Sept. 26, 1921 – Jan. 20, 2012

Bradford “Brad” Lewis Benson, 90, passed away Jan. 20, 2012. He was born in Battle Creek, Mich., on Sept. 26, 1921. Soon after Pearl Harbor, Brad enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country for 32 Years. He was part of World War II, Korea and Vietnam as a fighter pilot. After the service he went into the hardware business, something he always wanted to do.

After his second retirement, Brad and his wife, Sheila, moved out to Boulder City after a short visit. They spent the next wonderful 25 years in Boulder City. Brad was very active in the community. He served on the hospital board from 1994 to 2001 and also was a member of the planning commission until health forced him to resign. He was instrumental in getting the Nevada State Veterans Home and Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City.

Brad was very proud of being chairman of the trustees at the Elks. As a member of the Elks he earned many rewards and enjoyed “The Christmas Baskets for the Needy of Boulder City.” He was a member of the American Legion, Military Officers Association of America and the Air Force Association. His proudest membership was in the Order of the Daedalians, a fraternal order of military pilots.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila Benson; his son, John C. Benson and daughter-in-law, Pam, who live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He will be missed by many.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, at noon, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com.

May 21. 1926 – Jan. 26, 2012

Robert “Bob” Gene Harrelson Sr., 85, of Boulder City, passed away Jan. 26, 2012.

He was born May 21, 1926, to Val and Mada Harrelson in West Frankfort, Ill. Bob enlisted in the United States Army on Aug. 24, 1944, and re-enlisted Nov. 10, 1945, so he could come home and marry the love of his life, Dolly DiVito, on Jan. 30, 1946. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage before Dolly passed away Aug. 18, 2006. Bob was honorably discharged on May 6, 1947, after being part of Gen. Patton’s 3rd Army with the 80th Blue Ridge Mountains Division. He was a .30-caliber water-cooled machine gunner that fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Battle of the Rhineland and Battle of Rhine River Crossing.

Bob and his family moved to Boulder City on Nov. 6, 1985. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, 25-cent video poker, and watching sports and the military channel.

He is survived by his daughter, Janet (Joe) Macias; two sons, Robert (Elida) Harrelson Jr., and Gerald (MaryAnn) Harrelson; seven grandchildren, Diane Felsenfeld, Robert Harrelson III, Anthony Macias, Christina Carrier, Michael Harrelson, Gerald Harrelson Jr. and Justin Harrelson; seven great-grandchildren, Joseph Felsenfeld, Matthew Felsenfeld, Joseph Anthony Harrelson, Aliyah Glasser, Aydan Harrelson, Jackson Harrelson and Avery Harrelson. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Mildred Smith, Madeline McCaslin and Ruth Royce.

A visitation took place Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Boulder City Family Mortuary. Funeral services were Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The family invites you to sign the online memorial guestbook at >www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com

Sept. 7, 1954 – Dec. 30, 2011

Raymond Emmett Hester, 57, passed away at his home in Boulder City on Dec. 30, 2011. Raymond was born Sept. 7, 1954, in Fort Dix, N.J., to Emmett Ostell Hester and Helen Louise Chilcote Hester.

Raymond was an avid sports fan who enjoyed football, baseball and horse racing. He managed a Sav-On drug store in Riverside, Calif., prior to moving to Boulder City more than 25 years ago. In Boulder City, Ray worked for the school district as a painter until his health forced him to retire.

Raymond is survived by his four siblings, Sonja (Roy) Poindexter of Boulder City, Bonnie Hewitt of Las Vegas, Betty (Barry) Solomon of Henderson and David (Cindy) Hester of Newbury Park, Calif.; many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m., at Boulder City Family Mortuary. The family invites you to sign an online guest book at >www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com

Joseph Frederick Theilman, 80, of Boulder City was a devoted, loving and wonderful father, master electrician and Korean War veteran. Joe leaves behind two sons, Rick Theilman of Henderson, and Daniel Theilman of Ashland, Ore., as well as many loving friends and caregivers.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Mary Evelyn Theilman of San Jose, Calif.

Joe was an expert at designing, building and repairing any and all things. Joe’s sense of humor, smile and laugh were contagious. Pops could chew the fat with the best of them.

Joe was a people person but also had a love for his dogs, ducks, geese, as well as all of God’s creatures. Most of all, Joe was known as a loving, good-humored and beautiful man. His sweet nature and graceful bravery never faltered.

Joe Theilman passed in a peaceful moment with family. Instead of goodbye he lovingly said “Hi!”

Online donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, www.michaeljfox.org, under the “Donate Now” tab.

June 12, 1927 – Jan. 30, 2012

Leo E. Dunbar, Jr. passed away Jan. 30, 2012, at his home in Boulder City. Leo was born June 12, 1927, in Montrose, Colo. In 1932, he moved to Boulder City and was a member of the original 31ers families who settled Boulder City and built Hoover Dam. Leo graduated from Boulder City High School in 1947, served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1949, owned Central Market in Boulder City from 1977 to 1980, and owned a 7-Eleven in Las Vegas from 1981 to 2008. He was an Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was sealed to his wife, Barbara, in the Las Vegas Temple in May 1997.

Leo is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Jeff Dunbar (Gloria); daughter, DeAnn Dunbar (Jamie); stepson, John Barlow (Pamela); stepdaughter Julie Murray (Robert), 15 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be at 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Palm Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway in Henderson. Funeral services will be at 9:20 a.m. Monday, Feb. 6, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Buchanan Blvd., Boulder City.

Bradford Lewis Benson, “Brad,” 90, passed away on Jan. 20, 2012. He was born in Battle Creek, Mich., on Sept. 26, 1921. Soon after Pearl Harbor, Brad enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country for 32 Years. He was part of World War II, Korea and Vietnam as a fighter pilot. After the service he went into the hardware business, something he always wanted to do.

After his second retirement, Brad and his wife Sheila moved out to Boulder City after a short visit. They spent the next wonderful 25 years in Boulder City. Brad was very active in the community. He served on the hospital board from 1994 to 2001 and also was a member of the planning commission until health forced him to resign. He was instrumental in getting the Nevada State Veterans Home and Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City.

Brad was very proud of being chairman on the trustees at the Elks. As a member of the Elks he earned many rewards and enjoyed “The Christmas Baskets for the Needy of Boulder City.” He was a member of the American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, and the Air Force Association. His proudest membership was in the Order of the Daedalians, a fraternal order of military pilots.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila Benson; his son, John C. Benson and daughter-in-law, Pam, who live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He will be missed by many.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb., 3, 2012, at noon, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com.

Jane Cheek, Oct. 2, 1931 – Jan. 22, 2012

Jane Cheek, 80 of Boulder City, passed away on Jan. 22, 2012, at the Nevada State Veterans Home. She was born on Oct. 2, 1931, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Wilbur Carol Teets. Jane graduated from South Pasadena San Marino High School in California.

She worked as a bookkeeper for Bill Winn and Cal Tech before retiring in 1973 and loved her job. After retiring she moved to Arizona for a short period before settling in Boulder City in 1979. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 36. She had a strong faith and was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Jane is survived by her son, Allen Giswein of Boulder City; three stepsons, Gary Cheek of Lake Oswego, Oreg., Robert Cheek of St. George, Utah, Fred L. Cheek of Roseburg, Oreg; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred Cheek; and a son, Dennis Cheek

A memorial service is pending at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortaury.com

Murray Joseph Gaber, March 14, 1921 – Jan. 21, 2012

Murray Joseph Gaber, of Boulder City, passed away on Jan. 21, 2012. He was born on March 14, 1921, in the Bronx, N.Y.

Murray was one of the last Pearl Harbor survivors in the Las Vegas area. A gunner for the United States Army on Dec. 7, 1941, he saved many lives that day and became a war hero. After receiving a Purple Heart for serving in WWII, he later became a proud member of the Jewish War Veterans and the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.

After his military service, he returned to New York City where he met his one and only love, Pearl Lee Lange. They were married and moved to Chicago where they owned and operated Lee and Murray’s jewelry store, and Murray worked for 20 years as a watch repairman at Elgin Watch Company and Sears.

Murray was a devoted family man who spent 52 years married to Pearl Lee Lange and raised two sons, Jack and Ron, and dearly adored his two grandchildren, Whitney and Sabrina, who lovingly called him “Papa Murr.”

He spent his free time umpiring Little League games, watching sports, barbecuing his neighborhood’s famous barbecue chicken, and enjoying time with his family. He could always be found cheering on the home teams of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. He was also involved with the Loyal Order of Moose and the Knights of Columbus.

Upon retirement 25 years ago, Murray and Pearl fulfilled a lifelong dream and moved west to Las Vegas. Murray loved everything about his new city. He worked at McCarran Airport for a decade as a baggage screener at night and enjoyed living in the sunshine and heat. He spent his final years at the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, Jan. 30, at 9:20 a.m., at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Jewish War Veterans of America at www.jwv.org/donations/donation.ph Family and friends can sign an online guestbook at >www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com

Karole Kelstrom Hoffer, Nov. 16, 1944 – Jan. 23, 2012

Karole Kelstrom Hoffer, 67, passed away Jan. 23, 2012, in Boulder City, after a long illness. She was born Nov. 16, 1944, in Ludlow, Mass.

