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Obituaries

Nicolás Leonet

Nicolás Oronoz Leonet, 63, of Flagstaff, died Wednesday, June 14, 2006, in an automobile accident while at work on Highway 64, 10 miles outside of Williams.

He was born on Jan. 6, 1943, in Arano, Spain, near the Pyrenees (also referred to as "Basque" country) to Sebastina Oronoz and D. Augustin Leonet Perurona.

He attended school in Arano, Spain, and also served in the armed forces in Spain. He came to the United States in 1969 from Spain and was employed by Echandi Sheep company as a shepherd for several years in the Red Lake area outside of Williams, where he took his last breath.

Since 1992, he worked for the Arizona Department of Transportation, where he was most recently employed as a striper tech. Before that, he worked as a highway maintenance tech. Mr. Leonet loved and thoroughly enjoyed his job and his co-workers, who became his honorary extended family. He was well liked by all and will be greatly missed.

Mr. Leonet became a citizen of the United States on Feb. 11, 2000, and was ecstatic about his accomplishment. He would visit his family and friends in Spain approximately every three years, but considered Flagstaff his home.

He enjoyed all sports events and especially the Phoenix Suns, to which he was a dedicated and enthusiastic fan since he first arrived in the United States. He also enjoyed outdoor activities, fishing, cooking, listening to Basque music, being with his many friends and spending quality time with his daughter.

Mr. Leonet was married in 1981 to Olga Chavez. His daughter, Dominique-Nicole was born on Sept. 29, 1987, and recently graduated from Flagstaff High School last week. Mr. Leonet attended and was very proud of his daughter because she was his pride and joy.

He is survived by his wife and daughter, both of Flagstaff; brothers Isidro Leonet Oronoz of Williams and Javier Leonet Oronoz of Astigarraga, Spain; sisters Maria Dominique Ezuerra of Burlada, Spain and Maria Luisa Jaimerena Oronoz of Oiartzun (San Sebastian), Spain; a cousin; four godchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; mother; and in-laws Joe LeGaspie Chavez and Jennie Martinez Chavez.

Rosary was recited Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 7 p.m. at St. Pius Catholic Church, with viewing for the family and friends from 4-6 p.m. at Norvel Owens Mortuary.

Funeral Mass was held Monday, June 19, 2006 at 10 a.m. at St. Pius Catholic Church, with Fr. Clancey officiating. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to Norvel Owens Mortuary.

Donnie Owens Sr.

Donnie Owens Sr., 73, passed away at his home with his family by his side on June 8, 2006, after a long courageous battle of Lewy Body Disease.

Donnie was born Sept. 25, 1932, in Phoenix, the son of Floyd and Mabel Owens. He grew up in Red Lake Valley, outside of Williams. He attended Red Lake Country School, Williams Grade School and graduated from Williams High School in 1952.

Shortly after he graduated, he joined the United States Air Force. Donnie served during the Korean War, being stationed in Japan for two years. He received an honorable discharge in 1956. Donnie returned to Williams and married the love of his life, Carol Sutton. They were blessed with three children, Donnie Jr., Michelle, and Steven.

Donnie worked for Babbitts Grocery Store and transferred to Flagstaff in 1965 where he was the store manager for the Pine Grove Super Market on Fourth Street. He remained a manager in the grocery business for the next nine years. In 1973 Donnie went to work for Holsum Bread Company for the next 10 years. He then bought his own Holsum Bread distribution and retired after eight years.

Donnie loved spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, camping, and relaxing on the beach. He also was an avid Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns fan. He was greatly loved by many people. He had a special way of touching all those who knew him. No matter how hard we tried, we could not come up with the words to describe what a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend he was to all of us.

Donnie is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol, of Flagstaff; children, Michelle (Scott) Stokes, of Cottonwood, Steven (Amber) Owens of Flagstaff and daughter-in-law, Debbie Owens of Oklahoma; sister, Betty Skinner of Chino Valley; grandchildren, Brittney (David) Wyatt, Whitney Owens, Amanda Stokes, Stephanie Owens, Dustin Stokes, Spencer Owens, Renda Owens, Kaitey Stokes, Lacy Stokes, Brianna Owens, Leah Owens, Steven Owens Jr., and Grace Lechner, and a great-grandchild, Toby Priest. Donnie is also survived by his father-in-law, Bill Sutton Sr. of Williams; three brothers and sister-in-laws; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Mabel Owens; his stepfather, Ted Armstrong; his oldest son, Donnie Jr.; his brother and sister-in-law, Collin (Bud) and Janelle Owens; and his mother-in-law, Raynell Sutton.

A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 1 p.m. at the Flagstaff Elks Lodge, 2101 N San Francisco.

We all look forward to seeing those beautiful blue eyes when we meet again.

If you wish, the family asks for donations to be made to the Lewy Body Assn. for further research in hopes to find a cause and cure of this disease. Donations may be sent to Lewy Body Dementia Assn. Inc., P.O. Box 11390, Tempe AZ, 85284-0024.

Arrangements were entrusted to Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary. Please send condolences to the family at www.flagstaffmortuary.com.


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