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In Memoriam
Levi J. Dennis
Friday, November 14, 2008
Levi J. Dennis, 21, left us Nov. 11, 2008, as the result of a tragic accident. He attended Yavapai College from 2004 to 2006.
He was born Jan. 26, 1987, in Phoenix, Ariz. He is devastatingly missed by his family, friends and fellow Navy "SARC" team members.
Levi completed his Associates Degree at Yavapai College at age 19, was accepted to the Naval Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman training program and completed it with the rank of Hospital Corpsman Third Class. He was preparing to deploy to Japan later this month to serve as a Special Operations Combat Medic.
Locally he was involved in helping younger people through Awana and community activities. He earned his Awana Citation for 10 years of service and leadership. A pastor said of him: "Levi challenged us to think."
Levi is remembered for his mischievous smile and charismatic personality. His family is comforted by his acceptance of Christ and his habit of openly telling them how much he loved them. They are also very proud of his service, accomplishments and the person he was.
He is survived by his parents Ben and Mary Dennis and siblings Shane, Kristy, Jesse, Heather, Dasia, Galen and Ian of Wilhoit. He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Geraldine Patrick, of Alaska and paternal grandparents Janette Hanson and Virgil Dennis of Texas.
Arrangements are by David's Desert Chapel Funeral Home in Wickenburg.
Information provided by survivors.
John Peter Watson
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
John Peter Watson, age 91, of Prescott, Ariz., died on Nov. 3, 2008, of complications related to Alzheimer's disease.
John was born on April 5, 1917, in Youngstown, Ohio, the second of five children, to the late Peter and Helen Watson. John's parents immigrated from Greece prior to his birth, and John grew up with a love of both his Greek heritage and the United States. His father owned several successful restaurants in Ohio and it is there that John first learned about cooking and the restaurant business.
John proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945, first as part of the 107th Cavalry, the last horse cavalry in history, and then as a technical sergeant, instructor of cooking, baking and meat cutting.
John and his brother were partners in Watson's Restaurant in Kenmore, N.Y., for almost 40 years. The business was renowned in Western New York and its candy-making business is legendary to this day.
John was president of the Lion's Club, Kenmore, N.Y., chapter in 1973. He was also a Master Mason.
Over the years, John received more awards and acknowledgments for his leadership, service, creativity and integrity in the food service industry than can be listed here. Many of these were while he was a member of the International Food Service Association.
In addition, he was a member of the U.S. armed forces food service evaluation team. During these trips he was given the temporary rank of one-star general. John volunteered duty in places such as Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Germany, Italy and Spain.
John volunteered for SCORE and helped many budding restaurateurs.
John was a gregarious storyteller with a great sense of humor and zest for life. He spoke three languages. He loved to solve crossword puzzles, play golf and travel. He was a talented woodworker and artist and received an AA degree from Yavapai College in 2001.
John is survived by his wife, Constance, of Prescott; his children, John (Susan) Watson of Valrico, Fla., Nick (Pam) Watson of Williamsville, N.Y., Elaine (Bob) Finn of Phoenix, Ariz., and their children and grandchildren; his step-children Susan Caldwell of Brazil, Steven Caldwell of Romania, Sandra Caldwell (Nancy Newbold) of Redwood City, Calif., and their children and grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sisters, Katherine Jamesson of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Mary Hample of Moline, Ill. and Colleen Mansfield of Rochester, N.Y. and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Helen Watson, first wife, Mary, and brother Louis and is survived by Louis' family.
John requested not to have a memorial service. His cremains will be interred at Elmlawn Cemetery in Kenmore, N.Y. Remembrances can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Yavapai College.
Information provided by survivors.
Catharine Donovan Rhoads
The Daily Courier: Monday, October 13, 2008
Cathy Rhoads, 77, died at home peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2008. A resident of Prescott for 32 years, she and her husband, Mark C. Rhoads (Chuck), who passed away in 2002, loved their life here.
Born in Denver, Colo., Cathy married Chuck, her first and only sweetheart on June 18, 1950. She accompanied him through his career as an army officer, raising their four children, Scott, Susan, Thomas and Elizabeth.
As an early proponent of women's rights, Cathy was one of the first of those dynamic women who had the drive to return to school after years as a homemaker. She obtained her BA in Fine Arts from the University of Northern Colorado in 1970, at the age of 40.
After retiring in Prescott, both Cathy and Chuck threw themselves wholeheartedly into the arts, she discovered her true medium, ceramics. For the rest of her life she was a perpetual student in ceramics as well as an ongoing assistant for the clay lab at Yavapai Community College.
A passionate devotee of music, she also had a "voice" in the music department at the college for many years.
Cathy is survived by two of her children, Susan Rhoads, MD and Thomas Rhoads; five grandchildren, Robin V. Rhoads, Charlie and Sam Rhoads, and Steven M. Romanek and Meghan Romanek; and three great grandchildren, Destiny, Ryan and James.
Tom, her son believes that Cathy has left for that "great Clay Lab in the sky."
Her daughter, Susan, ran the following pre-posthumous epitaph by her, which she approved with great glee:
Yon Cathy is ceramics besotted, Clay, from slip, stab to wheel, is allotted.
When its finished by glazing, She says, fondly gazing,
"When I'm planted? Just have me potted!"
Joy Sewell, her longtime friend, adds a meaningful quote also appreciated by Cathy, from The Faerie Queen by Edmund Spenser:
"Sleep after toil, port after stormy seas,
Ease after war, death after life does greatly please."
Cathy's death and that of her youngest daughter, Beth, were due to cancers caused by the radioactive fallout from the aboveground nuclear testing in Nevada in 1962, while the family was stationed at Ft. Douglas, Utah. In lieu of flowers, please make any donation to help the many unacknowledged victims still alive to obtain the screening needed to enable earlier detection and the chance of more successful treatment.
Donations may be made to Downwinders, 254 West 500 North, Malad City, ID 83252.
Alternatively, donations may be made to the Yavapai College Foundation, to the benefit of the Ceramics Dept. on behalf of Cathy Rhoads, 1100 E. Sheldon, Prescott, AZ 86301.
Information provided by survivors.
Dagoberto "Beto" Ruvalcaba Jr.
The Daily Courier: Monday, October 27, 2008
Dagoberto "Beto" Ruvalcaba Jr. passed away Oct. 22, 2008 at Yavapai Regional Medical Center in Prescott. He was born Aug. 27, 1990 in Vallejo, Calif. Beto was 18-years old.
Beto is survived by his loving mother Carin and stepfather Robert Nicoletti of Paulden; brothers, Robert and Sean Nicoletti; sisters, Tiana Ruvalcaba and Amber Nicoletti; grandparents Salvador and Martha Ruvalcaba; god-son Domanic Ruvalcaba; nephew Jacob Nicoletti; his high school sweetheart Aly Wargo; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Dagoberto Ruvalcaba, Sr.
Beto moved to Paulden with his family in 2004 from the San Francisco Bay area. He graduated from Chino Valley High School, class of 2008 where he was president of the F.B.L.A. He attended Yavapai College as a computer science major. He enjoyed spending time playing War Hammer on his computer, riding his dirt bike and was unbeatable at chess since the age of 12. Beto was a handsome young man both inside and out. He was loved by many and gave of himself tirelessly to every life he touched. If you were different, he was your champion. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend.
A Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008 at the Arizona Ruffner-Wakelin Funeral Home, corner of Cortez and Carleton with visitation two hours prior.
A celebration Mass of Beto's Life will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Fleury, Prescott with final farewell and commendation with his father at St. Joseph's Cemetery in San Pablo, Calif.
The family suggests a memorial in Beto's name to the Computer Science Department at Yavapai College or to Flinn Foundation (asthma research) Northern Arizona University; P.O. Box 5774, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5774.
Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. You are invited to log onto www.ruffnerwakelin.com to sign Beto's guestbook, view a tribute to him and share a memory with the family.
Information provided by survivors.
Christina Michelle Curtis
The Daily Courier: Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Christina Michelle Curtis, age 35, passed away suddenly on July 3, 2008. She was born June 2, 1973, in San Jose, Calif., to Patrick and Deborah Curtis (now Davis). Christy graduated from Sunnyslope High School in 1991.
Her greatest wish was to work with children and she had just recently received her two-year certificate in the Early Childhood Education program at Yavapai College.
Christy is survived by her father, Pat Curtis; her mother and stepfather, Debbie and Richard Davis; and her grandparents, Cathy and Harold Verley. Christy left many friends in the Prescott area and will be greatly missed.
A memorial service and reception will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2008, at the Mount Vernon Church of Christ, 120 N. Mt. Vernon, Prescott, Ariz.
Information provided by survivors.
Martha L. Guthrie
Martha L. Guthrie, almost 94 years old, passed away May 18, 2008. She was born May 26, 1914, to George and Sybil Rae Walker at Blue Island, Ill.
Martha retired from Qwest after 25 years. She took classes and worked at the wood shop at Yavapai College. Martha gave to and constantly supported her family and the community of Prescott, her beloved home.
Martha is survived by her daughter Joan Hardison; six grandchildren, Marci O'Shaughnessy, John Hardison, Dan Hardison, Ken Hardison, Carol Heim and Anne Birmingham; 11 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great-grandchildren.
Her daughter Jean Pearson, her parents, her sister Wilma Manor, and brothers Sonny Walker and Ray Walker predecease her.
Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at Louis B. Hazelton Memorial Cemetery, Buckeye, Ariz., Broadway Road, east of Watson.
Donations may be made to Yavapai College Scholarship Fund, 1100 E. Sheldon, Prescott, AZ 86301.
Diane Weaver, the first full-time enrolled student at Yavapai College
Diane Grace Weaver passed away Friday, March 21, 2008. She was born June 28, 1950, in Bradford, Pa.
Diane graduated from Paramount High and then moved with her parents, Jeanne and Jack Clinkenbeard to Prescott, Ariz. Diane was the first full-time enrolled student at Yavapai College and graduated with an associate degree in liberal arts. Upon graduation, she worked for the Yavapai Sheriff's Office and then went to work for the FBI in Washington, D.C., as a fingerprint specialist. Upon her return to Prescott, she spent many years as a resident "Dorm Mom" at Yavapai College. She also volunteered at the Prescott Valley Police Department in the fingerprinting department.
Diane loved to cook, gave wonderful parties for her friends, was active in local drama productions and traveling was a passion. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #3600, and was Madam Conductor F.O.E. Auxiliary in 2006.
She is survived by her family and friends and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Private family services will take place at a later date.
Information provided by survivors, March 29, 2008
Roy Roland Stringer, Jr.
Roy Roland Stringer Jr., 55, beloved son, husband, father, brother, and uncle, went to be with the Lord in Flagstaff, Ariz., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, alongside his wife, Valerie. He was born Jan. 8, 1953, at Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, Calif., to Joanne and Roy Sr.
Born into a military family, Roy traveled throughout the United States and the Philippines, settling into Fallbrook, Calif., until moving to Prescott in 1968.
There he became a local baseball hero at Prescott High, graduate of 1971, where his level of performance and accomplishment set the highest standards, and his legacy lives on in the baseball record books and in the Hall of Fame. Roy was the ultimate team player, and helped lead his team to the State Championship in 1971. Nicknamed "The Golden Boy" for his outstanding ability on the mound and at the plate, he received a baseball scholarship to Yavapai College (as the only player from Arizona) where he led the nation in RBIs and home runs. His accomplishments are only surpassed by his humility, and Roy often had to be reminded of these records and accomplishments. That same year, 1972, Roy met the love of his life, Valerie Garcia, at the local Yavapai College Icebreaker Dance. Transferring to the University of Texas, El Paso, on a baseball scholarship, Roy and Valerie continued their education together.
Soon after, they were married, and Roy had graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Roy and Valerie returned to Prescott to start a family and 32 years later, they continued to exemplify what true love, devotion, and family should represent.
Roy served the Prescott community as an estimator/engineer for Fann Contracting; was a Yavapai County road superintendent; and later started his own business in asphalt and paving. He then joined Neal Klein Homes where he worked for 16 years and was vice president of corporate affairs until January 2008.
Above all athletic and professional accomplishments, Roy was known as a "gentleman's gentleman and a silent force." He served as mentor to his family, friends, and to all kids who were eager to learn from him. His joy came from his time spent coaching baseball, tennis, soccer and golf through numerous clinics, camps (such as Doyle Baseball school) and anytime someone had the desire and drive to learn as he did. As a life coach, Roy influenced many kids throughout his life, as well as being an example to others of what a husband, father, friend, colleague, and neighbor should be.
God was the center of his life, and as a faithful servant of the Lord, he lived and shared the love and grace of Christ to all those who knew him, and now he is home with the Lord!
Roy is survived by his wife Valerie; son Royce; daughter-in-law Holly; and daughter Raquel of Prescott; his mother Joanne; brother John; and nieces Justine and Danielle of New Pine Creek, Ore.; brother-in-law Chuck Garcia of Phoenix; and sister-in-law Yoli Bounds (Leo) of Prescott. His father, Roy Sr., father-in-law Carl Garcia and mother-in-law Vera Garcia preceded him in death.
A celebration of his life will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2008, at Calvary Chapel Church. For those wishing to attend the viewing, it will be an hour before at 10 a.m. at Calvary Chapel, 2313 E. Highway 69, in Prescott, Ariz. If so desired, donations are being made, in memory, to the Roy Stringer Memorial Fund at Country Bank.
Information provided by survivors, March 04, 2008
Opal Tenney Goodman Allen
Opal Tenney Goodman Allen passed from this earth Thursday, March 27, 2008.
She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, aunt, sister and friend. Her husbands, Everett Lee Goodman, father of her eight children, Merle M. Allen and son Larry Dean Goodman have preceded her in death.
Opal is survived by seven children, Jackie (Goodman) Singleton of Utah, William Hardy Goodman of Arizona, Lynda (Goodman) Barney of Utah, Sandra (Goodman) Reid of Arizona, April (Goodman) Roundy of Arizona, Rock T. Goodman, Arizona, and Lark (Goodman) Cyr of Arizona; 45 grandchildren; 94 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Eudora (Tenney) Patterson and Pearl (Tenney) Romney; and one brother, Lyman Tenney.
Opal was born in Sunset, Ariz., on March 29, 1913, to Nathan O. and Myrtle Tenney. She was the fourth of their 10 children. When Opal was 12 years old, she moved with her family to Prescott, Ariz. On Nov. 30, 1932, she married Everett Lee Goodman. They moved to Idaho in 1942 where she lived until 1960.
In 1957 her husband Everett passed away, leaving Opal a widow with seven unmarried children. In July of 1960, Opal married Merle M. Allen of Prescott and has resided there for 48 years.
She is known as the "Mother of Yavapai College" in Prescott for her diligent work in its foundation. She was State PTA President and was devoted to her community and country. She has held various leadership positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and loved serving others. Opal was a resident of the Arizona Pioneers' Home at the time of her passing. Opal also served as a Republican Precinct Committeeperson for 65 years.
Opal has left an indelible legacy and will be greatly missed. She will always be remembered for her unwavering faith in God, her love of family and her patriotism. She walked the talk of a positive mental attitude.
March 27, 2008
