Remembering Flagstaff neighbors: Recent obituaries
Read through obituaries from Arizona Daily Sun
Glenda Gail "Pete" Long
Glenda Gail "Pete" Long, 81, of Lake Havasu City, AZ went home to be with the Lord on 11/6/19 from Kingman, AZ.
Funeral service will be held at Citizens Cemetery Flagstaff, AZ on 11/ 18 /19 at 1:00 pm at 1300 S San Francisco St. Flagstaff, AZ. Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home will be handling the funeral arrangements.
Glenda G Long was born in Three Rivers MI to her Parents Fred Russel and Ida Beatrice Stratton on 12/9/37. She Graduated from Kalamazoo High School in 1955. Met her late husband Lewis Edmond Long at the roller rink and they married in 1956. Glenda and Lewis moved their family to Flagstaff AZ in 1971 until she later moved to Cottonwood, AZ and then Lake Havasu City, AZ 2001, She worked at ACE Hardware for 17 years until she retired in June 2019. She worshiped at the Church of the Nazarene and enjoyed caring for her exotic birds, her dogs and she loved her Arizona Diamondbacks.
Glenda is survived by her children Fred Russel Long, Vickie Michelle Wright (Keith), Melissa Rochelle Martin (Kevin), and Kevin Lewis Long (Roxanne). Her grandchildren Vickie Brandie Michelle Underwood (Steven), Jennifer Ida Marie Martin, Candis Elise Martin, Megan Rochelle Bell (Jordan), Jared Stratton Long, Dallas Bryson Head, Brandon Coyle Head and Jesse Huerena. Great grand daughter Elisa Lee Ann Long Arias.
She is preceded in death by her Husband Lewis E Long, Parents Fred R and Ida B Stratton, Brother Ivan Stratton, sister Hazel Barnes, nephew Richard Barnes and her grandson Kasey Russel Long.
Her life blessed us all.
A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at Citizens Cemetery of Flagstaff, Arizona on Monday, November 18, 2019 at 1 pm.
Services were entrusted to the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.
To send a free card go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze.
Donna Jean Pettinger
Donna Jean Pettinger, a 30 year resident of Flagstaff, Arizona, passed away in the early morning of Wednesday, November 13, 2019 after a brief battle with cancer.
Donna was born in 1943 in Santa Ana, California to Floyd and Virginia Splawn where she lived until moving to Westminster, California with her husband, Rodger Pettinger.
Donna graduated from Santa Ana High School and attended college at Cal Western University in Point Loma, California and Arizona State College (NAU) in Flagstaff, Arizona.
In 1963 she married Rodger Pettinger and produced her greatest “Accomplishments”, Carol and David. Along the way she ran a small “Housecleaning Service” and “Catering business” with her dear friend Sandy Znetko in Orange County, California. In Flagstaff she was a partner in operating the Birch Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast for 15 years with her husband, Rodger and Ed and Sandy Znetko.
Donna enjoyed the outdoors, planning her travels with her husband, Rodger and family and friends. She also enjoyed entertaining family and friends with great food and, of course, laughter.
Donna is survived by her husband of 56 years, Rodger and her two children Carol (Dennis) Gannon and David (Gail) Pettinger. Her four grandchildren Jacob (Allison) Gannon, Megan (Wyatt) Watson, Scott (Kayla) Pettinger, and Ryan Pettinger. Her two great grandchildren Levi Gannon and Emma Gannon. She is also survived by her brother Robert Splawn.
A “Celebration of Life” gathering will be on Tuesday, November 19 at 1 PM at Norvel Owens Mortuary, 914 E Rte 66, Flagstaff.
Allison Justine Clough
Allison Justine Clough -- physician, artist, adventurer, educator, wife and mother -- died in a car crash in far northeastern Arizona on October 17. She was 68.
Allison “lived life on the edge,” her brother Doug said. In her early years she was an avid climber — challenging the big walls of Yosemite, frozen waterfalls and mountain crags throughout the U.S., Canada and Scotland. “She was always aware of the risks, but she was dedicated to rising above them through skill and training,” her brother said.
She served as a stunt double in David Janssen's last movie, “High Ice.” One of her stunts involved a leap from a cliff face to the skid of a hovering helicopter. She bought her first house with her pay from that movie.
She became an emergency medical technician, applying her skills to mountain rescue operations. Her training also led her into other search and rescue organizations in later years, including an appointment to the Coconino County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team.
She was drawn to the rivers of the Southwest throughout her life, working over breaks during medical school as a cook for a river running company in southwestern Colorado, and more recently renewing her Utah river guide's license to better access the rivers she knew and loved.
Allison graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, in theater arts and graphic design, and later attended the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She graduated from medical school magna cum laude in Denver, CO, in 1987.
She met her husband, Dan, at University Medical Center in Tucson when she was a first-year resident in Family Medicine and he worked as an emergency nurse. They were married a year later. She completed her residency and was board-certified in Family Medicine in 1990. Their daughters Brooke and Morgan, twins, were born in 1990, as well.
During residency, she helped establish a medical student-run clinic as part of the Sanctuary Movement for Central American refugees, many of them victims of rape, torture and political oppression.
After residency, as a University of Arizona employee she provided oversight for the care of the elderly in nursing homes in the Tucson area. Later she established a private medical practice in northwest Tucson. During this time, she completed a Master's in Public Health degree from the University of Arizona. Later, Dr. Clough redirected her practice to rural emergency rooms, working in Parker, Sedona, Cottonwood, Casa Grande and Winslow as a contract physician. She homeschooled the twins during one of their middle school years.
The family decided to move north to Flagstaff in 2002. She took a break from medical practice in 2005, earning a Master's in Anthropology degree from Northern Arizona University.
Apart from her medical practice, she taught Wilderness First Responder courses for NAU and offered a course for Babbitt Ranches called Cowboy First Aid that she created and co-taught with her husband. Returning to medicine in 2009 she worked as a physician and in administrative roles in Kayenta and Polacca, and finally in Red Mesa, AZ. She joined the Indian Health Service in 2012.
She was planning to retire after another year with the IHS, once again to take up the life of a painter, and to pursue her dream of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.
“She was creative, dedicated, world-wise, and a positive being. She touched the lives of many, and we miss her terribly,” her sister Meredith said.
Dr. Clough is survived by her husband, Dan Weber, and their daughters, Morgan Weber (wife Angie) of Ketchikan, AK, and Brooke Weber of Port Townsend , WA; by her brother Douglas Clough (wife Linda) of Graham, WA, and sister Meredith Jacobs (husband Ken) of Cottonwood, AZ. She is also survived by cousins, nephews and nieces, and many friends.
A memorial service is planned for November 16 in Kayenta. Family and friends plan a celebration of life and private memorial service, as well, in the spring of next year.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, the Grand Canyon River Guides, or the High Country Humane Animal Shelter in Flagstaff.
Lance Corporal Steven H. Everett
NEWPORT & GREENVILLE, ME – LCpl. Steven Everett, USMC, 22, went home to be with the Lord November 2, 2019 at Camp Pendleton, CA. He was born October 16, 1997 in Bangor, ME a son of John and Jennifer (Dolgner) Everett.
Steven lived in Greenville, ME for the earlier part of his life and then Williams, AZ where he was part of the last graduating class from South Beaver School in Flagstaff, AZ. He then went on to BASIS. During his sophomore year he moved to Merritt Island with his family and attended Merritt Island High School where he was an active participant in JROTC.
He joined the Marines directly out of high school. Steven wanted to earn his rank and honor. He graduated from Parris Island Boot Camp and was finally stationed with HMLAT303 at Camp Pendleton, CA until his death. He was known for his strong sense of honor and doing whatever he set his mind to. He was an adventurous young man who loved WWII tanks, planes and helicopters; as well as the outdoors, animals and space exploration. He was a member of the Starset Society and Nealley's Corner Church in Hampden, ME.
Steven is survived by his parents, John and Jennifer Everett of Newport, ME; maternal grandfather, Gene Dolgner of Las Vegas, NV; paternal grandparents, John and Kris Everett of Arlington, VA; his brother Sean Everett of Newport, ME; several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Diane and Lloyd Carhart, and Valerie Dolgner.
A military funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. Thursday, November 21st, at the People's United Methodist Church, 131 Main Street, Newport, ME. Pastor Steve Nute will officiate. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. Wednesday at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main Street, Newport, ME. Interment will be held in the spring of 2020.