Karole was a longtime resident of Boulder City. She graduated from Boulder City High School in 1964, earned a master’s degree in nursing and worked as a school nurse for the Clark County School District until 2007. She and her husband were founders and longtime owners of the Pit Stop in Boulder City. She was a champion for the underprivileged and was instrumental in obtaining free dental care and free school meals for needy children. She was a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She loved life and learning. She especially loved children. She will greatly be missed.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bud Hoffer (1996); father, Larry Kelstrom (2004); sisters, Susan Newton (2005) and Barbara Kelstom (1952).

She is survived by her daughter, Charlotte Lockwood of Boulder City; stepdaughter, Timothy Foss of Freeland, Wash; grandchildren, Eric Lockwood, Betsy Lockwood and Jimmy Yowell of Boulder City; and Catherine and Bobby Watson of Freeland, Wash.; great-grandchildren, Madeline Lockwood and Jacob Fennell of Boulder City; mother, Barbara Kelstrom of Boulder City; brother, Nels Kelstrom of Clinton, Wash.; sister, Lynn Thompson of Boulder City; many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at 1 p.m., at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Boulder City, 591 Adams Blvd. A viewing was held Wednesday, Jan. 25, at Boulder City Family Mortuary, 833 Nevada Way. The family invites you to sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bo >mortuary.com

Lido Angelo Paglia, Nov. 12, 1931 – Jan. 18, 2012

Lido Angelo Paglia passed away unexpectedly at his home on Jan. 18, 2012, to be with his Lord and family.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Nov. 12, 1931. Lido was a Korean War era veteran, serving in Germany with the U.S. Army. When his sister and parents moved to Las Vegas in the early ’50s, he and his brothers followed and became Lido Construction and Paglia Construction, working together and independently. Many homes, apartment complexes, commercial buildings and businesses still thrive today in Las Vegas, Reno and Palm Springs.

He was active in the Jaycees and his passion was building, flying his plane, and boating and partying on Lake Mead with his family and friends. He moved to Boulder City in 1974 and subsequently built two homes overlooking Lake Mead. He provided Boulder City with the first Boat Storage “The BoatHouse” and went on to build many more.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Philomena Paglia; brothers, Nicholas, Anthony Jr. and Raymond. He is survived by his sister, Rose Thomas Weaver; daughters, Vicki Brandon Chase (Rod) and Michelle Paglia (Howard Vander Meer); and his grandchildren, Ashley and Lido Brandon, Destiny and Dalton Kirkpatrick; along with many nieces and nephews. His family and friends love and will miss him, along with his many stories and laughter.

Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26, at Palm Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway, in Henderson. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan 27, at St. Andrew Catholic Community, 1399 San Felipe Drive, Boulder City, with interment at Palm Mausoleum in Boulder City.

Shirley Marguerite Tapley, Jan. 8, 1923 – Jan. 14, 2012

Shirley Marguerite Tapley, 89, a resident of the Nevada State Veterans Home passed away on Jan. 14, 2012, in Boulder City.

She was born on Jan. 8, 1923, in Invermere, British Columbia, Canada, to Richard Gladwyn and Eva Marguerite Hewer Newton. She married Russell Chester Tapley on Nov. 6, 1944, in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada, and became a U.S. citizen May 31, 1949.

Shirley trained as a nurse at the Royal Columbia Hospital in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. She was a grand homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing and making crafts, playing the organ and looking for buried treasure with her Digger friends.

She was happiest when her nieces and grandchildren spent the summers with her and Russell.

Shirley was very active in the community as a PEO Sister, past member of Eastern Star, Job’s Daughter Guardian, Oomiacs and Rose Society of Auburn. She was also an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Ogden, Utah, and Auburn, Wash.; and the United Methodist Church in Shelton, Wash.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Deanna Calef of Seattle, Wash; granddaughter, Cristine Fraas of Las Vegas; grandson, Stuart Calef of Seattle, Wash.; great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Hanson of Las Vegas; brother, Donald Newton of Sydney, British Columbia, Canada; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Russell Tapley; her sister, Muriel Louise Newton; three brothers, Warner Newton, David Newton and Richard Keith Newton.

Shirley will be interred with her husband at Tahoma National Cemetery in Washington at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Activities Fund, Nevada State Veterans Home, 100 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City 89005.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary. The family invites you to sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com

Anthony H. Wirtz, May 20, 1927 – Jan. 23, 2012

Anthony H. Wirtz, 84, of Boulder City, passed away Jan. 23, 2012. He was born May 20, 1927, in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., raised in the Chicago area, and was a 31-year resident of Nevada.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17 and served at the end of World War II. After his discharge, he remained in Berlin as a civilian employee of the War Department. Graduating magna cum laude from Notre Dame in 1951, he received his master’s degree from the University of New Mexico in 1957.

He worked as a wholesale drug sales agent in Albuquerque, then in a series of federal management positions for NASA, Bureau of Aeronautics, Bureau of Naval Weapons, and Bureau of Indian Affairs as development officer for the Uintah and Ouray Reservation in Utah.

