Ronald George Rhoton

The dearest and best grandfather, dad and brother, to have ever graced the lives' of every individual he met and knew, passed away surrounded by his loving family, Monday, March 9, 2009. He was 73. Ronald George Rhoton "Papa Bear" was born November 18, 1935 in Winslow, Arizona to the late Robert Vaughn and Nova Evelyn (Plumb) Rhoton. He was a loyal and true son, being a wonderful father and grandfather to his community. Ronald was a Locomotive Engineer for the Santa Fe Railroad employed through Southwest Forest Industry, later becoming Stone Container then Abitibi, until he was forced to retire in 1995 due to a medical condition. Though forced to retire Ronald worked hard and honest his entire life. His passions include hunting, fishing and his family. He is survived by 1 daughter, Brenda L. Longyear (William) of Lakeside, AZ; 7 sons: Donald L. Harper of Queen Creek, AZ; Robert V. DelGrosso of Miami, FL; Ronald G. Rhoton, Jr. of Lakeside, AZ; Mark E. Rhoton of Queen Creek, AZ; Ricky N. Rhoton of Snowflake, AZ; Marcus W. Sargeant of Lakeside, AZ; Rick L. Sargeant of Lakeside, AZ; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and brother, Robert A. Rhoton of Vernon, AZ. A visitation will be 12 Noon Saturday, March 14, 2009 at The Lakeside Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the funeral services to begin at 1:00 PM. Interment will be at the Shumway Cemetery, Shumway, Arizona.