Harry Sogan, 87, of Payson, passed away on Nov. 19, 2015. He was born November 1928 in Detroit, Mich.
When he was a teen, his family moved to Phoenix and he met his future wife, Pat, on a blind date. They married in 1950 and had a daughter, Sandy, and a son, Bob.
His working years were spent in the APS Land Department where he negotiated right-of-way deals for large transmission lines.
Early retirement provided for a good life in Pine, Ariz. and many happy days on golf courses around the state with his wife and friends. They also were avid volunteers at the Isabelle Hunt Memorial Library when they lived in Pine.
Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; parents, Charlotte and William; and brother, Bill. He is survived by his son, Bob Sogan of Phoenix; daughter, Sandy Canright of Ridgway, Colo.; favorite son-in-law, Doug; nieces, a nephew and many friends.
No service is planned, but if you’d like to remember Harry, donations can be sent to the Pine Library Friends, P.O. Box 229, Pine, AZ 85544.
Merry Christmas, Dad. We miss you, but are comforted to know you and Mom are together again.

Vernon M. Carmean, age 88, passed away on Dec. 15, 2015. Vern was born on Christmas Day 1926 in Los Angeles, Calif. to Millard and Belle Carmean. He grew up with a brother and four sisters on farms and ranches from Northern California to Tucson, Ariz., with the family finally settling in Oregon.
His desire to serve his country while still in high school was so strong, his parents gave consent for him to join the Navy at age 16 serving on the U.S.S. Sarasota during World War II in the South Pacific.
He returned to the Northwest after the war and moved to Kansas City after meeting his first wife. There he started a contracting business and they raised their family. He was an excavation and grading contractor in Kansas City from 1952 to 1976 and a farmer in Arthur, Mo. until they moved to Mesa, Ariz. for his first attempt at retirement. Retirement didn’t work for him and he continued working through 2011.
He found true love a second time after losing his first wife in 2001. Vern and Sandy met and married in 2002. They both felt so blessed moving back to the Rim Country in 2014, with all the natural beauty and wonderful neighbors.
Vern is survived by his sisters, Jeanette White and Charlene Colwell; his wife of 14 years, Sandra Carmean; his four children, Deborah Riney (Texas), Craig Carmean and wife Madonna (Arizona), Kurt Carmean and wife Nancy (North Carolina), Roxann Carmean and husband Lanny Floyd (Arizona); two stepchildren, Rick Summers and wife Barb (Arizona), Bob King (Washington); 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and many friends who will miss Vern, who never met a stranger, and loved people with his big heart.
A memorial service will be held at Messinger Mortuary, 901 S. Westerly, Payson, Ariz. on Saturday, Dec. 19. Visitation is at 2 p.m., followed by the service at 3 p.m. Additionally Vern will receive a Military Service with Honors at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85024 on Monday, Dec. 21 at 12:30 p.m.

Mrs. Jeanne Katheryn Haack, a 33-year resident of Payson, Ariz., died Dec. 7, 2015 at the age of 72.
Jeanne was born Jeanne Katheryn Kane on June 15, 1943 in the state of Ohio. She left home as a teenager and set out for Arizona to make her own life. She married young to Posey Tackett and had two boys, Randy and Brian. They lived in the Phoenix area for many years before moving to Payson in 1984. Jeanne soon divorced Posey and met her second and final husband, Bud Haack, in 1986. They were known for their success in commercial real estate during their 30 years here in the Rim area together.
Jeanne was a lover of all animals and was known for her giving nature. She donated to the Humane Society of Central Arizona and other animal charities, as well as took in any wounded creature found.
Jeanne will be loved and missed by surviving sons, Brian, Randy, and brother Danny.
At Jeanne’s spoken request, no services will be held. Flowers and condolences may be sent to 208 W. Sherwood Dr., Payson, AZ 85541.

