MENDENHALL, Thais Claire

The White Mountain Independent's Online Edition, Show Low, Arizona Thais Claire Mendenhall 10/20/2006 Thais Claire Mendenhall, 88, died Oct. 17, 2006 in Yuma. She was born January 24, 1918 in Gonzales, Calif. to Knute and Josephine Johannsen. She grew up and attended school in Gonzales. She was active in sports and loved to run track. She was a track star at Gonzales High School, where she graduated. Thais was very athletic and after high school, she even competed in swim meets. After high school, Thais became a beautician and opened her own shop in Gonzales. She met George Mendenhall and they were married in September of 1940. They made their home in Salinas, Calif. It is in Salinas that they started their family. George and Thais had four sons; Mike, Gary, Richard, and Bill. Thais' love of sports was passed onto her boys and she never missed one of their ball games. She loved to go watch their golf tournaments all over the state. Her family was very important to her. She was a good homemaker, and always took care of the family's needs. In 1981 she and George retired to Show Low, where she loved to be in the outdoors, and loved to work in her garden. She will be missed by all who knew her. Thais is survived by her four sons, Mike of Yuma, Gary (Leanna) of Show Low, Richard (Karen) of Yuma, Bill (Pam) of Yuma; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, George. A service is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. at Owens Mortuary, with a viewing one hour prior to service. Interment will be at the Show Low Cemetery. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements.