Obituaries - Wickenburg V

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, May 26, 2004, B12
JOSEPHINE P. VANDERBECK went home to be with the Lord on May 13, 2004. She is survived by her daughters Karen Heffner of Wickenburg and Patricia Howard of Tempe; beloved sister pat Hicks of Rhodes Forks, N.M.; seven grandchildren. She loved playing bingo at Alma Meadows (the mobile home park where she lived), spencing time with her daughters and grandchildren, and activities with her church family. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 22 at College View Baptist Church, 1810 S. Longmore, Mesa, AZ 85202.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg
AZ Aug 22, 2001 p. 14
ELLEN J. VanDUZER of Prescott Valley and a former Wickenburg resident, died Aug. 15 at her home in Prescott Valley. She was 74. Mrs. VanDuzer was born Jan. 27, 1927 in El Paso, Texas. She had lived in Arizona for the past 17 years, including 10 years in Wickenburg, from 1983 to 1993. Survivors include her husband of 57 years, James VanDuzer of Prescott Valley; daughters Sandra McCormick of Carson, Calif., Theresa Stoops of Prescott Valley and Susan Davis of Carson City, Nev.; sons Douglas VanDuzer of Lakewood, Calif. and William VanDuzer of Clovis, Calif.; and four grandchildren. Private family services will be held at a later date, with burial in Wickenburg. The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ January 2, 2008 p. A10

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, March 26, 1997
ETTA Van HORN of Wickenburg died March 20 in Wickenburg. She was 101. Mrs. Van Horn was born Jan. 1, 1896 in Smithville, W.Va. She had lived in Arizona for the past 37 years. Mrs. Van Horn belonged to the First Southern Baptist Church in Wickenburg for many years. In 1915, she was the first to promote and advertise Pilsbury products on the market. Mrs. Van Horn lived in Columbus, Ohio and moved to Arizona in 1954. She was preceded in death by her husband William Russell Van Horn in 1970. Mrs. Van Horn was a beloved housewife and loved to work in the garden growing flowers. She was an excellent cook She also was a greeter at church, and that was very important to her. Mrs. Van Horn was a volunteer Fireman Ladies Auxiliary member and loved to tell stories of her childhood. She credited her long life to living good and healthy. She also loved sports and saw Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig play ball. She was at the game when Jackie Robinson played his very first ball game. Mrs. Van Horn will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Survivors include her adopted family, son and daughter Art and Lenore Lawrence of Wickenburg. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 25 at Brown's Wickenburg Funeral Home, with Pastor Mike Abdollahzadeh officiating. Interment was conducted at the Wickenburg Municipal Cemetery. Visitation was conducted from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, March 24 at Brown's Wickenburg Funeral Home, which handled all the arrangements.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, ETTA Van HORN of Wickenburg, died March 20 in Wickenburg. She was 101. Mrs. Van Horn was born Jan. 1, 1896 in Smithville, W. Va. She had lived in Arizona for the past 37 years. Survivors include her adopted family, son and daughter Art and Lenore Lawrence of Wickenburg. Services have been held.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, Jan 13, 1956, p. 1
A. VANSTEENKISTE Services Friday
ALFONS VANSTEENKISTE, 80-year-old resident of Wickenburg, died of a heart condition at his home on Madison street early Tuesday morning of this week. He had not been seriously ill prior to the fatal attack. Mr. Vansteenkiste was born in Belgium and came to this country in 1911, locating in Chicago where he founded an electroplating concern which is still carried on, by his two sons. He moved to Arizona in 1940, first living in Mesa and then moving to Wickenburg seven years ago. Mr. Vansteenkiste is survived by his widow, Germaine;, two sons, Louis and Emil, both of Chicago and a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth SMET, also of Chicago. Four grandchildren also survive. Funeral services are to be held at 2 p.m. today (Friday) at the Wickenburg Chapel, with Rev Bill BARKER in charge. Burial will follow in the Wickenburg Cemetery. The two sons flew here from Chicago for their father's funeral.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, April 7, 2004, B9
HARLEY C. VAN ZEE, a resident of Wickenburg for 14 years, passed away on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 at his home. Mr. Van Zee was born in Brooklyn, Iowa on March 25, 1921, and resided there until his marriage to Edith Brown. In 1941 they moved to California when he entered the Army Air Force. Mr. Van Zee was an insurance agent most of his life and was very active in the Optimist Club, and was a member of Disabled American Veterans. He is survived by his wife Edith; daughters Angela Tyrell and Nancy Ray of Mesa, Ariz.; five grandchildren, with one grandson preceding him in death; five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Frey Funeral Home, 980 N. Tegner in Wickenburg. Visitation is on Thursday, April 8, at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m., burial to follow at Wickenburg Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements by Frey Funeral Home.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, May 12, 1961