He joined the Army Reserves with the Berlin Call-up of 1961, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1965 he moved to Vietnam to supervise projects for the U.S. Agency for International Development. He continued with USAID in Vientiane, Laos; Islamabad, Pakistan; and Nouakchott, Mauritania.

He moved to Boulder City in 1981 where he had the H&R Block franchise, and sold real estate and insurance. He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Community, the Knights of Columbus, ROA, AFSA, the Boulder City Museum and Historical Association, and treasurer of the US-China People Friendship Association.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Rosalie; daughter, Rosette McClave; son-in-law, Scott McClave; son, Patrick; and four grandchildren, Katie, Andrew, Piper and Jack.

There is a Web memorial at www.dignitymemorial.com. A rosary will be held Sunday, Jan., 29, at 6:30 p.m, followed by a vigil at 7 p.m., at St. Andrew Catholic Community, 1399 San Felipe Drive, Boulder City.

A funeral mass will be held Monday, Jan. 30, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Andrew Catholic Community, followed by a burial at noon at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Buchanan Blvd., Boulder City.

March 6, 1928 – Jan. 14, 2012

Robert Arthur Cavanaugh “Cav”, 83, a longtime resident of Boulder City, passed away on Jan. 14, 2012. He was born on March 6, 1928, in Boston, Mass., to John Arthur Cavanaugh and Lillian Redmond Cavanaugh.

After high school, Cav attended college for a year and then joined the Navy during World War II, followed by the United States Marine Corps during the Korea War. After his military service, Cav worked as a bartender and a liquor distributor.

He has resided in the Las Vegas/Boulder City area for more than 50 years. He married Aliese DuPreoux on Feb. 28, 1972. Cav was a man of God and a devoted family man. He was a member of the Elks, and he volunteered at both the Veterans Care Center and the Salvation Army. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed woodworking.

Cav is survived by his wife of 40 years, Aliese Cavanaugh of Boulder City; three children, Shelley and (husband) Andy Miller of Henderson, Jack and (wife) Gina Cavanaugh of Truckee, Calif., Robert Cavanaugh of Las Vegas; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 1:20 p.m., at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. A celebration of Cav’s life will be held at the Elks Lodge in Boulder City. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary. Cav’s family invites you to sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bo >familymortuary.com

Mary Ellen Olson

Feb. 15, 1929 – Dec. 14, 2011

Mary Ellen Olson, 82, of 23 West Third Street, died Wednesday Dec. 14, 2011, in WCA Hospital in Jamestown, N.Y.

Olson lived in Boulder City from 2003 to 2009 when she began splitting her time between here and New York.

She was born Feb. 15, 1929 in East Liverpool, Ohio, a daughter of the late Willard and Helen Wheat Thomas, Jr.

She was a 1947 graduate of Jamestown High School and had been employed by WCA Hospital for 20 years in the central services department.

Her memberships include Vikings Lodge and the former Westminster Presbyterian Church and its choir. She was also a volunteer at the soup kitchen.

She enjoyed traveling to warm sunny destinations and spending time at the beach. She especially loved her grandchildren, time spent at restaurants with “The Gang” and playing tennis and golf.

While in Boulder City, Mary attended Grace Community Church locally and Central Christian Church in Henderson. She enjoyed playing bingo at the Senior Center and socializing with staff and friends at The Coffee Cup.

Surviving are four children Robert (Sandi) Olson and Debbie (Mike) Soderberg, both of Jamestown, Sandy (Brian) Struble of Divide, Colo., and Kitty Olson of Boulder City NV; 10 grandchildren Jennifer, Joshua and Jacob Olson, Christopher and Erin Neid, Ryan Soderberg and Jesse, Jeremiah, Mallory and Travis Struble, two great grandchildren Dylan Neid and Gavin Ford and a sister Virginia (Robert) Lind of Jamestown.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her former husband, Daniel A. Olson, and former fiancé, Marshall Johnson.

A memorial service was held in December in Jamestown and Mary was inurned at the Sunset Hill Cemetery in Jamestown.

Friends will be received for one hour prior to the service Sunday in the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Boulder City Animal Shelter, 810 Yucca St.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Mary at >www.lindfuneralhome.com

Aug. 23, 1913 – Jan. 4, 2012

Elsie Guinn passed away Jan. 4, 2012, in Brenham, Texas.

She was born Aug. 23, 1913, in Lufkin, Texas, to Bruce Judson Bowen and Sophronia Ann (Herrin) Bowen. During World War II, Elsie worked at Ellington Air Force Base as one of the original “Rosie the Riveters.”

Later she moved to Clovis, N.M., where she owned and operated Cactus Grill Steak House. It was also in Clovis that Elsie met Charles E. Guinn after he returned from the Army.

In 1947, they were married in Clovis. They retired and enjoyed living at the lake in Belton, Texas.

