Bobby D. Valenzuela

Bobby Dean Valenzuela of Cornville passed peacefully at home December 28, 2010. Bobby was born in Mesa, Arizona on February 20, 1944 to Johnnie and Velma Valenzuela. He graduated from Gilbert High School and went on to play baseball at Eastern Arizona College, football at Palo Verde College in California and ended his college baseball career at Northern Ariozna University graduating in 1970. Bobby taught physical education and coached varsity baseball at Mingus Union High School in both Jerome and Cottonwood for 26 years, retiring in 1996. He was an Arizona native and spent the last 40 years in Cornville. Following his retirement, Bobby actively volunteered at the Verde Vallley Fairgrounds where he served on the Executive Board of Directors for many years. An avid sports enthusiast, Bobby loved to hunt and attend ASU football and baseball games. Bobby was a member of the Clarkdale Elks Lodge and a member of Immaculate Conception Parish. Bobby is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary; his daughter Theresa Jean (Albie) Ettinger and granddaughter Mari Grace. Other survivors include: brother, Richie Valenzuela (Joanne) of Mesa; sisters Patsy Hargis of Cornville, Barbara Norton (Ron) of Mesa and Loretta Fuller (Glen) of Mesa;and sister in law Linda Valenzuela of Fenley, Nevada; mother in law Jean Babich of Globe; brother in law John Babich; his precious dog Lola; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, brother Johnnie Valenzuela and son Tim. In lieu of lfowers the family requests donations be made to Mingus Connection in care of the Tim Valenzuela Scholarship, 1801 E. Fir St., Cottonwood, AZ 86326. Viewing will be held at Westcott Funeral Home from 5 to 7 PM with a Rosary at 6 PM on Thursday December 30. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, December 31 at Immaculate Conception Parish, Bill Grey Rd., Cottonwood. A reception will be held immediately following the services at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com