SANDSNESS, Eldon Lee (Slim)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Thursday, February 19, 2015 Eldon Lee (Slim) Sandsness was born Aug. 27, 1939, to Eugene and Emma Sandsness (nee Christie) of Big Timber, Montana, where he resided until moving to Prescott in about 1946. He was the middle of four siblings, Melvin, Don, Elmer and Audrey (Colbert) Sandsness. Eldon graduated from Prescott High School in 1957. He had a love for the western way of life fostered by his father. By the time he graduated, he had already spent time working on ranches, and he left home to make his own mark on the world. Eldon worked on a feedlot in Stanfield and on ranches in Arizona and California, most notably, the RO Ranch, Babbitt Ranch and the place he felt most at home, the Diamond A's at Black Tanks camp. He married Janet (nee Fancher) in 1959, and sired six children, Huck, Karensa, Eldon, Nancy (Smail), Deanna (Homedew) and Kathy (Gray). He raised the six children for a while as a single father, with the help of his oldest daughter, Karensa. He remarried in 1984 to Karen (nee Coppinger), becoming the father of Rusty Blakeman and Bonnie Jones. He lived in Nebraska, and Casa Grande and Kingman, Arizona before finally settling in Skull Valley, Arizona, where he lived out his last days. He was preceded in death by his brothers Mel and Elmer; a stepson Billy Blakeman; a grandchild, Brittney Homedew; and a great-grandchild, Cody Denny. He leaves behind a large family including Karen; his other siblings; his progeny; and an aunt, Vi Moss. Loyalty was the code that Eldon lived by. He held a very high regard for his family, which he considered his greatest legacy. He often had a small child on his lap. He was a man who taught his family true love, demonstrably, in his even temper, firm hand, and kind words. He helped to raise his grandson, Eph Balow, and was involved with all of his 28 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. He was a man of humor, even during difficult times. He has a reputation of having been a peacemaker. Family members fondly remember coming to him when they were upset as an arbitrator and for comfort. He enjoyed having fun and could often be seen with a mischievous smile on his face, although he was a quiet man. He was a simple man. He loved cowboying and the western way of life. He made cinches and was a leatherworker. He liked to read westerns or historical works, especially regarding his deep family roots. He enjoyed working with wood and making furniture. He was fiercely independent. He was hard working and never expected others to do for him. He loved helping out. Eldon passed away as he lived, feeding livestock, and helping out his son, Huck at his home in Arlington, Arizona. He would have had it no other way. He will be greatly missed. He will be laid to rest in Walnut Grove, Arizona. Those desiring to attend his funeral should meet by 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 21, 2015, at the general store in Skull Valley, Arizona. Funeral arrangements are handled by David's Desert Mortuary in Wickenburg. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated. Information provided by survivors.