Manataba Messenger

Page 20 Obituaries Continued from Page 19 Barney “Beaver” Aspa Barney was of Chemehuevi/ Quechan descent on his paternal side and of Hopi Tewa descent on his maternal side. Barney was the eldest of his siblings. His brothers and sis- ters are Raymond, Eugene, Darnella, Larry, Mike, Herbie, Glenda, James, Richard, Maynard, and Darrell. In his extended family, the three others he loved and cared deeply about were his beloved Grandma Elsie, his Aunt Esther, and his sister/friend, Sharon Hogsten. Barney was preceded in death by: his parents; his firstborn son, Ronald Lee; his sisters, Darnella and Glenda; and his brothers, Eugene, Larry, and Darrell (Whimpy). He is sur- vived by his loving wife, Jennifer, and his children: sons Ryan, Robin (Elvira) Mykah, Nick, and daughter, Kayla, and all twelve grandchildren. Barney, by no means, lived an easy childhood, but from the outside looking in, once he became an adult, you would not have guessed his personal story. He was resilient and overcame the adversities in his life. Barney, as a child, did not have much of anything materially. He was not being used to having the annual Christmas tree, once Barney went out to the wide-open spaces and brought a greasewood bush back home to be decorated. It was not uncommon for Ethel and Barney to drive around looking for small game such as rabbit to shoot for the dinner meal. He learned to play with rocks and sticks and never called crayons anything other than “colors.” He loved it when he could have colors and paper. At a young age, he developed the skills to “Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.” For those who are not familiar with the Marine Corps slogan, Barney, as a child, had inad- vertently learned the mindset which provided him the skills for dealing with any physi- cal, mental, or spiritual hardship. That being said, Barney’s greatest regret was that he never served in the military. His father’s rigid parenting style came from his father’s own time in the Army, which may have factored into Barney’s strong lifelong work ethics. Still, his grandmother, Elsie, had a huge influence over him. Elsie would tell Barney, “Work for what you have!” “You are your community.” and “Don’t grow up to be a drinker!” Likewise, his mother, Ethel, deeply influenced him toward his walk in the Christian faith. At a young age, Barney was baptized at the same church where his par- ents were married in September 1948 at the Poston Baptist Church. As the story goes, Barney’s cousin “Hippo” that day helped with Barney’s baptism by pushing him into the water. It was expected when the Poston kids got together, they could be quite mischie- vous, and it usually was. BARNEY’S SCHOOL YEARS – Barney first attended Le Pera Elementary School before moving to Peach Springs with his father and siblings. At Le Pera, Barney told stories of “Old Man Le Pera” using the paddle on the kids until they said, “Thank You.” While liv- ing at Peach Springs, Barney, and another boy by the last name, Tapija helped the BIA Forestry when the first elk was stocked. It was the responsibility of the two boys to unload the elk from the hauler. It can be said, that the elk of today in the Peach Springs area descended from those original elk the two boys unloaded. Barney would finish 8th grade at Peach Springs before returning to Parker to attend and graduate from Parker High School in 1968.During his high school years, Barney participated in a variety of extracurricular interests. He played football as a guard (1– 2 – 3) with one former team- mate saying “He may have been a twig, but you sure didn’t want him tackling you;” JV Basketball (1 – 2); Track (3); Baseball Outfielder (1 – 2 – 3), and during his Junior year, he was co-Captain; and made All-Conference and All-State 2nd team. On a side note, when Barney’s sons reached high school age, they too chose to wear their Dad’s jersey num- bers. Barney was in Letterman’s Club (1 – 2 – 3) and served as Club President. Joining 4- H, he was also successful in raising a steer.After high school, Barney moved from Parker to the Phoenix area, where he attended ABC Trade School, becoming a certified welder and diesel mechanic. Barney also found for a brief time work as a Bellman for a hotel while in school. Following trade school, Barney worked for LDBS as a certified welder, but it wasn’t long until he decided to move back to his hometown. BARNEY’S LOVES AND MARRIAGES Barney would marry Amelia Laffoon in October 1968. Together they had three sons. Some years later, Barney would marry Connie Svoboda, whom he met while working for RWWest & Sons, a John Deere franchise. They married in February 1984 and remained so until she died in 1994. Through his friendship with Jimmy Hall as members of the BPO Elks Lodge, Barney was introduced to Jennifer Mounts. Barney pointed her out, and the rest is history. They were married in November 1996, and together are the parents of the three younger children, two sons, and one daughter. His greatest joy has always been his children and grandchildren. BARNEY’S WORK – Barney worked briefly for Bruce Church Farms in the Parker Valley before deciding to attend ABC Trade School in Phoenix, where he developed his interest as a welder and mechanic. He returned to Parker and went to work for RWWest & Sons, a John Deere franchise for 15 years before joining Southwest Gas, where he retired after 30 years. During his time with Southwest Gas, he was one of only two company-wide District Service Techs. He was so good at his job that upon his retirement, the plaque recognition