Timothy Rhoton

Timothy Phil Rhoton was born August 3, 1943; the seventh of eight children to Wilson Dow Rhoton and Serena Lila Penrod. He joined his 3 brothers, Verl, Rex, and Kent; and his sisters, Colleen, and the twins Carolyn and Marilyn. His youngest brother and best friend Tommy arrived 18 mos. later. They were inseparable growing up.

There was no shortage of chores for the kids, including helping Dow with his passion for cattle and cowboying on the weekends. While Tim bemoaned some of the chores, he was instilled with a tremendous work ethic and wise but humble disposition that would carry him through his years and leave a lasting impression on everyone who was blessed to share his company.

Tim graduated from Lakeside High School in 1961, Valedictorian of his class. He was incredibly proud to be a Yellow Jacket and helped bring home the state Class C championship in 6-man football in 1959. He was a devoted Blue Ridge fan throughout his life, and always supported the athletics programs. He very seldom missed a football playoff or State Wrestling tournament. He was their #1FAN for years. He kept nearly every program from playoff/state events and would always fill out the tournament brackets in the back so he would remember who placed where. He was always at practice as soon as football camp began in the summer.

Tim attended ASU, NAU and finally settled in at a new junior college for the state in Yuma, Arizona Western for some time before he felt the call of service to his country, and enlisted in the Army in September of 1966. He attended basic training at Ft. Polk in Louisiana, followed by advanced training with the Army Signal School at Ft. Monmouth in New Jersey and deployed to Vietnam with the 69th Signal Battalion based outside of Saigon at the MACV Communications Headquarters in 1968.

After returning home in 1969, Tim went back to work with Navopache Electric as a staker for the field engineer at the time, his brother Kent Rhoton. He devoted over 37 years of service, enjoyed several promotions and eventually retired as the Manager of Engineering in 2006. He loved his job, and loved the people he worked with and like many others that crossed paths with Tim, became family.

Retirement was a blessing two-fold, as it came one month before Chickie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Tim took such good care of her during her treatment. He would make breakfast every day, and if you asked grandson Danner what he had at Grandma & Grandpa's, he'd always reply "Eggs again" with a smirk. They made it through that year (and many more after) together, stronger. Chickie is still with us and cancer free.

Tim met Chickie Earl in 1970 and married in 1971. They had 3 children, Timmy Steve (1971), Liane Marie (1980) and Terry Jay (1985). While the kids tested both Tim and Chickie's patience over the years (quite often, actually), they were always supportive, understanding and imparted on their kids that true success and happiness is found in family and the relationships you foster, and how you help those around you.

Tim is survived by his wife Chickie and their three children; brother Kent and LaPreal Rhoton; five grandchildren - Dax, Cutter, and Traylen Rhoton; Danner and Addison Thomas, sister's-in-law Dena & husband Mike Baldwin, Paula & husband Ernie Sutter; and also of the four legged variety. He was a favorite Uncle to all!

He left us all with a better understanding of love, family, and community; and what it truly means to serve those that you cherish. He will be missed immensely, but his legacy carries on in lessons he passively imparted on everyone fortunate enough to share a conversation with him.

A viewing will be held Friday October 17th at Owen's-Livingston Mortuary in Showlow, 6-8pm. There will be a memorial the following day October 18th in the LDS Church. Please check Owens-Livingston Mortuary online to confirm latest information.