Robert Lee Bolton

Robert Lee "Rob" Bolton died peacefully at his Linden, Arizona home on Friday, January 30, 2009, surrounded by his family. He was 58 years old. Rob was born on December 4, 1950 in Ruidoso, New Mexico to the late James and Juanita Frances (McCann) Bolton. He moved to Arizona 42 years ago from California and was a graduate of Snowflake High School in 1969. While in high school, he was very active in the FFA program and, he also lettered in baseball. In the early 1970's, Rob was drafted in to The United States Army during the Vietnam War. He did, however, serve in Germany as a sergeant (E-5) and was well-liked by all his comrades. He received his honorable discharge from the military in 1973. Upon returning from his military service, Rob began a 33 year long career at the Paper Mill in Snowflake and spent the last several years of his employment there as an oiler. On June 26, 1993 he was wed to his wife, Shawna Dee Bilbie in Linden, Arizona by Pastor Bob Seymour. They most recently celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary together. Rob spent much of his life in service to his family as well as many others in his community. He served as an officer for The Silver Creek Sheriff's Posse, and was the Arena Boss for Show Low's Deuces Wild Rodeo for the past 2 years. Rob was a true outdoorsman and thoroughly enjoyed hiking, fishing and visiting Roosevelt Lake. He was an accomplished team roper, and, along with his love for the great-out-of-doors had a passion for hunting. He was an avid Mule Deer hunter and always enjoyed a good "chase" in the mountains. Rob was a lifetime member of The North American Hunting Club and was also a member of the N.R.A. This good man will truly be missed by his entire family and by all who called him "friend". Rob is survived by: his wife, Shawna Bolton of Linden, Arizona; 4 sons: Lynn Baldwin of White Mountain Lake, Arizona, Chad L. Bolton of Gilbert, Arizona, Jason D. Bolton of Pinetop, Arizona, Sawyer Jake Hansen of Linden, Arizona; 1 daughter, Trista N. Hansen of Pinetop, Arizona; 1 sister, Charlene Rinehart (Bob) of Waterford, California, 1 brother, Jim Bolton (Becky) of Modesto, California and 3 grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 former wives: Deana Earl Baldwin and Tricia Quimby Gibson, both of Pinetop, Arizona as well as several nieces and nephews. The visitation will be held 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Friday, February 6, 2009 at the Show Low Elks Lodge, 803 E. Whipple Street in Show Low, Arizona. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, February 7, 2009 at the Show Low Elks Lodge where additional visitation will begin 1 hour prior. Interment will immediately follow at the City of Show Low Cemetery in Show Low.