Richard Mewhinney

Richard Roscoe MeWhinney, Age 72, passed away surrounded by the love of family. He was born on October 16, 1953, in St. Johns, Arizona. Richard spent his early childhood in Concho, Arizona, where he was raised alongside his five siblings by his parents and surrounded by a large extended family, including many aunts and uncles and his beloved grandparents, Lorenzo and Sofia Garcia.

During his teenage years, the family moved to Holbrook, Arizona. Richard attended Holbrook High School, where he excelled in athletics. He lettered in track and field and distinguished himself as a wrestler, earning a first-place Arizona state medal in 1971 and a second-place finish in 1972. He graduated from Holbrook High School in 1972.

In May of 1975, Richard married the love of his life, Mary K. Meadors. Together they built a life rooted in dedication, perseverance, and family. Richard and Mary moved to the Phoenix area, where they worked hard and raised their seven children.

In 1994, the family relocated to the Verde Valley. True to his strong work ethic, Richard often worked multiple jobs at once. He was employed at Phelps and Sons Truss Plant, maintained a newspaper route, and worked at a local ranch. He later devoted many years to caring for mentally and physically challenged individuals throughout the valley, offing compassion, patience,, and dignity to those he served. Richard completed his working years at Enchantment Resort.

In his later years, Richard found joy in growing hot peppers, proudly sharing them with family and friends - always eager to see if they were " hot enough." He lived a grounded life defined by hard work, humility, and unwavering commitment to his family.

Richard is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary MeWhinney; his children Richard Jr. (Toffy), Evalydia (Carlos), Kathryn, Rosemary (Angel), and Donovan (Cassandra); and his four cherished grandchildren, Caleb, Connor, Sofia, and Giovanni. He was preceded in death by his sons Gabriel and Calvin MeWhinney.

A Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cottonwood on February 12 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception after the service.

Richard was a delight to have in our lives and will be lovingly remembered for years to come.