Joseph Verle Hilton, 85, of Clear Lake, Wisc., died Dec. 10, 2015 at the Golden Age Manor Nursing Home in Amery, Wisc.
He was born Feb. 21, 1930, in Rockford, Ill., the son of Albert and Lillian (Isaac) Hilton. As a boy, Joe moved often with his family in and around Illinois. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged from military service. Joe was married to Darlene Peterson on May 10, 1952 in Pecatonica, Ill. In 1959, they moved to Clear Lake, where Joe farmed and raised five sons, Brad, Kelly, Scott, Rance and Kyle. In addition to farming, Joe worked for a time in construction in the Twin Cities and later worked as a carpenter in the Clear Lake area for many years. Joe also worked at Pixall in Clear Lake a short time before moving to Payson, Ariz., in 1980. While in Payson, Joe built homes, had his own street sweeping business, and worked for the school district and funeral home. He and Darlene returned to the Clear Lake area in 2005. In his spare time, Joe enjoyed fishing, playing cards, telling stories, working crossword puzzles, and spending time with his family and friends. He especially loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joe has lived in Amery for the past couple years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; his parents, Albert and Lillian Hilton; brothers, John, Robert and Richard Hilton; sisters, Katherine White and Nancy Wandell; daughters-in-law, LaVonne Hilton and Joyce Hilton; and grandson, Adam Hilton.
He is survived by children, Bradford (Bev) Hilton of Eau Claire, Wisc., Kelly Hilton of Clear Lake, Wisc., Scott Hilton of Siren, Wisc., Rance (Julie) Hilton of Clear Lake, Wisc. and Kyle (Kelly) Hilton of Albia, Iowa; grandchildren, Aric (Tamara) Hilton, Rachel (Aaron) Warner, Zachary (Shaelyn) Hilton, Sheena (Luke) Juedes, Nicole (Michael) Kuc, Brenna Hilton, Cheyenne Hilton, Daelynn Hilton, Eli Hilton, Christopher Grunder, Robert Grunder, Elizabeth Wilson and Vanessa (Brandon) Lindsey; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Gwen Ang of Rockford, Ill., sister and brothers-in-law, Darrel Peterson, Patricia Greene andCharles Peterson, all of Pecatonica, Ill.; as well as many friends and relatives.
A funeral service was held Dec. 19 at the Scheuermann Funeral Home in Clear Lake, with Pastor Dan Pearson.
Interment will be at Clear Lake Cemetery at a later date.
Scheuermann Funeral Home of Clear Lake, Wisc. handled the arrangements.

Dr. Janet W. Sommerville of Payson, AZ passed away December 16th, 2015 after a short illness at the age of 92. Janet was born in Marquette, Michigan on January 1st, 1923 to Willard and “Teedle” Worrell. Janet’s lifelong love of learning began at Tulane University where she earned a degree in Business in 1943. After graduation, she accepted a job with the State Department where her first post took her to the US Embassy in Paris during WWII; she ultimately worked with the French Underground during the occupation. She returned stateside after the war to study at Women’s Medical College in Pennsylvania where she earned her medical degree in 1953. The following year she became a fellow at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, practicing hematology, where she met her future husband Robert. She eventually traveled the southwest looking for a place to plant roots. After gazing upon a sunset from South Mountain, she fell in love with Arizona. As fate would have it, she moved to Phoenix in 1958 where she and Bob were married November 9th, 1959. Janet and Bob practiced medicine together for nearly 30 years while raising their three sons: Ben, Jon, and Thomas. In 1989, they built their dream home and retired to Payson, Arizona. There they built a wonderful life and had many dear friends. Janet was a true giver and thoroughly embodied the spirit of service. She volunteered her time and generously donated to many philanthropic causes. Janet relished in the simple pleasures of nature and found joy in gardening, bird watching, and simply being outdoors. Her zest for life lives on in her three sons: Ben (Tammy), Jon (Margaret), and Thomas; and her grandchildren: Kate, Sarah, Nicholas, Noelle, and Christopher.
The family held a private internment last week. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice Compassus 511 Mud Springs Rd., Payson, AZ 85541 (928) 472-6340.

