Obituaries
William (Papa) Bartlett
William Bartlett, 87, passed away on March 6, 2004 at home with all his immediate family. Bill was born on May 16, 1917 in Denver, Colorado.
Bill was a Combat Navy Aircrewman in WWII. He was involved, engaged and passionate about life. He retired from four careers, The Navy, Federal Civil Service, The City of San Diego, and Real Estate.
Bill was actively involved throughout his life with the Elks, VFW, Fleet Rescue Association, Chapter 289, income tax consulting, and he was also a VFW Chaplain .
Bill was married to Lil, his childhood sweetheart and friend for 64 years.
Papa is survived by his lovely wife, Lil; his only son, Stephen Bartlett, of Weatherford, Texas; grandson, Steve Bartlett, of Fort Hood, Texas; and Jeania M. Bartlett-Guttromson, of Hayden, Idaho. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and three adopted great-grandchildren.
A private memorial service was held at Bill's home by his immediate family on Saturday, March 6, 2004.
Lewis Edwin Lee
Lewis Edwin Lee, born May 14, 1923 in Staples, Minnesota, passed away at his home on March 8, 2004 at the age of 80. Lewis was a WWII veteran and served in the U.S. Marine Corp (VMF 212, Mag 23, 1st Maw, 1st Mar Div) TSgt. He was stationed in El Centro, California and knew he wanted to come back to the area after his time in the military service.
Lewis brought his wife and daughter to Arizona in 1948. Yuma was his home since 1951. Lewis worked for the State of AZ Commission of Agriculture and Horticulture as a District Inspector, and retired in 1982.
Lewis had a love and respect for life. He was very much involved in the community, his church, politics, and music. The following are some of these affiliations: St. Francis Church, American Legion Post 19, Navy League of the U.S., Marine Corp League, Guadalcanal Campaign Veteran, Boy Scouts of America - Neighborhood Commissioner, American Veterans, Republican National Committee Member, WWII Memorial- charter member, and Loyal Order of the Moose member. He was also a poet and songwriter.
Lewis' biggest love was for his family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruby, who is a retired registered nurse. She worked at the Yuma hospitals and also worked at the two of the Crane schools as a school nurse. Together, Lewis and Ruby raised 6 children, MaryAnn (Terry) Easterday, William (Sheila) Lee, Susanne (Michael) Whitson, Jerome (Linda) Lee, Robert (Jackie) Lee, and Thomas (Kristi) Lee. They have 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Lewis was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Teresa Lee, brother, William Toohey, and parents-in-law Mathis and Frances Krebsbach.
Visitation will take place at Johnson Mortuary, Thursday, March 11, 2004,from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at St. Francis Church, 1815 S. 8th Ave., Friday, March 12, 2004, at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Father John Friel. Final resting place will be at Desert Lawn MemorialPark.
Pallbearers will be William, Robert, Thomas, and Tom Lee, Terrance Easterday, and Michael Whitson. Honorary pallbearers are Jerome, Eddie, and Bobby Lee, and Kenneth and Lee Whitson.
Memorial donations may be sent to St.. Francis Church, 1815 S. 8th Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364