In lieu of flowers, we are asking that donations be made to the Mechanical Museum located at Camp Pendleton. Please make checks payable to : “ESMyLF Docents” and ensure to write “Mechanize Museum” in the comments line. Contributions may be sent to MSmyLF Docents, P. O. Box 111, San Luis Rey, CA 92068. Steven volunteered there and truly enjoyed the comradery and work he did with the men who restored the tanks. Donations may also be left at the church or the funeral home.
Those who wish may leave written condolences at www.CrosbyNeal.com
Kathleen Dooley Seel
On 7 November 2019, our beloved Kathleen Dooley Seel passed away. Kathleen is survived by her mother, Patsy Dooley, her brothers, Michael and David Dooley, and by her sister Cynthia Harrell, and her children Kersti, Cache, Audra Claire, Lindsy, and Mishala. She was grandmother to six children and great grandmother twice over.
Beautiful in body and spirit she touched the lives of everyone she met. Kathleen was kind and giving woman always concerned for her children, grandchildren, family and friends more than for herself. She could not stand to see anyone in need, always giving, always seeking to please and never asking for herself.
Kathleen graduated with honors from Northern Arizona University. She was a military spouse moving her family and raising her children in foreign countries all over North Africa and the Middle East. She loved the finer things in this world: fine art, good food, classical music, and rich surroundings.
Kathleen loved the world, the environment. She translated this love into gardening, surrounding her home and herself with nature's beauty. She loved to travel, so much so that she would push herself beyond her physical capabilities if allowed. At the time of her death, she was looking forward to celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary, spending Thanksgiving with family and was planning another trip.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Zane Gray Ballroom in Flagstaff's Weatherford Hotel, 11-3, Saturday, November 16th.
Linda Marie (Frost) Seaman
On Friday, November 8, 2019, Linda Marie (Frost) Seaman, beautiful wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away in Flagstaff, Arizona. Linda, born June 23, 1955, in Kanab, Utah, was the first child of Ken and Shirlyn Frost. Their family moved to Flagstaff in 1959, where Linda spent the rest of her growing up years. She graduated from Flagstaff High School in 1973. Linda was involved in musical endeavors using her singing and accompanying talents. Following graduation, Linda attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where she continued to participate in music groups, like Young Ambassadors. Linda met the love of her life, Les Seaman, when his family moved to Flagstaff in 1969 during the 8th grade. They had a beautiful friendship through high school, which blossomed over the years while they attended their first year at BYU and Les served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Quebec, Canada. They corresponded during these two years, and upon his return, they were married on December 20, 1976, in the LDS Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. After graduating in 1978, they moved to Los Angeles where Les attended dental school at the University of Southern California. Linda supported Les during school by working at the USC College of Education and typing PhD dissertations for graduate students. She was a talented editor and typist. Les and Linda prayed for children for several years and were blessed with their first child, Scott, in 1980. They returned to Flagstaff in 1982 to start a dental practice, where Linda helped with the front office duties and bookkeeping. They were blessed with 3 additional children, daughters Jennilin (1984), Elisabeth (1987), and Kelsi (1993).
Linda's greatest love was her family and she enjoyed the opportunity to be at home with her children. She taught piano lessons for more than 10 years and accompanied school, church, and community choirs. Linda was also an enthusiastic family historian and spent countless hours researching her ancestors, as well as helping others with their own family histories. One of Linda's many passions included traveling, especially with Les and their children. They enjoyed annual trips as a family to Lake Powell and Rocky Point, Mexico, as well as with Les to Hawaii, Europe, Australia, Brazil, and many other destinations. She loved to laugh, play games, and sing around the piano with her children. Linda adored her husband and composed love songs for Les. She was a champion of marriage and family, always counseling to put relationships first. She enjoyed close relationships with her parents, siblings and children. Linda was a fiercely loyal friend and quick to generously give to those in need, frequently remembering birthdays, special occasions, and sending special mementos when she was thinking of someone. Each connection with Linda was important to her and she cherished every relationship to the fullest. She left the world a brighter place and so many lives have been blessed by her kindness and love.
