GRUNDER, Viva Mae (Auntie Vi)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 01/07/2005 Viva Mae (Wetherbee) Grunder, "Auntie Vi", 89, of Concho Valley passed away Thursday Dec. 30, 2004 at Bannon Springs Ranch in Vernon. She was born Sept. 1, 1915 in West Union, Iowa. Viva formerly was a Thoroughbred Race Horse owner and trainer with her husband at Arizona Downs/Turf Paradise in Phoenix and many other racetracks around the country. She also sewed jockey silks and pants for hundreds of racehorse owners. Many friends and relatives from around the country will miss a most incredible woman, who shot her last Elk four years ago. Viva is survived by her sister, Darline Altabet of Laguna Woods, California; numerous nieces and nephews, and a large extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, C.Q. "Charlie"; parents, Retta Mae and Colonel William Wetherbee; brothers, Arnold, Melvern, Lavern and Lawrence; sisters, Cecil and Catherine. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. To send private condolences or to sign the online guest book, visit www.owensmortuary.com.