Alma Lee “Bud” Stailey, 86, of Gila, passed away Friday, February 15, 2013 at his residence. Mr. Stailey was born February 21, 1926, in Safford, AZ. He was the son of Orson Alma and Clarabell (Lee) Stailey. He married Nora Ann Donaldson April 6, 1946 in Riverside, NM.
He is survived by three sons, Glen Stailey and his wife, Michelle of Silver City, Daryl Stailey and his wife Leanna, of Las Cruces, NM, David Stailey and his wife, Diane, of Blackfoot, ID; four daughters Donna Koopman and her husband Bob, of Phoenix, AZ, Patricia Chapman and her husband Joe of Safford, AZ, Shawna Arnold and her husband Kirby of Cliff, NM, Darla Bland and her husband Mike of Phoenix, AZ; thirty eight grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; two brothers, Robert Dean Stailey of Silver City, NM and Rex Stailey and his wife Marina of ShowLow, AZ; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Nora Ann Stailey; his parents, Orson and Clarabell Stailey; two sons, Dennis Stailey and James “Jimbo” Stailey; one grandson, Krispen Jerome Arnold; his brother, Wilford “Buzz” Stailey; three sisters, Georgia Matthews Wilmes, Priscilla Newsom and Florene Villarreal.
Mr. Stailey served in the US Navy during WWII as well as the Korean Conflict. Mr. Stailey worked most of his life as a heavy equipment operator, but his passion was farming. He worked part of the ground that he farmed as a young boy. He took great pride in producing a huge garden each year, giving most of the produce away. He loved sitting down for a rest each day watching the cattle or horses/mules grazing in the field, or just enjoying the beauty of the fields, mountains and water surrounding him. He loved this country and the Gila Valley and tears usually ran down his cheek when conversations were about either of these topics. Hard work brought him great pleasure. “Bud” and Nora Ann Stailey taught their children and grandchildren the importance and value of hard work by example - something they both did each day of their life.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Gila, New Mexico with Tex Donaldson with full military honors. Burial to follow at Gila/Mesa Cemetery.
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. To send condolences login to www.brightfuneral.net