Elsie was an avid animal lover, gardener and cook. She also enjoyed quilting baby blankets, crocheting afghans, hunting, fishing and playing ‘42. Education was important to Elsie. She was an avid reader and insisted that her children graduate from college. Elsie was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Brenham.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Guinn, in 1999; grandson, Rick Wells; her parents; six sisters and three brothers. Her son, Curtis Wells, passed away Jan. 6, 2012, in Boulder City.

Her loving family includes her daughter, Ellen Ellison and husband Jim of Brenham; daughter-in-law, Lynn Miller of Boulder City; grandchildren, Charles “Chuck” and Tedi Ellison, Steve and Allie Wells, Margie and Larry Warren, P.J. and Mike Kalil, Mike Wells and his special friend Colleen Shannon; nine great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

A service in celebration of Elsie Guinn’s life will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, at 2 p.m., at First United Methodist Church of Brenham.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice, 302 East Blue Bell Road, Brenham, TX 77833.

Her family expresses special thanks to Care Center of Brenham, Hospice, and the First United Methodist Church Women.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833, 979-836-3611. To leave condolences online, visit >www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com

Curtis C. Wells

Jan. 26, 1931 – Jan. 6, 2012

Curtis Wells, 80, died Jan. 6, 2012, with his family in his home. He was born in Lufkin, Texas, Jan. 26, 1931, to Warden and Elsie (Guinn) Wells.

He graduated from Clovis (N.M.) High School where he was all-state in football and track. He graduated college from the University of Texas, El Paso, where he attended on a full-ride football scholarship.

He worked for El Paso Natural Gas before leaving to teach at the Ute Indian Reservation’s Consolidated School in Ignacio, Colo. When he left teaching he purchased his first A&W in Albuquerque, N.M. He came to Boulder City in 1964. He ran the small A&W until he built the one currently on Nevada Highway. His next venture was to build the Canyon Trail RV Park on Industrial Road, which opened in 1986.

He was active in the Boulder City Elks Lodge, the Chamber of Commerce, and the City Planning Commission. He was a major supporter of youth sports programs and the high school. He strongly believed in education. In his limited spare time he enjoyed gold prospecting, fly fishing, building fly rods, fly tying, tending his rose garden and traveling.

He was preceeded in death by his mother, Elsie Guinn, on Jan. 4, 2012; father, Warden Wells, in 1966; stepfather, Charles Guinn, in 1999; and son, Rick, in 1979.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn; sister, Ellen Ellison and husband, Jim, of Brenham, Texas; sons, Steve and wife Ally, Mike Wells; and their mother, Carolyn Torres; grandchildren, Tasha Wells, Stefani and Brad Glines, Kelly and Troy Poe, and Kevin Wells; great-granddaughter Paityn Glines; nieces and nephews, Charles and Tedi Ellison, Pam and Mike Kalil, and Margie and Larry Warren.

A service of celebration of Curtis’ life will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m. at the Boulder City Elks Lodge, 1217 Nevada Hwy. The Elks Lodge officers will officiate. All who wish to attend are welcome.

The Wells family is asking that donations be made in Curtis Wells’ name to the Boulder City Damboree Committee for fireworks. Send donations to: Boulder City Damboree Committee, PO Box 60114, Boulder City, NV, 89006. Donations can also be dropped off at the Boulder City Recreation Center. Should you have any questions, please call Patty Sullivan at 293-9340.

John Christopher Gronfeldt

Oct. 20, 1967 – Jan. 6, 2012

John Christopher Gronfeldt, a longtime resident of Boulder City, died suddenly on Jan. 6, 2012. John was born in Lakewood, Calif., on Oct. 20, 1967. He moved with his family to Boulder City in 1969. After high school he lived in Henderson for a few years before returning to his beloved Boulder City.

He was employed as a heavy equipment operator at Boulder Disposal for 14 years. When asked what he did for a living, he would often remark that he “played in dirt all day.”

John had a big heart and not a mean bone in his body. One of the things he enjoyed most was cooking for his friends. His specialty was barbecuing and smoking meats. He was known for Sunday barbecues.

He adored cats. He rescued feral cats, providing them with food, medical attention and companionship. He was also a computer aficionado. He used his talents to refurbish old computers and gave them to needy children.

His is survived by his sister, Susan Kohlman and brother-in-law, Pete Kohlman, of Boulder City; sister, Nancy Gronfeldt and partner Keah Taylor of Springfield, Oreg.; and an aunt and uncle, Amelia and John Dahlke of Grand Island, Neb.

Boulder City Family Mortuary is handling interment. A celebration of his life will be held Jan. 22, at 11:30 a.m., at the Boulder City United Methodist Church located inside the senior center across from the Boulder Dam Credit Union.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Boulder City United Methodist Church Building Fund. The family wishes to express a special thank you to the congregation of the Boulder City United Methodist Church, close family friend Joe Roche, and attorney Ron Hubel. Family and friends can sign an online guestbook at www.bo familymortuary.com.

Patricia Lynn Johnson

Feb. 14, 1947 – Jan. 4, 2012 Patricia Lynn Johnson, a longtime Boulder City resident, passed away on Jan. 4, 2012, at her home. She was born in Michigan to Frank and Dorothy Wagner Paquette on Feb. 14, 1947.

Patricia had a strong faith and was a member of St Andrew’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed knitting, reading and sewing. Her favorite times were those spent with her children and her amazing grandchildren, Kevin, Alex and Zachary.

She moved to Boulder City in 1983 from Michigan to be closer to family. While in Boulder City she made many new friends.

Patricia is survived by her greatest loves, her grandchildren and two loving daughters, Kim Johnson, and Cheri and husband StanWalker. Life partner Ken Thompson, cousins, Elaine and Gary Thompson, all of Boulder City.

A funeral mass took place on Saturday, Jan. 7, at St Andrew’s Catholic Church. Burial was at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guest book at >www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com

Diane Marilyn Kusak

Aug. 25, 1950 – Jan. 6, 2012

Diane Marilyn Kusak, 61, of Boulder City, died Friday, Jan. 6. She was born Aug. 25, 1950, at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Norfolk, Va., to the late Frank and Marian Perrault. She was preceded in death by her parents and “little” brother, Frank III.

Diane was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie and friend. She touched so many lives by opening her arms to anyone who needed a hug, a place to live, or someone to listen to them.

Diane’s greatest joy was being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Taking care of her children or grandchildren, and being a part of their daily activities and achievements was her passion. Diane enjoyed playing Word Jumble, sewing, vacationing, Marlboro Light 100’s and iced tea. Diane is survived by her husband, Daniel; children, Michelle (& Tim), Suzanne (& Kurt), Stevie (& Sarah), Jennifer, Danny, Azure (& Tim), Michael, Elizabeth, Stephanie, Sean (& Amber), Steven (& Cally), Adam (& Avery), and Sarah; sisters, Donna and DeMay; brother-in-law, Casimer “Cazman”; niece, Mandi; and her grandchildren, Kristen, Mickayla, Chad, Marleena, Claire, Lily, Ian, Lexi, Isabella, Lainei, Emma, Natalie, Dakotah, Savannah, Logan, and Timmy.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Jan. 13, at 11 a.m., at the 5th Street LDS Chapel in Boulder City. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Boulder City Family Mortuary and on Friday prior to the service at the church from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. The family invites you to sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bo >mortuary.com

Fern McGehee

March 31, 1923 – Dec. 19, 2011

Fern McGehee, 88, of Boulder City, passed away peacefully at the Nevada State Veterans Home surrounded by family on Dec. 19, 2011.

Fern was born on March 31, 1923, in Stratton, Neb., to Glenn W. Scott and Minnie Belle Simpson Scott. The youngest of four children, she lived on a farm in her early years and enjoyed helping her mother cook on an old wood stove and rode the plow horse to the neighbor’s farm.

She and her mother moved to Long Beach, Calif., when Fern was in her early 20s. It was there, after the end of World War II, she met her future husband, Joseph C. McGehee. They were married on the radio program “Bride & Groom” in Los Angeles, Calif., May 9, 1946, and honeymooned at June Lake Lodge in the Sierras.

Fern was first and foremost a dedicated wife and mother. She raised one daughter and four sons who all played many sports, and she and Joe never missed a game.

Her love of gardening produced many beautiful and peaceful landscapes for her family to enjoy. Fern loved to feed and watch the birds that also enjoyed her gardens.

Her great love for animals resulted in many adopted cats and dogs who received a very loving home much to her children’s delight. But most important of all was her devotion to her family.

Fern and Joe moved to Washington state upon his retirement where they enjoyed spending time with all their grandchildren and had many family get-togethers. Fern moved to Boulder City in 2005, some years after her husband’s passing.

Fern is survived by her daughter, Kathy and son-in-law Ron Hansen of Boulder City; son, Thomas of Renton, Wash.; son, Patrick and daughter-in-law Mary Tatem of Rockport, Mass.; son, Jeffrey and daughter-in-law Susie Goebel of Vista, Calif.; and son, Jay of Gloucester, Mass. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kirstie (Jason) McGuinness of Boulder City; Scott McGehee of Woodinville, Wash.; Kelsey Hansen of Reno; Joe and Patty McGehee of Newcastle, Wash.; and great-grandson, Westin McGehee of Woodinville, Wash.

The family invites you to sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bo familymortuary.com.

Edward Joseph Quinn

March 9, 1919 – Dec. 26, 2011

Edward Joseph (Ted) Quinn, 92, passed away on Dec. 26, 2011, in Boulder City. He was born on March 9, 1919, in Lansford, Penn., to Vincent DePaul Quinn and Alice McElroy Quinn.