Dareld Lee Hunsaker, 52, died of heart failure in his Tonto Basin home on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015. Dareld was born on Nov. 11, 1963 in Mesa, Ariz.
He lived in Camp Verde until 1970, when his family relocated to Pine, Ariz., where he lived out the rest of his childhood in the home built by his great-grandfather, Walter John Randall.
He attended Payson High School, where he participated in sports such as cross-country and wrestling. Dareld was known for both his physical strength and strength of his character. He has such a huge heart and possessed such a capacity to love unconditionally.
He was a hard-working man who loved his family. He was tender, kind, compassionate, loyal, dependable, peaceful and fair.
Dareld is survived by his parents, Walter Lee and Susan Hunsaker; his brothers and sisters, Lee Hunsaker (Kathy), Denny Hunsaker, Verna Mortemore (Doug), Lori Brown (Bill), Media Magill (Travis); his children, Dareld Lee (DJ) Hunsaker (Sadie), Stephanie Marie Merrill (Duane), Nathan Wade Hunsaker; grandchildren, Alex, Logan, Braedon, Aurynn, Desirae, Devin and Mason; and many nieces and nephews by whom he was very loved and respected.
Dareld cherished his extended family. His uncles, aunts and cousins played important roles in his life as he did in theirs. He will be truly missed.
An open viewing took place at the Messinger Funeral Home in Payson Saturday, Dec. 19. The viewing was followed by a graveside service at the Pine Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. for family and close friends only. At 1 p.m. a celebration of Dareld’s life took place at 53569 N. Hwy 188, three miles below Jake’s Corner at Brown Ranch, Tonto Basin to offer those in attendance a chance to share stories and memories of Dareld.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Tonto Basin Fire District, 1000 S. Main, Tonto Basin, AZ 85553 in honor of Dareld.

Kevin Lynn Wall passed away at his home in Payson, Ariz. on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 at the age of 65. Kevin was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Nettie Wall; and by his parents, Melvin Gene Wall and Mary Margaret Phillips.
Kevin is lovingly remembered by his siblings, Nina Katherine (David) Cooper, Weldon Keith (Dolores) Wall, Kimberly (Deron) Johnson, Kelly (James) Barron; along with his stepchildren, Aaron (Jennifer) Bartlett, Maria (Klaus) Witte, Tanya (Jose) Duarte, Eli (Rajni) Sentman; and sister-in-law, Gloria (Richard) Levesque; his four granddaughters, Kathleen Zajicek, Makenzie Duarte, Jameela Oberoi Sentman, and Soleini Oberoi Sentman; and his four grandsons, Robin Forrest, Aidan Bartlett, Nate Bartlett and Joseph Zajicek; and one great-granddaughter, Melina Forrest; and nieces and nephews along with extended family; his two dogs, Dexter and Mia, and his cat, OC (Other Cat).
Kevin was born in Durango, Colo. He lived in Colorado for many years before moving to Arizona, where he met his wife, Carolyn. Carolyn was the love of his life. He lovingly cared for her during her long battle with cancer and never left her side. Kevin was the Golf Course Superintendent at the Bisbee Golf Course in Bisbee, Ariz. prior to relocating to Payson where he worked as the Golf Course Superintendent at the Rim Golf Club for several years.
Kevin was employed at The Beverage Place at the time of his death and regarded all of his co-workers as extended family.
He was an avid animal lover. He and his wife, Carolyn, loved to bet the horse races and adopted many Dachshunds over the years. Kevin loved comedy and would often try out his own routine on friends and family. He had an endless supply of jokes. To quote his favorite comedian, George Carlin, “I do like finding out where the line is drawn, deliberately crossing it, bringing some of them with me across the line, and having them happy that I did.”
After Carolyn’s passing, he spent much time caring for his little dogs. He will always be remembered, and will live forever in our hearts. Services will be announced at a later date.

Bobby Dean Mitchell was born Nov. 29, 1935 and died Dec. 24, 2015.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Ann Mitchell; a loving daughter; 4 sons; 9 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at Messinger Funeral Home from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015.

Ena Kortman, 97 of Gilbert, passed away Dec. 21, 2015. She was born in McBain, Mich. on Oct. 4, 1918. She was married to Henry Kortman for 65 years.
They moved to Phoenix from Michigan in 1958. Ena’s life passion was Christian education, especially Phoenix Christian Grade School where she and Henry donated hundreds of hours.
Ena was preceded in death by her husband in 2003. She is survived by her children, Roger (Patricia), Arizona; Larry (Terri), Nevada; Keith (Connie), California; Cliff (Cindy), Texas; her siblings, Kay Sikkema, Georgie Laarman, Bertie Grzybowski, Gertrude Rubingh, Milton and Bernice Meekhof, and Willard Van Haitsma, all of Michigan; 16 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015 at Phoenix Christian Reformed Church, 2438 E. Earll Drive, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Phoenix Christian Grade School, 2425 North 26th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008.

