Val Lee Reidhead

Val Lee Reidhead died Tuesday, November 1, 2011 peacefully in his sleep, at his home in Show Low, Arizona with his family at his side. He was 81 years old. Val was born the 11th of 12 children on May 14, 1930 in Show Low, Navajo County, Arizona to the late Edwin and Josephine Corella (Kay) Reidhead. In 1947, at the age of 17, Val enlisted in The United States Navy. His service was extended an extra year due to the Korean War. He served on the USS Boxer. On August 20, 1951, Val received his honorable discharge. The very day of his honorable discharge from the Navy, Val married Shirley Hall and most recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary together. Together they raised 4 children. Val owned and operated the logging portion of the Reidhead Lumber Company. He served as its president from 1978 until the company closed in May of 1991. Val was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with all of his family but his grandchildren and great-grandchildren gave him that special twinkle in his eye. Val is survived by: his wife, Shirley Reidhead of Show Low, Arizona; 4 children: Rick (Dorothy) Reidhead of Pinedale, Arizona, Jeri (Bill) Barnard, of Show Low, Arizona, Kathy (Charles) Sprung of Show Low, Arizona, Lee Reidhead of Show Low, Arizona; an older sister, Nadine Baird of Love Lake Ranch in Shumway, Arizona, a younger brother, Jerry Reidhead of Scottsdale, Arizona; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Along with his parents, Val was preceded in death by 9 of his brothers and sisters. The family plans to have a private family gathering to honor Val's life at a later date.