Arthurine Gleason

Arthurine (Billie) Gleason, 103, born January 22, 1900, passed peacefully on January 21, 2004. A native of St. Genevieve, MO, Billie's family homesteaded in Higley, AZ in 1918. She later moved to Phoenix and while staying at Mrs. Wiggin's Boarding House, she attended the Gregg Shorthand School. She worked for the State Land Department, then the Sheriff's Department under four different sheriffs. Billie was the first female deputy sheriff, escorting Winnie Ruth Judd to her murder trial. She married Lawrence (deceased in 1934) in 1927 and they had three children, Anne, Larry and Bill. GG (Grandma Gleason) was a caring friend to all. Her sharp wit and twinkling eyes will be missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her family, the happy hour gang on Avenida Hermosa and the wonderful staff at Shea Villa. She is preceded in death by her husband, son Bill and 2 brothers, Andy and Buck. GG is survived by her daughter Anne Zanot, son Larry, sister Mary Louise, 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Memorial Mass will be held 10:30 A.M. Monday, January 26th, at The Community of the Blessed Sacrament, 11300 N. 64th St., Scottsdale, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Shea Villa Assisted Living, 6615 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254.