Local Obituaries for Families in Safford, Arizona

Aug 16, 2024

Darvel Lee Green, 76, of Thatcher, AZ passed away peacefully with his wife, Velda, the love of his life by his side on August 16, 2024. He was born September 18, 1947, in Superior, AZ to Carl Leeman and Ruby Phillips Green.

The family moved to Thatcher when he was two years old, where he spent his growing-up years. He graduated...

Aug 14, 2024

Clay West, born on April 12, 1983, in Safford, Arizona, passed away on August 14, 2024 in Mesa, Arizona, leaving behind a legacy marked by dedication, humor, and an indomitable spirit. He was a beloved son to Cheri K. Fulkerson and Wayne H. West, and a cherished sibling to Bethany K. West, Henry C. (Charlea Webb) West, Marquis McElhannon, and...

Aug 13, 2024

LaNell Hinton Douglas 83 passed away on August 13, 2024 in Safford Arizona. She was born on September 9, 1940 at her grandparent’s home in Fort Thomas, AZ to Willie and LaVona Hinton.

LaNell graduated from Fort Thomas High School in 1957, and attended EAC. LaNell married Larry Bert Douglas at the Mesa Temple in 1961.

She worked as a telephone switchboard operator,...

Aug 10, 2024

Aug 6, 2024

Our beloved mother, Graciela Gasca passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at the age of 73. She was born on December 29, 1950, in El Paso, TX, and later moved to Eden, AZ at the age of 5 with her family.  Her parents were Genoveva Ortega and Nicanor Valles and was the oldest of her eight siblings – Estela, Ricardo, Elena, Elisa,...

Jul 31, 2024

   Eleanor B. Abeyta, known to her loved ones as "Nonie," has left a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life's journey began on January 24, 1938, in Oro Grande, California, and sadly came to a peaceful conclusion on July 31, 2024, in Safford, Arizona.

   Immortalized in the hearts of many, Eleanor dedicated 13...

Jul 29, 2024

Rudolph "Rudy" John Dalpra, who had been a resident of Safford since 1975, passed away on July 29, 2024 at the age of 90. 

Rudy was born in Crystal Falls, Michigan on March 1, 1934 to Rudolph G. Dalpra & Anna W. Martinson Dalpra.  He attended the Crystal Falls schools graduating from high school with the class of 1952.  He married...

Jul 26, 2024

Merceline Anderson, a devoted soul who dedicated 33 years of her life to serving at San Carlos Apache Tribe Youth Home, peacefully passed away on July 26, 2024 in Globe, Arizona. Her life will be celebrated and remembered by all whose hearts she touched.

Born on September 26, 1940, Merceline's journey was one filled with warmth, compassion, and unwavering dedication. After...

Jul 13, 2024

Carla Sue Higgins LeBaron departed her earthly life on Saturday, July 13, 2024 in Tucson, AZ where she had lived for the last 20 years. 

Carla was born on January 14, 1961 to her loving parents, Jay Carl Higgins, Sr and Edith Laree Angle Higgins. She was welcomed to the family by her big sister, Nancy when she was born in...

Jul 13, 2024

Bobbie Jean Layton was born in Safford, AZ, June 7, 1958 to Bobby Ray Horlacher & Arthis Roberta Balke.  

She was the eldest of 3 siblings. Bobbie spent her early childhood in Arizona and New Mexico before her family settled in Duncan, AZ. She spent her elementary and middle school attending Duncan schools. 

Her family moved to Safford where she met...

Jul 12, 2024

Melvin Chris Hancock, son of Hollis Melvin Hancock & Evelyn Jo McBride Hancock passed into eternal rest at his home in Pima, AZ on July 12, 2024 at the age of 72.

"Mel" grew up on the family farm in Coontown, just below the Indian Hot Springs, enjoying farming with his dad and younger brother, Mac.  As a result of his...

Jul 12, 2024

We celebrate the life of Ashley Baca.

Ashley was more than a Senior Officer Specialist with the US Department of Corrections; she was a beacon of light in the lives of all who knew her. Her personality filled every room she entered, bringing joy and laughter wherever she went. Described as bubbly, fun, outgoing, and spontaneous, Ashley was truly the life...

Jul 10, 2024

November 19, 1962 ~ July 10, 2024

Carolina Carabeo Ulery "Caro" joined our parents, Juan & Carmen Carabeo in heaven on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 surrounded by her family. Caro was born November 19, 1962 along with her twin sister, Cathy Maschue "Cati" in Bisbee, AZ.  She was raised in Bisbee until her family transferred to Morenci in 1975.

Caro worked at...

Jul 9, 2024

Narda June Gause entered eternal life on July 9, 2024 at her home in Thatcher, Arizona.

Narda was born in Safford, Arizona on July 24, 1949 to Bernard & Una Mae Smith.  She was the third of four children.

As a teen, Narda worked at the Dairy Queen before moving to Mesa, Arizona for a time.  While in Mesa, she met David...

Jul 8, 2024

Peter Potokar, a beloved member of the Safford, Arizona community, passed away on July 8, 2024, after bravely battling kidney disease. He was born October 14, 1953.

Peter will be remembered for his kind heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.  He touched the lives of many with his compassion and generosity.

In his professional life, Peter was...

Jul 8, 2024

Ron sailed away to his final home port in the arms of our Lord on July 8, 2024. He was born to Feldon and Christine Banks in Coyville, Kansas on September 6, 1940. After graduating from Wichita High School he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 1, 1958, the start of a long and successful career as a machinist's...

Jul 2, 2024

John Alva Sr (“Papa”) passed away on July 2, 2024. Born in Thatcher, AZ on December 22, 1937 to Juan and Francsica Alva, he lived his life to the fullest. He graduated from Thatcher High School and Northern Arizona University. He also served in the United States Army and is a Vietnam Veteran. He loved to be around his family;...

Jul 1, 2024

Jun 27, 2024

Jun 26, 2024

John Harrison Barrick, born on March 18, 1945, in Ajo, Arizona, bid farewell to this world on June 26, 2024, in Pima, Arizona. He was a distinguished man with a very dry sense of humor who an indelible mark on everyone he met.

His journey through life was one defined by work and dedication. He pursued his education at Ajo High...