying Monk by helicopter, as his parents watched in flickering black and white. Always “cutting trail” for all of us - Kevin and his crew were the first people ever arrested for “possession” in Scottsdale. Kev was an exceptional golfer, with at least one hole-in-one added to his legacy.
Kev picked Peggy McCoy off the town plaza in Mora, N.M. in 1972, and they were married in 1974 by the J.P. in Mesa, en route to their new jobs with the Tonto National Forest (having applied as “married”). They renewed their vows at their 10th anniversary at OLPH in Scottsdale. Their 41-year love affair is an inspiration to all who know them.
Starting manning lookout towers, Kev served seasonally in many capacities in the Tonto until 2012.
His real footprint in Payson and northern Gila County has been in bringing forth quality residential real estate, starting with Omar Cavin Realty through being Broker of Record at Chaparral Pines, and many top-rated outfits in-between.
Kevin is the eldest son of Kevin and Mary Newman, and was instrumental in assuring their safe and secure passing-on. As the titular head of his large and loving family, Kev was the “Corporate Image of Brotherdom” to his seven siblings and their families. He was a devoted Uncle and Godfather, and reveled in all the successes of all the young’uns growing up to idolize their coolest, smoothest “Uncle Kev.”
After Peggy, Kev’s love was the out-of-doors. There is no trail along the Mogollon Rim Kev hasn’t traversed, no creek Kev didn’t cross. Kevin was a skilled and avid river-runner with multiple runs through the Grand Canyon, Salt River Canyon, the San Juan, the Verde River to Horseshoe Lake, and even Tonto Creek at flood stage!
A great way to remember Kev, his wry wit, his infectious smile, his innate wisdom, his cool and mellow manner is with a gift to the Humane Society of Central Arizona, P.O. 242, Payson, AZ 85547 (humanesocietycentralaz.org).
Kev’s family and friends will gather to remember, laugh, and cry over this departure too sudden and too soon Sunday, December 13, 2015 at noon at the Chaparral Pines Clubhouse, 504 Club Drive, Payson.

Robert “Bo” Bochansky passed away May 6, 2015. He was born Dec. 31, 1932.
A Celebration of Life for this Pearl Harbor survivor and Navy Chief is at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19 at the American Legion.

Edith Louise Chapman Elledge. January 17, 1956-December 7, 2015. Edith was born January 17, 1956 to Realous and Artie Chapman in Mesa, AZ. She was the only daughter with seven older brothers. She was raised in Mesa attending Mesa High School. Edith married Sidney Eugene Elledge in the Mesa LDS Temple on June 6, 1975. Together they have four children: Wiliam (Courtney) Elledge, Charlotte (Dan) Wilkins, Glenn (Jordan) Elledge, and Shawn (Katie) Elledge. Edith is survived by her husband, two brothers (Bob and Gerry), all four children, and five grandchildren: Sophie (William and Courtney); Daymon, K-D, Dominic (Charlotte and Dan), and Violet (Shawn and Katie). The viewing will start at 9am Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Pine, AZ with services starting at 10am. Because of her great love for the people and community of Pine, Edith will be interred in Pine Cemetery. Flowers can be delivered to Messinger Mortuary 901 S. Westerly Rd, Payson, AZ 85541. All those who knew her are patiently awaiting our joyful reunion.

Victor Read, born June 2, 1925 in England; died Dec. 9, 2015 in Phoenix, Ariz. He leaves sisters Edna of Payson and Doris of Phoenix, along with numerous nieces and nephews. No services have been planned.

Herbert Harper Bartholomew, age 80, died on December 7th of natural causes in his home in Payson AZ. Herbert was born on May 23, 1935 in Santa Rosa, CA. Herb was the youngest of four, and grew up with three brothers whom were all veterans. Herb also spent time in the military as a Marine, attended college and dabbled in community theatre. He was married for 33 years to Cindy Bartholomew. Cindy recently passed away from natural causes. They enjoyed spending time with their three dogs and friends. Jazz music, football and reading were Herbs favorite ways to spend his free time. He and Cindy both worked in the Bay Area, CA. Herb spent time in the Aerospace industry where he participated in the design of the space shuttle. They moved to Payson when they decided to retire and spent the last 17 years of their life in Payson running Payson Home Design and being retired. Herb is survived by his two children, Kurt Bartholomew who lives in Payson AZ, and Carrie Quist who resides in California.

Roberto Altamirano Sanchez aka Bob Sanchez passed away December 10th, 2015 of natural causes. He was born January 24th, 1933 in Superior Arizona to Jose and Francisca Sanchez. He joined the United States Air Force in 1950 where he served his country through 1978. In the Air Force he traveled to Korea, Europe and South America. While in Spain he met and fell in love with Victoria Sanchez. They were married on December 21st, 1963. Bob is survived by his wife and 4 children, Roberto, Enrique, Jose, and Victor. He enjoyed watching sports, fishing, and home improvement. Roberto was involved as well serving his community. He spent time as the Sewer and Water commissioner of Payson and volunteered as a Tax Consultant for AARP. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of his favorite causes: St. Vincent DePaul Food Bank, St. Joseph’s Indian School or Superior High School. A memorial Service will be held at St. Phillips Catholic Church in Payson on Thursday December 17th at 11a. In addition Roberto will receive a Military Service with Honors, done by the USAF at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024) on Friday January 15th, 2016 at 1pm.

Diane Bamber of Bandon, OR, formerly of Norwood, MA and Payson, AZ, passed away unexpectedly in North Bend, OR. Diane married David Bamber on May 23, 1970. She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years David, her brother Bob, her 2 daughters Jennifer and Annie, her beloved pets Jack, Bubba and Fenway and 4 grand-pets Rocky, Remi, Millie and Gronkowski. Diane is also survived by her mother-in-law Ingrid and her brother and sister-in-law Donald (Gail) and Peggy. Diane’s charismatic personality and her love for everyone will be terribly missed by anyone she has touched. A small memorial will take place in Payson on January 10, 2016. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Humane Society of Central Arizona (humanesocietycentralaz.org), 605 W. Wilson Ct. Payson, AZ 85541. If donating, please include a note stating your donation is in memory of Diane.