Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory

09/03/2025

We love seeing the thank yous! Hassayampa Elementary School shared a sweet photo thanking us for the backpacks and school supplies. We’re grateful to support these students as they start their school year!

09/03/2025

Francisco Estrada

Francisco Estrada, whose vibrant spirit touched all who knew him, passed away on August 30, 2025, in Aguila, Arizona, at the age of 31. Born on October 22, 1993, Francisco brought charisma and joy into the lives of his friends, family, and community. Known for his helpfulness and warm heart, he was always ready to lend a hand and bring a smile to those around him.

Francisco is lovingly survived by his mother, Dolores Estrada; his father, Melesio Moreno; his sisters, Emily Estrada and Melissa Moreno; and his brother, Jose Moreno. He is remembered as a caring son, a steadfast brother, and a loyal friend, ever willing to offer support and encouragement.

Those who knew Francisco will recall his joyful laugh, his radiant personality, and the generous nature that defined his days. Though his time with us was far too brief, his memory will live on in the lives he brightened and the kindness he showed.

He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by his family and all whose lives he touched.

View Francisco Estrada's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/02/2025

William Martin

William Eugene Martin, who is known to many simply as Bill passed on August 8, 2025 at 3:00Am. Born November 23, 1931, in South Carolina, Bill was the beloved son of Mandy Lou Ligon Martin and Albert Inman Martin, and later, the stepson of Grace Greene Martin.

Bill's life was one of curiosity, and adventure. As a boy, he loved exploring the woods around York, Gaffney, and Baltimore, and spending cherished vacations on his aunt and uncle's farm. He played football and graduated from Kenwood High School in 1947, a young man ready to meet the world with determination and spirit.

In 1949, at just 18 years old, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, beginning a distinguished military career. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was stationed in Okinawa and Japan during the post-World War II years. Rising through the ranks with honor, he graduated from the NCO Academy, earned the Commandant's Award, and was decorated with the Air Force Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1992.

After his military career, Bill continued to grow, learn, and achieve. He became a systems engineer, graduating from the Banking Business School at the University of New Hampshire and the Center for Executive Development at Arizona State University. But he also made time to chase his dreams, one of his proudest being his two-year sailing adventure down the intercoastal waterway beginning in 1992.

Bill's personal life had just as many rich memories as his military career. He married Jeanne Slofman in 1951, and later, in 1979, he married Mary Jane Britton Quick. Together, these unions welcomed three children-Inman David Martin, Janet Grace Martin, and Leslie Elaine Martin Pollesche-and four stepchildren-Glenn Erman Quick, Julia Marie Quick, Christopher Matthew Quick, and Jeanne Marie Quick. He was also a proud grandfather to Casey, Danielle, Travis, Randy, Michael, Connor, Lisa, and Matt, and was fortunate to meet his great-grandson, Dawson.

Outside of work and family, Bill was a man of many passions. He loved building electronics and model airplanes, hunting and camping, and he found joy in exploring the world through books as an avid reader. His wide range of interests reflected a curious mind and a restless spirit, always eager to learn, create, and experience life more deeply.

To the world, he was known as a father, a soldier, a Christian, and a man who carried honor, integrity, and the respect of all who worked with him. But to his family, he was known as a Dad, a husband, and a friend. He was a man who, in countless ways, shaped lives, supported thoughts, and lifted expectations. His strength and consistency will live on through his family.

View William Martin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/01/2025

This Labor Day, we pause to honor the dedication, service, and hard work of those who strengthen our communities—past and present.

Whether you’re spending the day with loved ones, reflecting in quiet gratitude, or remembering someone who devoted their life to service, we hope this day brings you peace.

From all of us at Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory, thank you to the workers, caregivers, and families who give so much of themselves every day.

08/29/2025

Betty Kissner

Our loving, Betty Byrd Kissner, of Salome, Arizona / Mineral, Washington received her wings on August 14th, 2025, at the age of 85. Betty was more than an angel on earth, but a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. She was the heart of our family, known for her warm smile, winning hand at poker, and of course, always catching the biggest fish out of us all.

