Ralph William Higgins

Ralph William (Skip) Higgins, 93, of Chino Valley, AZ passed away on Friday, June 3, 2022 of causes incident to his age. He loved everyone, and would talk to anyone as long as they cared to. He was happy, content, and fulfilled, and lived a long and blessed life.
He was born in San Diego, California on April 28, 1929 to Ralph Sims Higgins and Margaret O Connel Higgins. He lived in various locations in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas, then moved to Bullhead City, AZ in 1974, and then built his house and retired in Chino Valley, AZ.
He served in the United States Navy, on board the USS Toledo from 1947-1950, earning distinctions for China Service and participation in the Japan Occupation. It was in this service that he received his initial training as an Electrician.
Almost immediately after his honorable discharge from the Navy, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving at several bases for approximately four years, from 1950-1954, when he received his second honorable discharge, this time from the Air Force.
He was a Journeyman Electrician, and a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The majority of his career was spent at various power plants owned by Southern California Edison.
He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in various positions in the Church.
He married Lila Angle of Safford, AZ in the Mesa Arizona temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 3, 1961. She passed away in 2011, shortly after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They had three children: Jennifer, Paula, and Robert. At the time of his passing, they also have 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lila, his daughter Jennifer Atkin, and son-in-law David Leiker. He is survived by his daughter Paula Leiker of Chino Valley, son and daughter-in-law Robert and Kaori Higgins of Chiba, Japan, son-in-law Michael Atkin of Flagstaff, grandchildren Benjamin, Sarah, Christopher, Mikaela, Isaac, Jacob, Anna, Samuel, Lucas, and Eliza, and great-grandchildren Evelyn, Daniela, Adam, James, Wesley, Eli, Emily, Zion, and Miriam.
He was buried with full military honors on June 8, 2022; next to his wife Lila in the Chino Valley Cemetery.
Arrangements were handled by Norvel Owens Mortuary in Flagstaff.