BONHAM, Lois (Lefty) Jean

The Payson Roundup, Payson, Arizona, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 Lois “Lefty” Jean Bonham February 17, 1931 - March 14, 2015 Former Payson and Kingman resident Lois Jean “Lefty” Bonham passed away March 14, 2015 in Mesa, Ariz. She was 84 years old. Jean was born at home Feb. 17, 1931 in Brawley, Calif. She started playing women’s softball with the “Gold Diggers” team in 1945 in Kingman as a first baseman. She played professional Women’s Softball with the A-1 Queens in Phoenix from 1949 to 1957. Then she moved to P.B.S.W. Ramblers, playing with them from 1957 to 1963. She played first base, catcher and outfielder. She was “All American 1st Baseman” on the National All American team in 1960 in Bridgeport, Conn. In 2000, she was inducted into the Arizona Softball Hall of Fame. She had her uniforms made into a quilt and it is displayed at the Arizona Softball Hall of Fame Museum in Prescott, Ariz. Jean worked at Consolidated in Phoenix as a light gas welder. Jean and Jeanie Ricca, “The Jean’s” began a partnership that lasted 60 years. They opened and operated Bon Ric’s Pet Palace Dog Grooming shop in Phoenix for 25 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and her best friend and partner, Jean Ricca. She is survived by her sister, Sharon K. Hubbs (Gary), Chino Valley, Ariz.; brother, Ray Bonham (Michele), Flagstaff, Ariz.; niece, Kara Russo (Tom), Gilbert, Ariz.; nephews, Gary Hubbs (Stephanie), Bayfield, Colo.; R.P. Bonham (Sue), Phoenix, Ariz.; Ryan Bonham (Cheyanne), Chicago, Ill. Also surviving are grand-nephews, Cole Russo, Brooks, Gage, Penn, Raymond Lane and Rhys Bonham; and grand-nieces, Payten Russo, Reyetta and Karlee Hubbs. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Arizona Softball Foundation in Prescott, Ariz. or Hospice of the Valley. Arrangements by Messinger Indian School Mortuary, Scottsdale, Ariz.