Floyd B. “Russ” Morris passed away Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016 at the age of 72. Born Dec. 14, 1943 in San Jose, Calif. to James and Anna Marie Morris. Russ served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Oriskany with CV-34 in Vietnam and at a base in Litchfield Park, Ariz. After service he became the first private paramedic in the state of Arizona and later in his career taught new paramedics. Russ worked construction for many years, retiring from the Bureau of Reclamation. During these years he worked on the reconstruction of the Roosevelt Dam and building many of the bridges on Hwy. 87. Upon retirement he enjoyed golfing which was one of his passions along with hunting and fishing with his sons and friends. Russ also worked for the Honeycutt Rodeo Stock Company whenever he was available for almost 20 years.
Russ is survived by his wife, Karis D. Morris; his daughters, Tammy (John) Becker, Dusty (Dean) Martin, Kathy Bindner and family; sons, Joseph (Myra) Morris, Justin (Izabela) Morris; grandchildren, Camille (UofA), Jonathan (NAU) and Carly Becker (Boise State); sister, Barbara (Duane) Serrano; many cousins, nieces and nephews. Russ was predeceased by his parents, James and Anna Marie Morris; sister, Marilyn Raye; and several aunts and uncles.
No service is planned at this time. The family will be planning a Celebration of Life at a future date. Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in Russ’ name may do so to Payson Honor Guard, c/o Elks, 1206 N. Beeline Hwy., Payson, AZ 85541.

James Richard Cosgrave, born July 31, 1930, passed away Jan. 11, 2016 from complications following a car accident on December 22.
James was born in Moline, Ill. He spent the majority of his life in the Chicago area working and raising a family. Upon retirement, they moved to Fountain Hills and eventually to Payson where he spent his days volunteering at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church and other organizations.
He was preceded in death by Maryann Cosgrave, wife of 50 years and mother of his four children.
He is survived by Joan Tilden, wife of 10 years; his children, John Cosgrave, Susan DeLude (Nalbert), Cathleen Ferkol (Robert) and Linda Biddinger (David); stepchildren, Matthew Tilden (Lynda), Patty Torrez (Daniel), and Christopher Tilden (Tamara); nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren; and his sister, Jane Greening (Homer).
Services will be held at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016. Military honors will be held following the memorial mass at Mountain Meadows Memorial Park Cemetery. There will be a luncheon following the graveside services at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church.

Carol was born April 19, 1922 and passed away Jan. 7, 2016.
Carol lived in Payson since the 1980’s; she loved her family and her grandchildren had a special place in her heart.
She loved activities at the Senior Center, she sang, danced, played in the band and worked at the thrift store. She would help anyone and loved life. She attended First Southern Baptist Church.
She is survived by her son David, daughter-in-law Debbie, and grandchildren Jon and Kerry.
Now she’s in Heaven and loving life again!

Norman Eugene Dudley, age 76, passed away on Jan. 8, 2016, surrounded by friends and family in Payson, Ariz. Norman lived in Payson for most of his life (1953-2016).
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alta (Garrels) Dudley; his parents, Sam and Capitola Dudley; and his brother, Richard Dudley. Norman is survived by his brother, Clinton Dudley (Christine); his son, Tim Dudley (Michelle); his daughter, Nicole Ward; four grandchildren, and many other family members.
A celebration of life will be held on Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. at the Tonto Apache Gymnasium in Payson, Ariz. There will be a potluck immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Pioneer Cemetery, PO Box 33, Payson, AZ 85547.

Family and friends are mourning the sudden loss of longtime Payson resident Ernest (Ernie) L. Rexstrew. Ernie was taken to join his Heavenly Father on Jan. 7, 2016. He was born March 23, 1946 in KoKomo, Ind.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Barbara; one daughter, Shanna and son-in-law Abram Campbell; five grandchildren, Dallas Rexstrew, Anna Benjamin, Brooklyn Campbell, Jessika Campbell and Lexus Marsh; and two great-grandsons, Oliver Rexstrew and Lucius Benjamin.  
He is preceded in death by his parents and his only son, Heath Rexstrew — they will one day be reunited as a complete family.
Services will be held at the Payson LDS Church at 1 p.m., Saturday Jan. 16, 2016.

