Mary Lois Mortenson, 85, recently passed away in Hereford, AZ after a long illness. Raymond B. Mortenson, 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep, also in Hereford.
Mary and Raymond were former residents of Cliff and the Silver City area since 1972. They moved back to Arizona in May of 2015.
Mary was born in the Chiricahua Mountains in Arizona and grew up in Elfrida, AZ after moving around a lot as a young child. Mary was the 11th child out of 13. Raymond was born in Pomerene, Ariz., and lived in various places such as Elfrida and Mesa, Ariz., before settling in Bisbee, Ariz., after his discharge from the Army.
Mary married Raymond in 1950. They resided in Bisbee, AZ from 1953 until 1972. Mary was a wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. Mary is survived by her daughter, Linda Rogers, granddaughter, Lyndsey Mortenson, grandson, Christopher Mortenson, and great granddaughter, Zoe Lynn, brothers Harold Dees, Earl (Ellen) Dees, and sisters in law Doris and Phylis Dees.
Raymond was a decorated Korean War Army veteran who went to work for Phelps Dodge in Bisbee, Ariz., in January 1954. Raymond was transferred to Tyrone in 1972. He continued working for Phelps Dodge until his retirement in 1983. He never missed a day of work his entire work career.
Raymond and Mary Lois moved to Cliff in 1982. After living in Cliff for 28 years, Raymond and Mary moved to Silver City, then to Santa Clara. In May 2015, they moved back to Arizona.
Raymond loved working with his hands. He loved building things, fishing, and being outdoors puttering in his garden. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone needing help.
He was a loving father and grandfather. Raymond is survived by his daughter, Linda Rogers; grandson, Christopher Mortenson; granddaughter, Lyndsey Mortenson; and great-granddaughter, Zoe Lynn.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Marty and Lloyd Mortenson; and his sisters, Norma Howard and Ila Reynolds.
Raymond was very fond of dogs.
Raymond preceded Mary in death, but a dual graveside service for them will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Mesa Cemetery in Gila, NM.
Cremation has taken place.
Also preceding Mary in death were their son, Jerry Mortenson, son-in-law Richard A. Rogers, and ten brothers and sisters.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the High Desert Humane Society, PO Box 1973, Silver City, NM 88062.
Bright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, "Traditional Services and Care for your family and friends", 210 W. College Ave., Silver City, NM, 575-388-1911.
Remembrances can be made to www.brightfuneral.net