Miguel Ponce Almaraz

Miguel "Mike" Ponce Almaraz, 86, resident of Cottonwood, passed away on Tuesday, October 23, 2007. He was born September 16, 1921 in Yerba Buena, Mexico to Jose and Isabel (Ponce) Almaraz. Mike served his country during WWII as a Private First Class QMC infantry for the United Staes Army Air Core. For his dedicated service he received the Good COnduct Victory Medal. Miguel retired in 1978, after 21 years of employment with the Arizona Public Service. He served as the Switch Operator Foreman and Curator of the Tapco Power Plant, located just outside of Clarkdale. Tapco served as the withching substation to the Verde Valley and Prescott until 1975 and required a 24 x 7 watch. It can still be seen along the journey of the Verde Canyon Railroad. Miguel symbolized; a father, a friend, a man of strength and courage, and revealed commitment as a family provider. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ida B. Almaraz; his brother, Felix Almaraz and his sister, Maria Almaraz. He is survived by his sons, David (Juanita) Almaraz of Phoenix, Mario Almaraz of Cottonwood, Richard (Bonnie L.) Almaraz of Chandler; his daughter, Josie (John) Bojorquez of Valley Center, California; his brothers, Alberto Almaraz of Flagstaff, and Jose Almaraz of Phoenix; His sisters, Irene Lucero of Phoenix, Carmen Abrego of Flagstaff, and Ignacia Alvarado of Flagstaff; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A visitation will be held at Westcott Funeral Home on Friday, November 2, 2007 from 5:00-7:00pm with the Rosary to begin at 6:00pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 11:00am with interment to follow at the Cottonwood-Azteca Lodge-Cemetery. An online guestbook is available at wwww.westcottfuneralhome.com