John Gerald Randgaard of Payson, Ariz. passed away Jan. 16, 2016 in Mesa, Ariz. He was 86. John was born Jan. 11, 1930 in Montevideo, Minn.
Mr. Randgaard was retired from the U.S. Army where he had served in Vietnam. He will be placed in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix.
Mountain View Funeral Home (480) 832-2850 handled the arrangements.

Gerry W. Ellis was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 15, 2016. He was born in Piggott, Arkansas on January 12, 1945, and moved with his family to Arizona when he was six months old. He was raised in Chandler, Arizona and lived there until the time of his marriage. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War. On Halloween, 1968 he met Kay Flack on a blind date. They were married one year later on Halloween, 1969. Gerry worked as a mechanical technician most of his career and was an accomplished welder as well as an artist and silversmith which he enjoyed in his spare time in his younger years. On November 26, 1975 the light of his life, son, Ryan Joseph Ellis was born. Their bond was extraordinary and he was so very proud of all of Ryan’s accomplishments. Gerry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kay; his son, Ryan and daughter-in-law DeAnna; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, his uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews who all loved him dearly. He is predeceased by his loving sister, Leita, who we lost in 1979; his father and mother, Willie and Veneal Ellis. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Mountain Bible Church, 302 East Rancho Road, Payson, AZ. In lieu of flowers you may make contributions to Hospice Compassus, 511 South Mud Springs Rd, Payson, AZ 85541. He will be privately interred in the Payson Pioneer Cemetery.

Suzanne Lea Despars was granted her Angel wings on Dec. 30, 2015, in Payson, Ariz. She was born on April 28, 1931, in Seattle, Wash. to Cree and Loraine (Bennett) Rodgers.
She and her husband, Ron, enjoyed many years in Sequim, Wash. She loved the gorgeous view of the beautiful Olympic Mountains. In her leisure, she enjoyed gardening and her dogs, Sam and Cody. They were truly her “best friends.”
She is survived by her husband, Ronald Charles Despars; her five children and five stepchildren (and their spouses); as well as 21 grandkids and 19 great-grandkids. Her smile was contagious and we will miss her.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Messinger Payson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Payson Humane Society. Or better yet, go adopt a dog and name her Susie!

Alice Wilson was born Nov. 2, 1928 in New York and raised in Canada. She moved to the United States in her 30’s and has resided in Payson for 50-plus years. Alice worked at the Great Western Bank for 30-plus years and volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce for about 20 years. She was 86 years old when she passed on Jan. 10, 2016. She leaves behind an only child, Debbie Macenas and her husband Ed from Illinois.
She was greatly loved by family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Colin Jay Sterling was born on June 8, 1977, to Herbert Sterling and Nance Prahl, in Duluth, Minnesota. Colin was raised in Fox Lake, Illinois.
Colin owned and operated Sterling Home Services here in Payson. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and cooking for his friends. As a person and friend, Colin was fiercely loyal to those who were loyal to him. He was someone who always went out of his way to help others.
Colin is survived by his wife, Angela Brunick; his daughter, Stevi Sterling; his sons, Jesse and Korbin Brunick; his mom, Nance Prahl; his uncle, Rich Prahl; his grandfather, George Prahl; his sister, Emilie and brother-in-law, John and their children, Paige and Morgan; close family friends, the Tackmans; as well as many cousins and more beloved friends.
Colin was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Sterling.
Colin passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 17, 2016, from an accidental gunshot wound while at his home.
Colin was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends in many, many ways.
May God bless the memory of Colin Jay Sterling.
A Memorial Service will be held in Colin’s honor this Saturday, January 30, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Messinger Mortuary here in Payson.

Barbara Dawn Howell, 79, of Payson, Ariz., passed away Jan. 11, 2016.
Barbara was a woman who loved the LDS Church and while her husband John Howell Sr. was alive, they both taught classes for the church. Barbara was always giving back in whatever way she could.
Barbara is now joining her husband in heaven.
She leaves behind son John Howell Jr., his wife Linda Howell, grandchildren Victoria and Jarred, daughter DeAnn Fernau, her husband Mitch Fernau, granddaughters Tammy Fernau and Dawn Potts, and great-grandchildren Cody and Anthony.
Barbara was buried Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016.

