STROUD, William (Bill) C.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 07/29/2005 William "Bill" Stroud, 86, a long-time resident of the Luna, New Mexico and Alpine area, died Saturday, July 23, 2005 at Willow Tree Care Center in Delta, Colo. Bill was born July 30, 1918 in Greenforest, Arkansas to the late George Hubert and Mary Ann (Chaney) Stroud. At the age of three years, his family moved to Oklahoma, then later migrated to Texas and New Mexico. He spent most of his childhood and attended school in New Mexico. Bill married Hazel A. Simpson Nov. 22, 1941. They raised a family of four. He was a true cowboy. He loved all there was about ranching. Even after retiring from the ranching life, he continued to ride his horses. At the age of 82, he became the oldest mail carrier to run the mail between Luna and Reserve, N.M on horseback for their annual Luna Days Pioneer celebration. Bill was apt at repairing boots and kept the soles and seams of the boots in Luna, Alpine and Round Valley in good repair. Other interests included hunting everything from deer to mountain lion. Survivors include his sons and their wives: Clint and Pat Stroud, Delta, Colo. and Ken and Janet Stroud, Paonia, Colo; two daughters and their husbands: Mary Ann and Thomas Watkins, Springerville and JoAn and Jerry Monterith, Nutrioso; one sister Nina Jones, Apache Junction and 10 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren. Preceding him in death are his wife, Hazel A. Stoud; parents and seven brothers and sisters. A graveside funeral service was held Tuesday, July 26, at the Eagar Cemetery. Visitation was held at the Burnham-Jewkes Mortuary in Eagar, Monday, July 25. Burnham-Jewkes Mortuary also arranged the graveside service.