Obituaries

January 14, 1937 – May 29, 2021 George Thomas Swarts, Kingman, Arizona, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, May 29, 2021 with family members at his side.  He was preceded in death by his parents Bern and Carmelita Swarts, his sister Rosalie Christensen, and his brother Jim Swarts.  He is survived by his ex-wife Maren Webb, his daughters Diane, Maria, and Rose (Dolly) Swarts, and grandchildren Jayde Swarts and RJ Herrera. Born the first of identical twin boys, on January 14, 1937, George grew up near the ocean in Pacific Beach/San Diego. He and his brother Jim, “the buds”, were constant companions. He graduated from La Jolla High School where he

Nora Elizabeth (Chimento) Speer, age 78, went peacefully to be with her Lord on May 5th, 2021 at Banner Hospital in Phoenix, AZ.  Born November 17, 1942 in Springfield Il,  she was third of 10 children born to Joseph and Beulah Chimento. Nora married Jack Speer in 1977 and they merged their 6 children into one happy little family, raising their children in Phoenix, AZ.  That same year they also started their company, Steel Erection & Maintenance, Inc.  Nora and Jack worked side by side in the field, and in the office, to get their business going. Today it’s a successful company being run by two of their children, Jim

Nora Elizabeth (Chimento) Speer, age 78, went peacefully to be with her Lord on May 5th, 2021 at Banner Hospital in Phoenix, AZ.  Born November 17, 1942 in Springfield Il,  she was third of 10 children born to Joseph and Beulah Chimento. Nora married Jack Speer in 1977 and they merged their 6 children into one happy little family, raising their children in Phoenix, AZ.  That same year they also started their company, Steel Erection & Maintenance, Inc.  Nora and Jack worked side by side in the field, and in the office, to get their business going. Today it’s a successful company being run by two of their children, Jim

Dear Editor, A touch of insanity seems rife in the conservative ranks, or maybe it is just woeful lack of common sense. How else does one conclude the January 6 insurrection does not require a bipartisan commission tasked with investigating the assault on the Capitol? The majority of us saw the taped interviews of Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy condemning those involved as well as insinuating Donald Trump was at least partially, if not mostly to blame. Now both gentlemen suddenly seem to have changed their minds and don’t think the commission is such a good idea. It is speculative to suggest both do not want to explain the reasons

Heather Rashele Tomperi (Hedges)  went home to the Lord Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 51 years old. Heather is survived by her Sister Misti Hedges; Children Taylor Hedges (Charity Hedges), Dennie Hedges (Paul Burgett), Eric Tomperi and Myriah Tomperi; her Aunt Leanna Butrymowitz, whom she had a special friendship with; many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins; and lastly, her grandchildren Luna, Alice, Grayson, Olive, and Ivy, whom she loved fiercely. She is preceded in death by her parents Sharon and Dennis Hedges, grandson Taylor Hedges Jr., and many others.  Heather graduated from Kingman High School in 1987. She then went on to work as a CNA and Unit Coordinator at

Harold Raymond Smith Sr., age 95 and a longtime resident of Kingman, Arizona, passed away on May 31, 2021.  Known as Bud while growing up, Smitty by his coworkers, and Raymond by his family and friends, he was born to Pierce and Virgie Smith on December 5, 1925, near Foreman, Arkansas.  His extensive family moved to Kingman in September 1940 and he remained in Kingman until his death. Raymond’s parents Pierce and Virgie, older sisters Opal and Gladys, younger brothers Jim and Clarence preceded him in death.  He is survived by his loving wife of 78 years, Elsie; children Linda (Sid) White, Ray Jr. (Sheila) Smith, and Roger (Coleen) Smith,