was to “Barney Aspa – Mr. Southwest Gas.” Not one to settle into retirement, Barney again decided to go back to work and took a position at the IHS - Parker Indian Health Center. Many of his friends and colleagues have expressed how much he is already missed. BARNEY’S WALK IN HIS CHRISTIAN FAITH – Barney served as a Ruling Elder of the Parker Valley Presbyterian Church circa 1970. Barney was also known to attend Grace Assembly of God Church and Parker First Baptist Church. He volunteered his time serv- ing on church committees or volunteering his time providing lawn maintenance and improvement of the church grounds.Barney may have been baptized early in his child- hood, but it was in 2002 when as an adult, he decided to re-dedicate his life to Christ and under the ministry of Pastor David Hill of the Harvest Mission Church. He was again baptized. BARNEY’S COMMUNITY SERVICE – Barney had such a firm commitment to doing his part at making the community he was raising his family in a better place. Barney served not once but twice as Exalted Ruler of Parker BPO Elks Lodge # 1929. Barney had served in each of the lodge offices and recently had begun contemplating taking on the official duties of “Tyler,” the guardian of a lodge. Barney reflected that now he was an old coot, that would be a perfect position for him, as it was a position held for many years by someone he held in high regard, Henry Little. Suffice to say, that time as the official “Tyler” was not to be, however, Barney will forever, un-officially be the lodge “guardian.” Barney served the Parker Volunteer Fire Department for 32 years. He first served as Fireman, quickly promoting to Captain of Engine # 2203. He was the Department’s train- ing officer, ensuring that on a two-year training rotation, the members received special- ized training from knowledgeable sources such as Southwest Gas, Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Metropolitan Water District, and Arizona Public Service. Barney also served for three years as Assistant Fire Chief under Chief Larry Starr. Probably some of his most rewarding times were when gifts for needy children were loaded on the fire truck, and he dressed up as Santa Claus to make delivery to the Child Protective Services annual Christmas event for the children. Jennifer stated, she didn’t think they ever per- sonally saw the Southwest Gas annual bonus because Barney felt it more important to donate it locally for the user to purchase toys or baskets of food for those who had fallen on hard times. Barney was a consummate volunteer. He coached when his kids were in Pop Warner Football; he coached softball and baseball. He was known to feed them and drive them. Whatever was needed to be a successful season, Barney would dig deep to make sure it happened. It was just in recent years when he was again contacted about coaching a team of Little League Minors, and without hesitation, Barney stepped up to fill the need.BAR- NEY’S HOBBIES – Barney loved hunting, fishing, coaching, golfing, and his service to his community. Barney, at some point in time, he even learned how to make Chemehuevi cradleboards. Barney enjoyed golf so much that it led to an every Saturday standing tee- time, which he would move to Fridays during football season. As we mourn and reconcile ourselves on the passing of Barney, may we remind our- selves, only our heavenly father knows “Our Season,” if we are true believers as Barney was, we should trust in God’s ultimate wisdom which is far greater than our own.In clos- ing, the arrangements have been handled by the Parker Funeral Home. From Jennifer and all the children, they would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to those who have shared words and acts of kindness at this time of their loss and grief. In Loving Memory of Elliott Leroy Booth January 14, 1941—June 27, 2020 Son of the Late Alfred Booth & the Late Marie Ameelyenah. Brother to the Late Vivian Booth, Robert Ameelyenah, Marlene Doole & Shirley Eder. Father to Kimberly, Farrell, Rochelle, and Le Anne Booth. Grandfather to Justin & Jon Booth, and Chandel Sharp. Great-Grandfather to Jayde, Ethan, Aiyana, Kuwan, Arianna, Maiara, Jacelyn, Alauna, and Aaron Jr. Elliott Leroy Booth was born on January 14, 1941, and passed away on June 27, 2020; his arrangements were under the care of Parker Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on July 6, 2020, at 3:00 PM at Parker Funeral Home, 1704 S. Ocotillo Ave., Parker, Arizona . Colorado River Indian community mourns the loss and pays tribute to former Vice-Chairman Elliott Booth In recognition of his public service, the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Tribal Council is remembering and honoring the life of one of its former Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and councilmember who passed away this past week. Elliott Leroy Booth (Mohave, Papago, and Pawnee) made his journey on June 27, 2020. Elliot first entered public service for the CRIT on December 2, 1978, for his first term in office on the 23rd Tribal Council. He became a member of the Chairman Tony Drennan, Sr. Administration and was elected by that council to serve as Secretary from 1978-1982. In 1978, Elliot also served as the Health Coordinator for the Department of Health & Social Services. He was re-elected to the 24th, 26th and 27th Tribal Council as Vice-Chairman on December 6, 1980, and served as Vice-Chairman until 1990. Elliot further served his tribe as Chairman of the Southwest Indian Agricultural Association from 1989 through 1998. CONTINUED Page 21