Desert Messenger

16 www.DesertMessenger.com March 20, 2024 RALPH M. CHERRIER, JR. OCTOBER 29, 1938 - FEBRUARY 11, 2024 Ralph passed away peacefully in his home on February 11, 2024. He was born to Ralph Sr. and Marga- ret Cherrier in Northfi eld, Minne- sota. He and his 3 siblings lived in St. Louis, Missouri for a number of years before the family moved to Modesto, California in 1951. In high school he participated in speech de- bates and acting in theatre produc- tions. After graduation in 1956, Ralph joined the Navy and served his Country on the U.S.S. Frank Knox destroyer. During 4 years of tour duty, he visited Hawaii, Japan, and Australia. His career path in mortage title insurance took him to Sacramento and San Francisco. Ralph's writing WESLEY L. HUNTLEY Wes Huntley unexpectedly passed away on Feb 23, 2024, due to a complication in a heart procedure. He was a resident of Quartzsite for 34 years. He is survived by his wife Mary of 64 years, daughters Chris- tine Gish of Apache Junction, Cath- leen Stigall of South Bend, WA, Col- leen Emerick of Apache Junction, and his son, Wesley Huntley of Go- liad Texas. As well as eight grand- children and nine great grandchil- dren. Wesley said he had an amazing life and did everything he wanted to do. Born in Rapid City, SD, raised in St- urgis. School never appealed to him so hunting and fi shing in the Black Hills occupied his time. His father eventually taught him the sheet metal trade and upon moving to California he was one of the young- est journeymen in the LA area. Marrying his newfound sweetheart and starting their family had them moving out of the big city to more country living. Having never been out of work, his diverse knowledge included running his heating, cooling and sheet metal business, bartending, truck driving for an oyster plant, and "Cookie" on a scallop boat. He also helped to lay roads after Mt. St. Helens erupted, a woodworker, Town Council mem- ber and Mayor. His family enjoyed the recreation- al adventures that included fl ying, hunting, fi shing, camping, dune buggies and motorcycles, boat- ing and gold mining. His new love in Quartzsite became building and fl ying RC planes and spent many PAMELA PURSER HIGGINS Pamela Higgins passed away on February 24th, 2024, in Provo Utah. Her parents were Derald and Joy Purser. She was born 10/22/1947 in Ririe Idaho and lived in Richfi eld Utah for the past 28 years. She was an archaeologist and worked for the Utah Department of Transportation. She loved animals and the outdoors. She was loved by everyone she knew and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her aunt, uncle, and many cousins. She will be cre- mated in Midvale Utah and later more memorialized by her family. In Memoriam talent resulted in a book on refl ec- tive poetry. His favorite pastimes included artistic drawing and paint- ing, biographical and historical reading, movies, and music, espe- cially the Eagles. He was also a bas- ketball fan. Ralph's greatest adventure was liv- ing in his van traveling from coast to coast. After 10 plus years on the road he settled in Quartzsite, Arizo- na and became a year around resi- dent of the community. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, nephew Rob, and brother- in-law Ray. He is survived by his brother Ron (Linda), sisters Shirley (Tom), Barbara, nephew Chris (Ju- lie) and special friend Paul. A special thank you to his care- giver Desiree Mitchell and Hospice. Ralph was a kind, gentle, and caring person and will be dearly missed. hours with the fl ying club. Always a good host, there were numerous road trips with family and friends. Quartzsite became his fi nal resting place. The beautiful open vista drew him to this most unique town. The summer sun warmed his body and soul but fall brought back the hustle and bustle of shows and friendship of neighbors and vendors. Our family will miss family get-to- gethers with him, but our memories will warm our hearts forever. LARRY B. SHACKELFORD April 10, 1937—February 17, 2024 How do you sum up a lifetime... You can't! This is our condensed version of memories for this chapter in Larry's life. This isn't for strangers, this is for friends and family. So if you know Larry you know this is only a small portion of his story below. Please add your stories and pictures to help with this chapter in Larry's life. We all know there is going to be a big hole left behind now that he is gone. They are mighty big shoes to fi ll, that is for sure. He made a lot of friends in his life and hearing the many many many stories from all of them has truly been spectacular. Larry's memory will forever carry on with his friends and loved ones. His son Craig and daughter-in-law Rae Shackelford, his son David and daughter-in-law Tish Shackelford and Larry's loving daughter Kimber- ly Cooley. Along with the 6 grandchil- dren and 10 great grandchildren. DEADLINE : WED. A PRIL 10 TH for April 17 t h edition Desert Messenger News Email: editor@DesertMessenger.com 928-916-4235 www.DesertMessenger.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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