GABRIEL G. VARGAS Rites in Glendale
Funeral services were held in Glendale Monday for GABRIEL G. VARGAS of Wickenburg who died in Community Hospital Thursday morning of last week. Burial was in that city. Mr. Vargas had lived in Arizona since 1923 and moved from Congress to Wickenburg three years ago to work for the Santa Fe Railroad. He was born in Lerdo, Gto, Mexico, March 19, 1900. Surviving are the widow, Natalie Vargas of Glendale; three daughters, Mrs. Carmen Stevens of Aguila, and Mrs. Mary Ritchey and Angelina Vargas of Glendale; and four sons, Gabriel Jr., Peter, Robert and Salvador, all of Glendale and nine grandchildren.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, April 16, 2008, p. A9
BENEDICT J. VARGAS-GARCIA, age 42, passed away April 6, 2008 as a result of a traffic accident. He had worked as a computer technician for Arizona Public Service. He is survived by his fiancé Sheila RANTUNIL of Henderson, Nev., and sister brother-in-law Nenette and Ito MANSUYAC of Henderson, Nev. Family services were held on Wednesday at Wickenburg Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, January 2, 2008 p. A10
DAVID L. VERNA, age 61, son of long-time Wickenburg resident JUNE VERNA, passed away Dec. 24. Born Oct. 2, 1946, David attended West Phoenix High School and Phoenix College. David worked as a layout engineer for Ameron Pipe Company before becoming a project manager for Maricopa County Community Development. Two of his early projects for MCCD were the CASA Building (The Wise Owl) and the Aguila Fire Station. At the time off his death, David was employed at the City of Glendale as an engineering inspector. David is survived by his two sons David Sean and Chad Michael Verna of Peoria, his mother and his brother Tom Verna of Los Altos, Calif. A memorial service honoring David’s life will be held at a later date.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, Jan. 22, 1997, p. 2.
LAWRENCE W. VERNON of Salome, died Jan. 15 in Del E. Webb Hospital in Sun City West. He was 66. Mr. Vernon was born July 15, 1931 in Bell, Calif. He had lived in Arizona for the past 16 years. Survivors include his wife, Lee, of Salome, a correspondent for The Wickenburg Sun; sons Mike, Terry and Glen VERNON; daughters Ramona CHASE, Rebecca BRODERSON and Danielle DINES; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorial services wi11 Friday, Jan. 24 at Indian Hills in Salome. Rev. Billington officiated.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, November 23, 1962
Rites held for LOUIS VERSTREET
Funeral services for LOUIS VERSTREET were conducted by the rev. D.F. O’SULLIVAN in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Monday morning. Burial followed in the Wickenburg Cemetery. Mr. Verstreet suffered a stroke at 9 a.m. Thursday of last week in his home at 152 Henderson Street. He was taken to community Hospital where he died at 1 o’clock that afternoon. Born in Belgium January 6, 1890, Mr. Verstreet came to United States in 1907 and settles in St. Charles, Ill., where he was in the cement block business until October of 1946 when he retired and with Mrs. Verstreet moved to Wickenburg. His hobby here for 10 years was taking care of the ground of St. Anthony’s Church. Surviving are the widow, Mary; a step-son, Frank LEVROUW of St. Charles, Illinois; and three nephews and one niece residing in Belgium.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, 10/16/2008
In loving memory of BETTY JANE GREEN VEST, born in La Grange, Wyoming, on May 19, 1925 and after a short illness, God brought her home on Oct. 11. She leaves behind a loving husband of 65 years, Charles "Bucky" Vest; daughters Barbara Jean MINGUS, Bonnie Joane VEST, Beverly Joy MILLS and husband Danny; four sisters and two brothers all of Wyoming - Dorothy, Gladyce, Inis, Marilyn, Lloyd and Milton; 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Shirley. Betty moved to Arizona in 1962 and became a beloved Wickenburg resident in 1975. She was a loyal American Legion Auxiliary member for 30 years and devoted herself to many community projects with a smile and lots of love. She was a loving wife, mother and friend. She was loved by many and will be missed by a lot more. Many of you may remember her as "The Purse Lady" for her many talents in making purses for the ladies. A memorial service was held at the American Legion Hall in Wickenburg. Arrangements are under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, August 14, 1953
TIBURCIO VILLA, OLDEST RESIDENT, SUMMONED MONDAY
TIBURCIO V. VILLA, generally considered the oldest resident of Wickenburg, passed away at the home of his son, Ray VILLA, at 6:40 p.m. last Monday, August 10. Mr. Villa had been in fair health, except for blindness, until about two weeks before his death. He was born in La Paz, Ariz., on the Colorado River, April 24, 1869, making his home here since then. He was just past 84 years of age and had lived here 74 years.
