O'NEILL, Marcheta (Keta)

The Daily Miner 1/14/2010 Marcheta "Keta" Blossom O'Neill of Kingman passed away in peace as the sun set on Saturday, Jan. 9, of the new year. She was born in 1926 in Beatrice, Neb., and came to Kingman in 1942. Her father, Ray, was a butcher for Hafley's Supermarket. Her mother, Viola, was a homemaker. Marcheta was an only child. She is survived by three of her four children, Raymond Stackpoole, Coleen Brown Pethers and Steve Brown. There are nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Marcheta graduated from MCUHS in 1944. Early on, she held jobs at the local movie theater selling tickets and popcorn; processing film at the Fritz Studios; and as a clerk and soda jerk at the drugstore on Beale. In time, she began working at Central Commercial Company for "Papa" Gates where she began her experimentation with window displays; her mastery of which could be noted throughout the seasons. Whether selling appliances at Clark Furniture Company or attending to managerial duties for Mohave Radio and Electric, Marcheta was a loyal and dedicated employee. She belonged to the "Daughters of the Pioneer" in her younger years. She is remembered for Western theme parties on Spring Street across from St. Mary's Church downtown. She learned the art of floristry from the late Lillian Pattillo in the '60s. During the '50s and '60s, Marcheta found time to be active in the activities of her four children. She worked the refreshment stands at Little League games and served as an alternate coach. She drove the kids to out-of-town games and hand-tailored uniforms for the girls group of baton twirlers called the "Top Hats." Ever the active modern mother, she also shuttled carloads of kids to parades and functions all over the state of Arizona and even into California and Nevada. Marcheta had served as a member of the Kingman Business Professional Women's Association. She was president for many years of the Kingman Square Merchants Association. She started the tradition of Halloween parades at the shopping center, which she led every year with great enthusiasm. She always arranged for Santa to fly in on a helicopter or brought in on a big red fire truck. Some of the town's older citizens may remember that Marcheta started "Designs by Keta," a silk flower and gift boutique, with Carol Kennedy in 1964 - her humble beginnings in the IM George building where the Wells Fargo bank stands today. Eventually, she bought out Kennedy and went into fresh flowers shortly after with much encouragement from Lillian Pattillo. She closed that shop in 1968, married and left Kingman for a year and a half. She returned to work for Tommy Choy at a newly started "Mandarin Orchid House" in 1972. She and her daughter, Colleen, bought the shop in 1973. They were there until they sold the shop in 2008. She worked in the shop until she was 82 years old. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Katie Brown Grommon; her husband, Gene O'Neill; her father, Raymond Peterson; and her mother, Viola Peterson. One might render her living breath a waterfall pronouncing a very special hour tomorrow, something meaningful to all neighbors near, as well as all neighbors far. However, what became important, on her "Journey," is the dream "today" and the "will" to those "dreaming" a better tomorrow. She is survived by everyone in this town who appreciated her gifts. She is survived by all of you who give back unto this society. All of us have reasons "worth," and "for" these reasons we remember her "today" and "tomorrow." There is no doubt, tomorrow, her physical presence will be sorely missed. There is no doubt her guidance - by means of artistic offering - is gone. There is no doubt her death marks the end of an era. That her grandchildren might be found - in the years to come - assembling witches and sorcerers, glowing pumpkins or ghosts along a familiar street during Halloween is simply reminding us of the great woman we have lost. For all our children to be equally inspired is both meaningful and informative. For if one might choose a life within which to design their very future - in ways that heal each person with reach - then how can we not make a world more impressive with its exponential peacefulness? She no longer walks among the living. Let us pray, her spirit continues long. Let us pray, her talents are not alone in the lingering fires her artistic gift have left smoldering on the tables of our hearts. Let us give thanks and celebration to the ending gift of a meaningful being. Might we speak to our children - reverently - about a life worth living. She has planned a gathering that includes all of us. Your presence in spirit - your presence in the flesh - all of it - to Marcheta - will be equally meaningful. In this letter, she means to express farewell. So, to all of you, Kingman - Farewell. See you in the next life. Of course, all flowers are welcome; her memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at Sutton Memorial Funeral Home, 1701 Sycamore Ave.