Linda's crowning jewel was her family. At the time of her death, she had 13 grandchildren. Her granddaughter, Evelyn Gwen Boone, preceded her in death, as well as her father, Ken Frost. She is survived by her husband, Les Seaman, and her children, Scott (Ali), Jenni (Caleb Boone), Bethi (Derek Goodman), and Kelsi (Matt Josse),and her mother, Shirlyn Frost. Les and Linda would have celebrated 43 years of marriage in December of this year.
Linda was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She loved her Savior and strived to follow His example by letting the light of the gospel flow freely from her as she served as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Linda's sparkling blue eyes, genuine smile and vivacious soul will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm, Friday, November 15th at Norvel Owens Mortuary, as well as 9 to 9:45 am, Saturday, November 16th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Center, 625 E. Cherry Street. Funeral service to be held at 10am on Saturday November 16th, followed by interment at Citizens Cemetery. Memories and condolences can be shared at: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/seamancrewupdates
Robert J. Minor
Robert J. Minor, formerly of Sempronius, NY, died on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at Brookdale Assisted Living Center in Flagstaff, AZ from kidney disease. He was blessed to receive the sacraments associated with last rites prior to passing. Bob was born October 10, 1940 in Rotterdam, NY to Raymond & Melba (Greenan) Minor. Bob had two sisters, Michele Nielsen (Bruce) and MaryBeth Waterstram (Charles). While attending college, Bob met Lynnea Widger and later wed in November 1965 (divorced 1990). From this marriage, two sons were born, Matthew (Julie) Minor, and Douglas Minor. Later, Bob met and married Donna Cooney. From this marriage, Bob gained three additional children, Colleen (Greg) Opdyke, Gregory Cooney, and Katherine (William) Hanna.
After high school, Bob served for 3 years in the US Army as a finance specialist. Following an honorable discharge, he attended Mohawk Valley Community College and earned an Associate's Degree in Insurance, Banking, and Accounting. After several years of professional accounting experience, Bob attended Ithaca College, earned his Bachelor's degree, and passed the Certified Public Accountant exam. The majority of Bob's career was spent in public accounting where he provided income tax, accounting, and financial statement preparation. He operated his own accounting practice under the name of Robert J. Minor, CPA.
Bob was a loving family man and great father and grandfather. He also served his home Catholic churches in several capacities, and he enjoyed the many pets he had throughout his life.
Bob is survived by his wife, Donna, his five children, nine grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Flagstaff, AZ.
A memorial mass will be held at 1 pm on Friday, November 15, 2019 at San Francisco de Asis Roman Catholic Church in Flagstaff, AZ. The eulogy will begin prior to the mass at 12:45 pm. Bob will be laid to rest alongside family in New Hampshire in 2020. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.FlagstaffMortuary.com.
Louise Therese Merkel
Louise Therese Merkel passed away in Prescott, AZ on November 5, 2019. She was born in Cleveland, OH to Elizabeth and Matthew Kulka. Louise is preceded in death by her loving husband Terrance Merkel, her identical twin Leona, and her husband Edward Jarabek, and nephew Edward Jarabek Jr.
She is survived by her loving nieces Christine (Rob) Evers and Annie Jarabek, and grandnieces Danica Evers, Alexandra (Hrvoje) Viduc, and Erica Evers.
A 1942 graduate of Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame IN, Louise then joined the US Navy through the WAVES to become a Jr. LT after officer training at Smith College. During WW II she served with US Navy communications in Washington DC and advanced in rank. Louise later returned to Ohio and held various public relations positions there, most recently with Oberlin College during the 1960s. She earned her MA in American Studies from Case Western Reserve University (1956), got a VFR pilot license, and changed careers after earning the MLS degree from Kent State University School of Library and Information Science (1973).
Louise then went to Gallup, NM to work as a librarian near the Navajo Nation. She met and married Terry while in Gallup, then later moved with him to Redding CA before they settled in Flagstaff, AZ. There she wrote poetry, worked with hospice and enjoyed the beauty of nature as Terry volunteered with the Museum of Northern Arizona. Louise loved the forests and mountains near Flagstaff, the flora, fauna and native culture of the plateau country, and the red rocks and arts of Sedona where they had a winter home and observed hot air ballooning. Eventually she and Terry retired to Prescott, living briefly in Granite Gate and then permanently in the Los Fuentes community.