Jill Dana Mote Lohmann was born Aug. 25, 1970. She passed away Jan. 25, 2016.
Jill was born in Phoenix, Ariz. and moved to the Strawberry vicinity in 1975. She attended Pine/Strawberry School and graduated from Payson High School.
She is survived by her husband, Mike Lohmann; and daughter, Brianne of Gilbert, Ariz. whom she loved so very much; her parents, Dan and Ilene Mote of Strawberry; brother, Brian Mote (Vi) of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; sister, Tricia Farrington (Troy and 3 nieces, Courtney, Caitlin and Ciarra) of Wittman, Ariz.; brother, Cory Mote of San Francisco, Calif.; grandmother, Honor Booker of Payson. She is preceded in death by two sons, Kyle and Derek Schoenborn.

Harold Dean Justice, beloved husband and father, born Dec. 29, 1932, Eastland County, Texas died Jan. 28, 2016 at the age of 83, at his home in Payson, Ariz.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Willie Justice; and brother, Glenn. Harold is survived by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Elouise Horn Justice; and son, Marcus Shane Justice of Mesa, Ariz.; and by his sisters, Ferne (Joe N. Poe) of Lander, Wyo. and Ruth (James Horn) of Eastland, Texas; as well as many nieces and nephews, all of whom forever hold him in their hearts and memories.
Harold was a dedicated employee who progressed from a heavy equipment operator in the oil and gas business to district manager with Dowell during his 30-year career. He then began a consulting business, which led to joining an independent oil company as vice president in charge of exploration and production. Harold retired in 1996 and was able to enjoy hunting, fishing and using his computer for education and entertainment.
Private services are pending.

Ellen C. Vitola, born Feb. 9, 1939, passed away Jan. 23, 2016. She lived in Payson 30 years and was married for more than 38 years to husband Philip P. Vitola.
Ellen’s CB Handle was Green Eyes and husband’s was Big Foot!
She is survived by her husband, Philip P. Vitola; eight children; 19 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Services will be held Feb. 9, 2016 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church with rosary recited at 10:30 a.m., Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. and potluck to follow. In lieu of flowers please donate to heart, cancer or diabetes or St. Vincent de Paul.

Longtime resident David Strunk passed peacefully January 27.
David graduated Payson High School, served in the Navy and returned to Payson to live his life. He was a man of many skills: woodcutter, carpenter, and his favorite thing is he was born with a green thumb. It seemed that everything he grew thrived under his care we will enjoy his roses for years to come as he planted them for Bonnie.
He leaves behind his life partner of 36 years, “Bonnie Savage” and her family; sisters, Kathy Cleamens and Julie (Troy) Davis of Colo. He was preceded in death by parents, Rae and Al Strunk; and sister, Sally Craighead.
David became very sick in 2009 and was diagnosed with AIDS and Hepatitis C. It has been an up and down battle for David, his family and close friends. We are saddened by his passing but are comforted by the knowledge that he is now at peace, the pain is over.
We are asking in lieu of flowers or donations that you go get tested for these diseases Hep C and AIDS, because knowledge is power. It may save a life… I forgot to mention, he also loved to fish!

Pastor Edward A. Blair died on Jan. 12, 2016 from complications of pancreatic cancer surgery. He was born to Frans and Glennice Swanson Blair on Nov. 19, 1939 in Sauk Centre, Minn.
After three years in Rapid City, S.D., the family moved to Worthington, Minn. in 1950. Ed was confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Washington in 1955. He graduated from Worthington High School in 1958 and Worthington Junior College in 1960. Following graduation from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1962, Ed continued on the path to ordination with four years at Northwestern Lutheran Seminary in Minneapolis.
On June 13, 1965, he married Karyl Krantz. He served for four years as the associate pastor at Zion Lutheran in Anoka, Minn. In 1970, they moved with their baby son Nathan to Buffalo, Minn., when Ed was called to serve at another Zion Lutheran Church. Daughter Carmen was born four years later. Ed continued as a pastor at Zion Lutheran in Buffalo until his retirement in 2001.
After retirement, Ed and Karyl moved to Payson, Ariz. Ed served on the town council from 2006 to 2014. They also were very involved in Mount Cross Lutheran Church, where he served as a visitation pastor. He was an enthusiastic participant in many organizations including the Gila County Democratic Party, Amnesty International, the Community Blood Drive, and Relay for Life. An avid golfer, he enjoyed time spent on the links with friends.
He is remembered for his outgoing personality, his love of jokes and his desire to help people connect with each other. He was often on e-mail, keeping in touch with “my people.” Ed love spending time with his family, especially playing with his grandchildren. He eagerly planned all the details of a family trip to Disneyland to celebrate Ed and Karyl’s 50th wedding anniversary in 2015.
Ed is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karyl; son Nathan (Laura) Blair; daughter Carmen Blair; grandchildren Henry, Simon, and Elin Blair; brother Dr. John (Grace) Blair; brother-in-law John (Marci) Krantz, plus nephews, nieces and many cousins.
The funeral service was held in Buffalo, Minn. on January 17. A memorial service will be held at Mount Cross Lutheran Church at 1 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Donations in Ed’s memory may be made to the Mount Cross Mission Endowment Fund, ELCA World Hunger Appeal, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

