KINGMAN — Eleven local women were honored Sunday for outstanding contributions to the community at the 42nd Annual Women Making History awards, coinciding with National Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future and the categories range from Arts to Volunteerism.
Held at St. John’s United Presbyterian Church, the ceremony was attended by a large group of attendees as well as representatives of elected officials who made presentations to the recipients. Dr. Coral J. Evans, MBA, Northern Arizona Director for U.S. Senator Mark Kelly and Penny L. Pew, District Director and Intergovernmental Affairs for U.S. Representative Paul A. Gosar presented each recipient with a certificate.
Prior to the presentation of the awards, a moment of silence was called for Trish Cobb, 2017 WMH (Women Making History) award recipient who passed away on May 22, 2025. Cobb composed a song some years ago entitled “Thank You, Women Who Make History”. The lyrics were printed in the program. The last line of the song reads, “In the darkest night, you’ve been someone’s guiding light. You inspire and change the course of history.” A tearful and poignant remembrance was presented by Cheryl Smith.
In attendance was Cobb’s husband, Alan Bensch, and two daughters, Adriana and Gabriella. A surprise presentation was made by Bruce Carter who brought a quilt from Cobb’s co-workers at the Mohave County Library.
The 2026 Recipients are:
Dottie Sileo-Arts/ Nominated by Mary Miller
Jewelee Steed-Business / Nominated by Kimberly Soles
Salina Witt-Education / Nominated by Celeste M. Lucier
Krista Yokley-Health/Medical Professions / Nominated by Coylynn Colbaugh
Paula Hafley Shuffler-Lifetime Achievement / Nominated by Betsy Parker
Sheli Grigg-Other: Rural Historian / Nominated by Renee Grigg
Marilyn (Mert) Glancy-Pioneering / Nominated by Daughters of Mohave County Pioneers
Linda Williams-Professions / Nominated by Kristen Nelson-Rowan
Lydia Durst Henry-Public Services / Nominated by Blaine Henry
Amelgia (Amie) Wade-Religion / Nominated by Suellen Stewart
Marcia Joslin-Volunteering / Nominated by Kari Vansickle Binkinz
Sheli Grigg, nominated by her niece, Renee Grigg, has lived in Hackberry for sixty-seven years, she said it was like being on another planet at first but it didn’t take her long to fall in love with her new state, town and people who live there. She moved to Kingman when she was nine years old from Wisconsin.
She married into the Grigg family 60 years ago and her husband, Ted, comes from a family that has lived in Mohave County for more than 136 years. Their great grandchildren are the 8th generation who have lived in Mohave County.
“We have a lot to be thankful for. I always say that my children love to tease me and say I am the transplant of the family…and I always tell them that may be true, but I feel my roots here are deeper than theirs are,” she said with a chuckle. “Small towns are the best, from Hackberry to Valentine, to Truxton and Peach Springs. We were able to go through life together, helping each other in many ways.
“Many friends have passed into history by now. I am one of the few ladies left who remembers gatherings at our small schools, funerals, and just plain get-togethers for a visit. I hope I am remembered as a good friend and neighbor too.”
Paula Hafley-Shuffler, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award, and nominated by Betsy Parker, said she was thankful for many mentors she had throughout her life, including her first-grade teacher, Bonnie Owens, her aunt, Elizabeth Hafley, who was a recipient of one the first awards in 1984, Marion Watson and Mary Chan.
“I am so proud to be among this group of recipients and honorees,” she said.