Ronald Lloyd De Los Reyes of Payson, Ariz. was called home to heaven on Dec. 23, 2015 after a short but brave battle with cancer.
Ron was born Dec. 16, 1940 to Lloyd and Antonia De Los Reyes on his grandfather’s ranch is Yorba Linda, Calif. He attended Valencia High School, Fullerton Community College, and received a doctorate of pharmacy from the University of Southern California in 1965.
Ron’s enjoyment of music and love for people was evident when he visited the seniors at Majestic Rim and Powell House where he played his guitar and sang.
Ron enjoyed working and served the community for nearly 30 years in all of the Payson pharmacies. Both staff and customers were given kind and caring attention as well as a joke or two.
Ron’s love for the Lord and people was manifest when he served in church as a youth or adult Sunday school teacher.
Ron’s life wish was that he would live his life to bring glory to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his wife Betty, his beloved helpmate of 50 years. He is also survived by two children, Lisa “Alicia” Young of Glendale and Ronald, Jr., of Peoria; one stepson, Eddie Rosell of Payson; five grandchildren; three sisters; and one brother along with many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 9 at Star Valley Baptist Church, 4180 E. Highway 260 in Star Valley.

Judianne (Magnus­son) Miller was born April 2, 1947 and passed away at her home in Strawberry on Dec. 27, 2015 after a courageous three-year battle with lung cancer.
Judianne attended Osborne Elementary. She graduated from Central High School in 1965. She also attended Phoenix College.
Judianne won the title of Miss Arizona in 1967 and was a finalist in the Miss USA pageant.
Judianne was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which she served many callings over the years. Judianne cherished the friendships she had while working in the church and also the Mesa Temple.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 33 years, Larry D. Miller; her children, Clint Sorenson (wife Christina), Tracie Sorenson-Kenyon (husband Troy), Randy Miller and Cari Miller-Jones (husband David).
She was blessed to have 12 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and 17 nieces and nephews who adored her.
Preceding her in death are her parents, Bernard and Cleone Magnusson of Phoenix; and brothers, Kent and Pee Wee.
She was beautiful inside and out. She was loved and adored by many. She will be missed by all.
We are comforted to know that she has been reunited with loved ones.
A viewing will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan 2 at the LDS Church in Pine. Funeral services will begin at noon. A luncheon will be held thereafter.
Burial services are being held in Farmington, Utah, for immediate family only.
Flowers can be sent to Messinger Mortuary at 901 S. Westerly Road, Payson, AZ 85541.

Family and friends are mourning the sudden loss of Jack Sowell, longtime Payson resident. Jack was taken to join his Heavenly Father on Dec. 24, 2015. He was born Feb. 4, 1925 in Safford, Ariz., to Ben Lavert and Teresa Scarlet Sowell.
The day he graduated from Safford High School, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country until 1945. On March 23, 1944, while on leave, Jack was sealed in marriage with his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Emma Jean Cluff in the Mesa LDS Temple.
For many years they made Tempe their home, where they raised their four children in a very loving and active life. Jack worked for many years with Pillsbury where he retired. 
Jack loved making wonderful memories with his family and friends camping, fishing, boating and traveling to Rocky Point. He always had the most unbelievable stories to share and made everyone laugh. Those sparkling eyes and kidding grin will be dearly missed by everyone around him.
Jack is survived by his wife, Jean Sowell; children, Jacque Reidhead, Rick Sowell and Marsha Johnson (Rick); 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his sister, Betty Jo Layton; and son, Keith Sowell.
A viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 2 at Messinger Mortuaries in Payson, followed by graveside services at Mountain Meadows Memorial Park.