It is with profound sorrow that the family of Phillip (Phil) Prince announces his passing on Feb. 1, 2016.
Payson was his “Heaven on Earth.”
Phil and Shawn resided in Payson for nine years and became involved in the American Legion Post 69 and their charters and were volunteers at the Hospice Compassus.
“We have many friends there whom we miss dearly, including Don, Darin and Duffy,” writes his family.
Those left to mourn Phil’s passing are wife Shawn, daughters Debbie, Kati and Lea, son Anthony and extended family and friends who loved and respected him. We wish Phil “fair winds and following seas.” Semper Fidelis.

Jim R. Brown of the H-4 Ranch, Tonto Basin, passed away Jan. 30, 2016 at his home.
He was born March 23, 1926 in Phoenix, Ariz. and lived his life in the Payson, Gisela and Jakes Corner area. Jim went to Julia Randall Elementary and later graduated from Payson High School.
He married Connie Hardt in September of 1949. He helped work his mother, Celena Brown’s family ranch as a young boy until he later purchased his own ranch. He owned and worked the farms in Gisela and there had two sets of twin boys, Dennis and Pedo, Joe and Bill. He bought and worked the 76 Ranch and farmed the fields at the 3’V Ranch until about 1969 when he bought the H-4 Ranch in Tonto Basin and farmed at the house and the Brunson Fields. He also worked construction to help pay for the ranch. He was known as one of the best track hoe operators in the state of Arizona when working construction. In his later years he was known as a great machinist, he could make any part known to man and loved tinkering in his shop on his laths and driving his John Deere Gator checking on the kids.
He will be loved and missed by all, especially his wife of 67 years, the apple of his eye Connie; his son Pedo (Debbie), children Tiffany and Lowell; son Joe (Shelly), children Trevor and Chancy; son Bill (Lori), children Willie (Megan), Riley, Jessie (Will), Daylen; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Celebration of Life will be held at noon, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016 at 53569 N. Hwy. 188, Milepost 269.5 — three miles below Jakes Corner at the Brunson Field Farm. It will be a Spanish food potluck/bring your own beverage. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Tonto Basin Fire Department, P.O. Box 48, Tonto Basin, AZ 85553.

Robert Lynn Magness, 86, of Rye, Ariz., passed away at Hospice of the Valley in Chandler, Ariz. Feb. 3, 2016. He was born Oct. 11, 1929 in Jerome, Ark. to Max and Mable Magness. He married Rita Magness Nov. 29, 2003; she survives. Also surviving are two brothers, Bill Magness of Chino Valley, Ariz. and Sid (Wanda) Magness of Eagle Mountain, Utah; one sister, Jane Croshorn of Bella Vista, Ark.; also many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Mable; and one sister, Anita Croushorn.
Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He started as a paperboy for the Arizona Republic and Gazette and was a printer for 44 years and truly loved his job.
Special prayers for earth angels Jane, Maggie, Sarah, Lois, Angel and Debbie; special love to Richard and Linda Connolly whose door was always open.
Tenderly and gently did God come; graciously and humbly without fear or impatience Bob returned with God. There will be no services.

David Martin Hardman was born Nov. 29, 1985. He passed away Jan. 24, 2016.
He is survived by his wife, Brianne; his children, Chevy and Crue; his brothers, Bobby, Kelly and Derek; and his parents, Bob and Gail.
David’s Celebration of Life memorial will be Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Payson Elks Lodge. There will be a Benefit for his wife and children at the Spur Bar in Star Valley on Feb. 20 at 3 p.m.
He Will Truly Be Missed!