Betty was born in 1940, in Elkhorn City, Kentucky, daughter of Henry and Ruby Cavins. The oldest of five, she grew up in the holler, a coal miners daughter. As time passed, Betty became a mother to Wade, Salina, and Seth Sampson. Fate would bring her to Washington, where she gained employment with one of the largest aerospace companies in the country, Boeing. Betty was proud to work for the company and was directly involved in building the very first B2 Bomber. While at Boeing, she met her beloved husband, Thomas Kissner. After an instant connection, they'd spend the following years building a life they loved, full of camping, hunting, travel, gardening and most importantly, spending time with family. At 55, Betty retired from the Boeing company and in her early retirement, she would spend time between their home in Auburn, painting treasures at their in home Ceramics Business "Cave-In Crafts" and their cabin in Ocean Shores, Washington. Once Tom retired, they moved full time to their cabin on the coast, and enjoyed the simple life in "paradise". Retirement brought them more time spent with family and more travel. They explored the country in their travel trailer, from Alaska to Georgia, and all sorts of places in between. Among these trips, Betty and Tom found the warm desert of Arizona, and with her sights set on seeing the Cactus bloom in the spring, Tom and Betty sold their cabin in Ocean Shores with plans to become snowbirds. Leaving the cold winters of Mineral, they headed south to warmer weather, finding themselves West of Phoenix, they landed in Salome, Arizona. Betty enjoyed the warm winters and sunny days, planting a new garden in this new climate came with a few challenges, but nothing her green thumb couldn't handle. Tom and Betty enjoyed their retirement in the desert gardening, reading, crafting, and of course, a nightly meeting with Marshall Dillon - another favorite of theirs, Westerns.

Betty is survived by her husband of 47 years, Thomas and their three fur babies Norma, Paco and Tony; three children Wade (Patsy) Sampson, Salina (Tim 1957-2024) Bilbao and Seth (Diana) Sampson; 9 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren; and siblings Joann Schwartz, Bonnie Lampp, and Charles Cavins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Ruby Cavins, her brother Ronnie Cavins, sister's Rachel Deel and Cora Sue.

Betty loved her garden and found great joy in watching things grow. In lieu of flowers or gifts, family asks that you plant a cactus or even a new house plant and name it Betty so you can talk to her and when it blooms, it will be a beautiful reminder of our dearest Betty.

Cards may be sent to:

Thomas Kissner

PO Box 1421

Salome, AZ 85348

A celebration of life will be held in Washington at a later date. Service details will be shared once they are finalized.

View Betty Kissner's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/29/2025

🖤 Tomorrow is National Grief Awareness Day — a reminder that grief is a journey, not a timeline. Whether your loss was recent or years ago, your feelings are valid. Grief can be quiet or loud, heavy or hidden—but it deserves to be acknowledged, supported, and honored.

At Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory, we walk alongside families through some of life’s hardest moments. Today, we encourage you to check in with someone who may be grieving. Sometimes the smallest gesture can bring the most comfort. If you're grieving, you're not alone. We're here for you.�

08/27/2025

William Schlecht

William P. Schlecht, age 95 passed away at his Sun City residence, in the presence of

his beloved wife on May 30, 2025. William (Bill) was born in Hackettstown, NJ on March

19, 1930 to William M. and Ruth (Powers) Schlecht. After

graduating from Hackettstown High School in 1948, he

attended Lehigh University where he was enrolled in Army

ROTC, while pursuing a degree in Engineering. He

graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical

Engineering and was commissioned as a 2 nd Lt in the Army

upon his graduation in 1953. In September of 1952, he

married his beloved wife of 72 years, Ruth Treut in

Merchantville, NJ.

Bill's Army service included assignments to Ft Knox as well as

being stationed near Seoul during the drawdown of the

Korean War. After completing his service, he returned to the states, reunited with his

bride, and began his career at Bucyrus Erie in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He retired

as the head of their Test Center Division. Never content to leave his engineering

passion at the office, he amassed his own personal machine shop and tool collection,

which he used as a "hands-on" engineer. Those skills and tools were combined with his

other acquired passion in life - flying and owning his own aircraft. He ultimately

retrofitted his aircraft to be able to serve as a "camper" in addition to carrying two

motorcycles which could fold down for flight, making for the ultimate family "camping"

adventures upon landing.

After his retirement, he and Ruth moved to Wickenburg Arizona, to enjoy the desert

lifestyle. He became an active Rotarian, ushered at the Webb Center, embarked on the

hobby of blacksmithing, and enjoyed exploring the desert in a 4-wheel drive club.

Bill is survived by his wife Ruth of Sun City West; his son William (Annette) Schlecht,

and his grandson Connor (Joanna) Schlecht all of California.

Interment will be at the Wickenburg Cemetery.

View William Schlecht's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/22/2025

Wallace Harvey

Wallace M. Harvey, US Army Master Sergeant

Wallace Montgomery Harvey (Wally) passed peacefully on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

Born April 15, 1938, to Helen Harvey (Monty) and Forrest Harvey (Frosty) in Phoenix, Arizona, where they lived during his childhood until 1952, when the family moved to Wickenburg, Arizona. Wally's father, Frosty, became the only veterinarian serving large and small animals in that community and beyond for more than 15 years.

Wally graduated from Wickenburg High School in 1956 and attended Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University. He worked at the local gas station on US 60 and then as a surveyor for the Highway Department. It was during this time that he was introduced to his lifelong love, Susan. They married in 1961; in 1967, their son, Wallace Jr. (Bill) was born.

Wally enlisted in the United States Army in 1961. The Army would be a large part of their lives as he proudly served in different locations and capacities throughout most of his adult life. During his tour of duty in Vietnam, he was awarded the prestigious Bronze Star. He retired from active duty with the rank of Sergeant First Class, then continued to serve in the Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant, and also worked as a civilian employee for The Department of the Army in Fresno, California.

An avid photographer and rare/vintage camera collector, it was only appropriate for Wally to take up post-retirement working at Fresno's Horn Photo store. Many friends and family members have fond memories of Wally taking their photographs, giving them their very first cameras, or teaching the inner-workings and operation of an old camera.

Sadly, Wally lost Susan in 2000; their marriage spanned 39 years. Losing her affected the remainder of his life. He spoke of her often and still felt her loss in his final days.

After moving back to Wickenburg, Wally was heavily involved in his Wickenburg High School Class of 1956 and assisted over the years with reunions and staying in touch with many of his lifelong friends. Wally had a deep interest in keeping old friends and family members connected and was usually at the center of organizing family gatherings on his visits back to Phoenix.

His many travels and experiences in life provided colorful and fascinating stories about his family, military service, places he lived and the history of Wickenburg. Wally will be fondly remembered as a true friend and family patriarch, with an incredible sense of humor and gift for epic storytelling, but his legacy will be his love and dedication to his wife and son.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife, Susan. He is survived by his son, Wallace Jr., his cousin, Sharon Lindquist, and many loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to Arizona public radio or television, as he enjoyed many hours listening and watching.

Arizona Public Broadcasting System Donation link

Arizona Friends of Public Radio Donation Link

View Wallace Harvey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/22/2025

Planning ahead can ease emotional and financial burdens. If you’ve ever wondered what preplanning involves, we’re here to answer your questions—no pressure, just conversation. Give us a call at (928) 684-2081 or visit us online at https://www.wickenburgfuneralhome.com.

08/20/2025

Judy Taylor

Judy Taylor, 70, passed away on August 17, 2025, in Sun City, AZ, after a two-year battle with cancer.

Judy was born on December 9, 1954, in Cedar Rapids, IA, to Robert and Veronica Krob.

Judy graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Early Child Education. She earned a Masters degree from Arizona State University and taught Kindergarten in Wickenburg for 34 years. She continued to substitute teach in Aguila, Wickenburg Christian Academy, and Wickenburg public schools.

Judy married Edward Taylor, also a teacher, in 1981. The couple has a son, Merrick Taylor, who is now living with his family in Texas.

Judy is best known for teaching Kindergarten, music, Christian fellowship, traveling, camping, leading music on Christian retreats, and mission support in the Czech Republic, Mexico and the Philippines. She loved teaching Bible stories and playing games with the children.

Judy is survived by her husband, Edward Taylor of Wickenburg, Judy's sister, Mary Jeanne Krob of Pittsburgh, son and daughter -in-law, Merrick and Brianne Taylor of Waxahachie Texas, and their 3 children whom she adored dearly.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Veronica Krob of Ely Iowa.

Memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Wickenburg, September 13th, 2025, at 10:00 am. Reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made in Judy's name, to K9 Konnection animal shelter of Wickenburg, AZ.

View Judy Taylor's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/15/2025

"What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." – Helen Keller

Thinking of all those we've loved and lost today. ❤️

08/13/2025

A few of the students from Wickenburg Christian Academy proudly showing off their new backpacks filled with school supplies—thanks to our Back-to-School Donation Fundraiser this summer! 🎒📚 We’re so grateful for your support and generosity in helping local kids start the school year prepared and ready to learn.