After his education he joined the United States Army and retired after 20 years as a chief warrant officer. He married Cora Olive Martin on Aug. 23, 1941, in Philadelphia, Penn. His military service included the African, Italian and Korean campaigns, and assignments in Alabama, Washington, Japan, South Dakota and Illinois. His career “went from the horse cavalry to guided missiles.” After his military service and ten more years working as a technical specialist for the Army Security Agency, Ted and Connie retired to Sun City, Ariz., in 1976. In 1998 they moved to the Las Vegas area to be closer to family.

Ted enjoyed golfing, camping, working on his computer and being a tourist while retired. Later in retirement, he spent his time doing family genealogy, and reconnecting with his flight crew buddies from World War II, the 885th Bomb Squadron. He was a member of the Retired Military Officers Association.

Ted is survived by his wife, Cora (Connie) Quinn of Boulder City; a son, Michael Quinn of Henderson; a daughter, Connie (Kenneth) Trompeter of Boulder City; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by a brother, John, and a sister, Mary Alice.

A memorial service took place Friday, Jan. 6, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary. The family invites you to sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bo mortuary.com.

Ardeen Wood Sears

April 3, 1928 – Jan. 5, 2012

Ardeen Wood Sears, 83, a longtime resident of Boulder City, passed away on Jan. 5, 2012. She was born on April 3, 1928, in Farmington, N.M., to Roy and Thelma Burnham Wood. She married William Sears and enjoyed 62 years of marriage before he passed away in May of 2011.

She was an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi Tri Delta and Cactus Rebekah Lodge. Ardeen was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held many different callings over the years. She worked off and on for the Bureau of Reclamation over the course of her life.

Before the onset of Parkinson’s disease, Ardeen enjoyed sewing, scrapbooking, socializing with her friends, and mostly spending time with her family and grandchildren.

She is survived by two daughters, Karen and her husband Leonard De Joria of Overton, Nev., and Jayme and husband Tyler Phillips of Henderson; a son-in-law, David Moore; six grandchildren, Kaycee Allen, Karee Moore, and Austin, Devin, Dakota and Tanner Phillip; and a great-granddaughter, Emma. She is preceded in death by a daughter, Gaylen Moore.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and will be tremendously missed. She will live on in our hearts forever.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 12, at noon, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Buchanan Boulevard in Boulder City. Visitation will be prior to the services from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary.

The family invites you to sign the online memorial guest book at www.bo >familymortuary.com

Sept. 7, 1954 – Dec. 30, 2011

Raymond Emmett Hester, 57, passed away at his home in Boulder City on Dec. 30, 2011. Raymond was born on Sept. 7, 1954, in Fort Dix, N.J., to Emmett Ostell Hester and Helen Louise Chilcote Hester.

Raymond was an avid sports fan who enjoyed football, baseball and horse racing. He managed a Sav-On drug store in Riverside, Calif., prior to moving to Boulder City over 25 years ago. In Boulder City, Ray worked for the school district as a painter until his health forced him to retire.

Raymond is survived by his four siblings, Sonja (Roy) Poindexter of Boulder City, Bonnie Hewitt of Las Vegas, Betty (Barry) Solomon of Henderson, and David (Cindy) Hester of Newbury Park, Calif.; many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m., at Boulder City Family Mortuary. The family invites you to sign an online guest book at www.bo >familymortuary.com

Elaine K. Smith

Dec. 6, 2011

Elaine K. Smith passed away peacefully at Lake Arrowhead, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Bill Smith; her daughters, Marilyn Kraft (Steve), Ruth Milam (Tim), and Gloria Pidgeon-Nurre (Luke); grandchildren, Amy Lewis (Chad), Melanie Bradley (Nick), Chad Francoise (Shelli), Julia Clark, Emma Pidgeon, Jancee Clark, and Kelsey Pidgeon; and two great-granddaughters, Madelyn Bradley and Lauren Lewis.

She was a resident of Boulder City for over 20 years and attended Grace Community Church, P.E.O. Chapter K, and was involved in many other local community activities. Elaine loved to travel and, along with her husband, traveled with many residents of Boulder City as they helped raise funds for numerous Boulder City nonprofit organizations.

Elaine had a kind and caring heart, and an engaging smile. She never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand where needed.

Elaine cherished her family and instilled in her daughters and grandchildren the same love of family togetherness. In recent years, Elaine’s health deteriorated and she was not able to spend time with her many special friends in Boulder City, but was always surrounded and supported by her loving family.

No formal services are planned. In lieu of flowers, our family would love if you would take a moment to honor Elaine by sharing a kind word and smile with someone you love.

June 15, 1924 – Dec. 24, 2011

Lucille Bretting, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 87 in Boulder City after a long and full life.