Marguerite “Mimi” Tidwell, age 95, passed away Dec. 25, 2015 in Payson, Ariz.
Mimi was born in Baton Rouge, La. and moved to Scottsdale, Ariz. when she was 10 years old. She graduated from Scottsdale High School in 1938, and married Ed Tidwell in 1946.
Mimi established the first licensed, in-home day care for children in Scottsdale in 1954, and continued the business she loved until 1977.
She and “Daddy Ed” moved to Christopher Creek in 1978 where they had owned a summer cabin on the creek since 1964.
Mimi touched the lives of many children and families, often accepting little or no payment for her babysitting, home-cooked meals and loving hugs. Over the decades, countless former children Mimi cared for in Scottsdale have continued to visit her with thanks and appreciation for her unconditional love and respect. Her smiling face, as she took her daily walks on Columbine Road, will be greatly missed by her friends and neighbors.
She is survived by her daughter, Rosemary Tidwell Elston (Dave); daughter-in-law, Jean Tidwell; granddaughter, Tammy Milhon (Dan); grandson, Brian Elston; grandson, Michael Tidwell, Jr. (Pam); granddaughter, Rachael Elston Butler (Justin); grandson, Joshua Moore (Courtney); granddaughter, Katie Moore; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward W. Tidwell; son, Michael D. Tidwell, Sr.; daughter, Peggy Tidwell Moore and baby daughter, Brenda.
The visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, January 8 at Messinger Payson Funeral Home, 901 S. Westerly Road. The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 9 at Messinger Payson Funeral Home, where additional visitation will begin 1 hour prior. A celebration with friends and family will immediately follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, Mimi requested donations to the Christopher-Kohl’s Fire Department, 930 E. Christopher Creek Loop, Payson, AZ 85541.
The concluding service and interment will be 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 11 for family at Green Acres Memorial Park in Scottsdale.
The family extends our sincere thanks to Payson Care Center and Hospice of Payson for their outstanding compassion and support in our time of need.
Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. Please send condolences to www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.

Norma Willene (Dowden) Byrne, 80, of Tonto Basin, Ariz., passed from this life on Dec. 18, 2015 after a battle of five years with Alzheimer’s disease.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mabel Dowden; and her brother, William D. Dowden.
She was born on April 17, 1935 in Manes, Mo.; moved to Tolleson, Ariz. in 1937 and graduated from Tolleson High School in 1953.
She is survived by her sons, Charles Michael Byrne and Gary David Byrne; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; and her loving husband of 62 years, Charles B. Byrne.
Norma donated her body for research and cremation; she disliked funerals.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 17 at the Butcher Hook Bar and Restaurant, Hwy. 188, Milepost 259, Tonto Basin, Ariz.

Betty Zoe Daily, 90, passed away on Dec. 30, 2015. Betty was born April 1, 1925 to Laclede and Lila Walters in Battle Creek, Mich.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) T. Daily. Betty is survived by sons, Tim Daily, Jeff Irwin, Richard Porter; her brother, George Walters; eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
There will be no service upon Betty’s request.
Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com to place online condolences.

On the morning of January 6th, beloved member of the community, Greg Day, passed away after a five-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Cari Day, and his three children — Trevor, Jeff and Allie. In addition, his mother Lillian, sisters Lorraine and Kim, and brothers Dennis and Rodney live on in remembrance of their son and brother. Greg was predeceased by his father, Dennis Day.
Greg was born in Portland, Oregon on October 20th, 1958. He spent his younger days with his family, where you could always find him either riding motocross, feeding chickens, or setting records on the swim team; not that you’d ever hear him brag. Any feats of greatness or talk of setting records came from his family who knows how great he truly was, never from Greg himself.
Greg went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Portland State University. He then used this knowledge to run a successful ice cream and burger shop called Jem 100, which he and his father built from the ground up. After taking a break from restaurants to be in the lumber industry and then to use his passion for woodworking to own a furniture building business, Greg and the family moved to Payson to open Macky’s Grill. The Days quickly became active members of the community. He was always ready with a story and a laugh for everyone he encountered. Known for having an infectious smile, Greg’s joy would spread to his peers no matter what setting he was in.
Throughout his time in Payson, Greg frequently traveled down to a project house that his family called “Cochise.” This unusual vacation home started as an empty shell of a house that Greg and the family built together during their vacations and trips. The time spent teaching his children how to work on houses and ride dirt bikes will be cherished and appreciated for years to come.
Greg’s legacy will continue through the traits that he has passed on to his children and friends. Among them are his unyielding example of hard work and dedication, his unstoppable work ethic, and his unavoidable tendency towards happiness. For those who knew Greg, it was easy to see how many people he affected each and every day through his patience, wisdom, and sense of humor. He will be remembered as a loving husband, proud father, thoughtful son, great brother, generous boss, caring friend, and above all, excellent role model.
Celebration of Life will be held at the Payson High School Auditorium on January 16th at 10:00 a.m. Please wear clothes with brighter colors to reflect Greg’s bright attitude in life. In lieu of flowers, Greg and the family would ask that you donate to a fund to assist in family travel from out of town, as well as Payson Schools Beautification.