A visitation for Louise will be held at Ruffner Wakelin Prescott Chapel, 303 S. Cortez St., Prescott, AZ on Wednesday November 13, 2019 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm. A prayer service will begin at the funeral home at 4:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Fleury St., Prescott, AZ on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 11:00 am. Graveside service will be held on Monday, November 18 at 11:30 am at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at 201 West University, Flagstaff. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in the Merkel name to the Museum of Northern Arizona.
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Homes.
Please log on to www.ruffnerwakelin.com to sign Louise's guestbook and share a memory with the family.
Wilma C. Smith
Wilma C. Smith passed into eternal life on Nov 06, 2019 surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Richland Springs, Texas on March 8th 1930 to her parents, Clyde and Connie Campbell. The family made the move to Arizona in the late 1930s and eventually settled in Kingman. Wilma loved school and graduated with honors from Mohave County High school in 1950. She married her high school sweetheart Raymond Smith that same year. With a growing family Ray and Wilma moved to Flagstaff in 1953 and raised 5 children. Wilma embraced Christianity as a teenager. She always acknowledged that God gave her strength to instill Christian values in the lives of her children and grandchildren.
Wilma worked at several jobs throughout the years to help provide for her growing family. Wilma especially enjoyed her last position at USGS where she worked as a hydrologic technician. She retired after 25 years of government service.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, 7 brothers and 4 sisters and her loving husband of 50 years, Ray.
Wilma leaves 5 children, Kerry Lynn Schreiber (John) Clarkdale, AZ, Debbi Hagar, Flagstaff, Connie Ann DeZell (Sam) Kalispell, MT, James Smith (Donna) Flagstaff and Sharyn Smith-Tafoya, Flagstaff. Wilma has 14 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves a sister, Dorothy Castleberry from Yucca, AZ and her brother, Dub (Dot) Campbell from Lake Havasu City, AZ.
Services will be held on Thursday November 14th at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church 3600 North 4th Street, Flagstaff, Arizona. Memories and condolences can be shared with family directly or online at www.azdailysun.com
Shawn Lenail Irving
Shawn Lenail Irving, 48, of Flagstaff, Arizona, who also resided in Phoenix, Arizona, passed away October 26, 2019, peacefully and with family at her bedside.
She was born August 22, 1971, to Charlie Lee Irving (deceased) and Pamela Ruth Juniel (deceased) in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Shawn was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend.
Shawn is survived by her grandmother Corine Irving (who raised her), two sisters Treniece “T.J.” Irving and Sharon Irving (Charlie) and a brother Robert William Jr. (Pamela) along with her only nieces Damiana Hernandez and Jade Bonell (Treniece) as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
She was tremendously loved and will be missed.
Per Shawn's last request, there will not be a memorial service, but the family will hold a small, private gathering for her homegoing.
Condolences for the family may be left online at:
Melcher Chapel of the Roses
Michael Edward Chadburn
Mike passed away early Thursday morning at 1:35am after a brief health battle. He was born in Needles, California and graduated from Needles High School, as a Mustang of the class of 1960, and went on to attend San Bernardino Community College and then on to San Diego State University. In the 60's, Mike enlisted in the Army National Guard. He loved bluegrass music, art, trains, and dogs.
He cared about his community and stayed involved in meetings and affairs involving the home owners association and volunteered at the Needles Museum and thrift store and also volunteered at the Pickin' In The Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival, for the last few years.
Mike worked for the post office after high school, in Needles where he then went on to work for Santa Fe Railway as a conductor in 1963 and he also served as a legislative representative for the local 771 United Transportation Union.
Mike pulls in to the train station in the sky, met by his father Edward, mother Ruby, sister Linda, niece Kelley and so many other relatives, friends, and loved ones.
He is survived by his “ No. 1 son” Michael Kenner Chadburn, wife Dianne Chadburn, and his dogs, Joey Foster and Luna(tic)/” Luny Toons”. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
Celebration of life, to be announced.
Contact Michael K. Chadburn for information at (661)304-6384
Jerry Potter
Jerry was a devoted husband, father and grampie. He is survived by his wife, Dyana, their three children, Richard, Sheryl and Todd and their spouses, April and George, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He retired to Flagstaff in 1992 where he volunteered his time to the State Parks Riordan Mansion. Even though he was blind, he enjoyed giving tours and meeting visitors. He will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.