A consummate seamstress, dedicated volunteer with the Children’s Benefit League at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, talented crafter and friend to many, “Lou” will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.

Though diminutive in size, Lou had an outgoing personality and zest for life. She was born on June 15, 1924, to Wallace and Claire Woodard in Kenosha, Wis. The fourth of five children, she attended D. Bradford High School in Kenosha, where she graduated in 1942.

Following graduation, she attended Marquette University and later did her part to help the war effort during World War II by working at Kenosha Brass, where she fashioned bullets. In her free time, Lou loved to ice skate and roller skate, and it was at a roller skating rink that she met the love of her life, Donald Bretting.

On Nov. 8, 1947, Lou became Mrs. Donald Bretting in a ceremony in Kenosha. She and Donald ultimately spent 64 years together as man and wife, which delighted everyone who was lucky enough to know them.

In the early 1950s, Lou moved with Don to Long Beach, Calif., where she raised two sons, Ronald (“Rocky”) and Roger, while Don began a career as a stockbroker. She was a wonderful cook, dedicated volunteer (past president of the Children’s Benefit League) and loving homemaker. She also served as the unofficial “neighborhood mom” to a generation of children, ferrying them to baseball games, band practice and too many school activities to name.

In her later years she enjoyed welcoming four grandchildren to the world, Anthony and Austin Bretting of Sacramento, Calif.; and Brooke and Dana Bretting of Houston, Texas.

Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don; her parents; an infant son; and three siblings, Tom, Bud and Mary. She is survived by her brother, John of Minnesota; son, Rocky and daughter-in-law Mary Bretting of Rocklin, Calif.; and son, Roger and daughter-in-law Sandra Bretting of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by her adored grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary. Plans for a memorial service are pending. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at >www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com

Tom Cooper

Died Dec. 24, 2011

Former Mayor of Boulder City W. Tom Cooper, 67, of Boulder City passed away peacefully Dec, 24. The son of Boulder Dam plumber Cortez T. “Corty” Cooper and Wilma (Pease) Cooper, Tom was born and raised in Boulder City, graduated from Boulder City High School in 1962, served on Boulder City’s City Council starting in 1966, and was mayor from 1975 to 1977. He worked for Clark County for a number of years until his retirement in 1996 and was a member of the Boulder City Horsemen’s Association.

Tom is survived by his daughters, Candi Cooper-Towler and husband Grayson, Stacey Davidson and husband Dennis; nephews, James and John Wells; niece, Rachel Wells; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at the Boulder City Cemetery Pavilion at 2 p.m. Dec. 30. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in his name.

William Frederick Mull

June 24, 1932 – Dec. 14, 2011

William Fredrick Mull, 79, of Boulder City, passed away Dec. 14 in Henderson. William was born June 24, 1932, in Rio Grande City, Texas, to Wylie Hobert Mull and Velma May Mull. After high school William served for 20 years in the United States Army.

William was a great cook and owned Paul’s BBQ in Kingsville, Texas. After moving to the Las Vegas area in 1991, William worked for a number of places including Jokers Wild Casino and Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino. He was a very social person who created great friendships with his coworkers and customers. He loved to cook and did all of the cooking at home. He also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles.

William is survived by his wife, Donna Marie Mull, whom he married Aug. 1, 2008; son, Fredrick Hobert Mull, and Fredrick’s wife, Kelly, of Durango, Colo.; daughter, Cheryl Nall, and her husband, Larry, of Henderson; sister, Patti Dean; and two grandchildren, Ryan Mull and Erin Mull. He is preceded in death by a son, William “Billy Bob” Mull; his father, Wylie Mull; and his mother, Velma Eldridge.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 12:40 p.m. at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Funeral services are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary. Family and friends can sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bo familymortuary.com.

Patricia June Webb

June 5, 1932 – Dec. 17, 2011

Patricia June Webb, 79, of Boulder City, passed away on Dec. 17 in Las Vegas. She was born June 5, 1932, in North Dakota of tough and loving Scandinavian stock. After a childhood that included caring for her three younger siblings, she married a World War II veteran in 1951 and spent the next 13 years raising two sons — Paul Jr., born in 1952 in Wyoming, and Tony, born in 1955 in Indiana. In 1964 they all boarded the big jet plane and flew off to Saudi Arabia to work for the Arabian-American Oil Company (Aramco). While there, she managed to work, support her husband, raise her children and travel the world.

In 1984 retirement brought them to Boulder City, where she enjoyed cooking, going to Sunday brunches, a little gambling, and keeping an eye on her two children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful mother who played “Pitch & Catch” in the 115-degree heat of the Saudi Arabian summers, not worrying about herself but only about her husband and children. She will be missed but not forgotten.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m., at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary. The family invites you to sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bo >mortuary.com

Love you, Mom.

Paul Sr., Paul Jr., Tony