A graveside service with military honors will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday January 13, 2016 at the Mountain Meadows Memorial Park at 335 W. Round Valley Road in Payson. See www.ruffnerwakelin.com.

Curtis David Vick, devoted husband, loving father, protector of and provider for family, crossed the bar into God’s celestial community while at home in the care of his loving family on the evening of Dec. 19, 2015. Curtis rejoined Dorinda, love of his life and wife of more than 53 years, with whom he so longed to be reunited.
Curtis was born into humble means to Mamie Rose Thomas and Herschel David Vick in Russellville, Ky. on April 6, 1939. From an early age, he was often compelled to be his mother’s little man and be strong for his six younger sisters. The hard times during those days made a deep and lasting impression on him. A young Curtis escaped into books when he could, beginning a life-long love with literature, scholarship, and poetry.
Curtis met Dorinda in Tucson, Ariz. while serving in the Air Force. With the encouragement of an older, wiser serviceman, he earned his GED, and then began attending Arizona State University while working jobs in construction and surveying to support his growing family in Tempe. By the time Curtis was finished with his formal education, he had earned a B.A. and M.A. in English, an ascension from poverty of which he and his family are very proud.
Curtis was a teacher by nature and career for 30 years, having taught English at the high school and community college levels in Payson and Mesa, Ariz. His favorite author was Faulkner; his favorite novel to teach was Huckleberry Finn. Curt was a good conservative in life philosophy, and always had unabashed opinions on the issues of the day. For his crowning artistic achievements, Curtis wrote and published two novels, “Shadows In Jerome” and “The Outdweller” and one instructional book of poetry, “The Poetry Book.”
Curtis loved and is survived by sons Steven and Jonathan, daughter Pamela; grandchildren Jeremy, Savannah, Brandon, Kellan, Falina, and Madison; and sisters Shirley, Annette, Janice, Vicki, Darlene, and Sharon.
A celebration of his life with military honors will take place at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan.16 at the First Congregational Church in Prescott, Ariz.
Funeral services were entrusted to Wakelin Family Funeral Homes. Please visit www.ruffnerwakelin.com to view and sign Curtis’s guestbook and for directions.

Bill passed away peacefully on Dec. 31, 2015 in Phoenix.
A California native, Bill was born in Santa Ana on Nov. 29, 1930 to A.W. Speer and Sarah Kincade Speer. He was raised in San Juan Capistrano where he married his wife, Norma Maxey in 1950.
He bravely served his country in the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1953 and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V Device among other medals.
Bill and Norma moved to Payson in 1997 to join their daughter, Karen Davis of Star Valley and her family.
Bill will be recognized by many as a long-time employee of the local Safeway store until his retirement in 2010 and will be remembered for his pleasant disposition and helpful attitude.
Bill was an active member of several veterans’ organizations and will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Norma; daughter, Karen Davis and her husband, Michael; grandchildren, Brian Davis of Payson and Katie Hoover of Bedford, Pa.; and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 at Mountain Bible Church, 302 E. Rancho Rd., Payson. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to Hospice Compassus in Payson.

Neil Patric Savage (the Grinch), age 79 of Payson, Ariz., passed away at his home on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016. He has been battling diabetes for several years. He grew up in Bloomington, Minn., the youngest child of Walter and Evelyn (Laviolett) Savage. He attended the Bloomington Schools in Bloomington all 12 years. He joined the U.S. Navy after graduation and served from 1954-1957. He married Joan Fehringer on Sept. 8, 1962 in Minneapolis, Minn. Neil and Joan relocated twice to Arizona in 1967 and 1992 after his retirement from Northwest Airlines.
Neil leaves behind his loving wife, Joan of 53-1/2 years; daughter, Yvette (Paul) Peterson; sons, Christopher (Robin) and Jason Savage. He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Joseph Savage (1984), his parents and his four siblings and his brother-in-law, Jerome Fehringer who preceded him on Jan. 5, 2016 in Minnesota. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Phoenix, Ariz. A military service was held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. Donations can be made in Neil’s honor to the American Diabetes Association or Bird Busters of Payson, 7736 W. Gibson Ranch Road, Payson, AZ 85541.
Arrangements provided by Messinger Payson Funeral Home.