Married Here
Mr. Villa was married in Wickenburg in 1897 to Conception BERMUDEZ, who passed away in 1912. He raised a large family. All the children were born in the adobe building at Second and Tegner Street. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Erlinda CAMPBELL of Randsburg, Calif., and five sons: Tiburcio, Jr., of South Gate, Calif.; Juan and Frank of Los Angeles. One brother, Antonio, of Wickenburg also survives. Mr. Villa also leaves nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at St. Anthony’s Church at 8 a.m. Wednesday with burial in the Garcia Cemetery, beside the body of his wife.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, November 27, 1996
RAYMOND TIBURCIO VILLA of Wickenburg died Nov. 19 in Wickenburg. He was 89. Mr.Villa was a lifelong resident of Wickenburg, born here on Jan.17, 1907. He was born in the house that his father built in 1896 (now housing the RE/MAX and Mail Depot businesses at the corner of Yavapai and Tegner streets). The Villa family is one of the original families of Wickenburg. Tiburcio Valenzuela Villa and Concepcion BERMUDEZ were married in 1896 and had 10 children, who were all born in their parents' house. In the early years, Ray was a miner (Monte Cristo, Congress and Constellation mines), cowboy, herded sheep, carpenter, worked for the WPA during the Depression, worked on the highway, and helped build the first Sols Wash Bridge. He eventually retired as a truck driver for the Town of Wickenburg. From 1942 to 1945, Mr. VILLA was in World War II, serving as an ammunition bearer in central Europe. He was involved in the invasion of Normandy and received a Purple Heart. Mr. Villa enjoyed the outdoors -- hunting, camping, prospecting and riding around the hills in his Jeep. He was married for 41 years to Bernice M. Villa, who preceded him in death in 1987 and raised five children in Wickenburg. Daughter Peggy Cramer also preceded him in death in 1996. Survivors include his daughter Linda Villa of Wickenburg; sons John Sapwell of Congress, Gary Sapwell of Wickenburg, and Arnold Sapwell of St. George, Utah; son-in-law Johnnie Cramer of Wickenburg; sister-in-law Lorene Madril of Nevada; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three nieces and three nephews. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26 at the Wickenburg Funeral Home, with Pastor Bill Root officiating. Visitation was conducted Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Wickenburg Funeral Home. Interment was conducted at the Wickenburg Cemetery, with the American Legion assisting Mr. Villa's friend Mr. Sullivan at the graveside. Brown’s Wickenburg Funeral Home handled all the arrangements.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, November 27, 1996
RAYMOND T. VILLA of Wickenburg, died Nov. 19 in Wickenburg. He was 89. Mr. Villa was a lifelong resident of Wickenburg, born here on Jan. 17, 1907. Survivors include his daughter, Linda Villa of Wickenburg; sons John SAPWELL of Congress; Gary of Wickenburg, and Arnold SAPWELL of St. George, Utah; son-in-law Johnnie CRAMER of Wickenburg; sister-in-law Lorene MADRIL of Nevada; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three nieces and three nephews. Services have been held.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ, May 30, 2007, p. A12
ROSSIE VOSS passed away peacefully on May 19. Born on Nov. 19, 1919 in Cotton County, Okla., Rossie moved to Arizona in 1945 with her husband Herb. Rossie raised two sons in Tucson while teaching at Flowing Wells High School and providing tax accounting services. She continued to do tax work through 2006, finding friendships and support with her colleagues and clients. Rossie was an avid gardener and became a Master Gardener in Arizona. She was proud to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. During her 62 years in Arizona, she lived in Tucson, Chino Valley, and Congress. She ended her years living in Tucson near her son and daughter-in-law Jim and Sally Voss, who became her primary sources of support. Rossie is survived by sisters Aliene Johnson and Essie Douglas, both of Oklahoma City; sons George Voss of Portland, Ore., and Jim Voss of Tucson; and her granddaughter Andrea Byerley of Dundee, Ore. Rossie was deeply loved and will be missed by her family and friends. Arrangements are under the direction of Adair Funeral Home, Avalon Chapel in Tucson.

Compiled and contributed by Nicole, Maurine, Maxine, and Sharon