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Esther Augusta Upshaw passed away at the age of 101 on March 12, 2014 in Casa Grande, AZ. Affectionately known as Gussie, she was born Aug. 14, 1912 on her grandfather’s ranch near Bluff, Texas. Her parents were James Abel White and Verna Otelia Hext.
The family moved from Texas to New Mexico and finally settled in the Aravaipa Canyon on June 4, 1920. She married Fred Upshaw and spent over 50 years together during which time they owned the Eskiminzin Ranch near Winkelman. She often told stories of the days when she cooked for the cowboys on a wood stove. Gussie was proud of her family and thankful for the values she learned from her parents.
Gussie is survived by a brother, Jep O. White of Jerome, ID; nephews, Duane Reece, Don McAfee, Jep L. White, Dennis McAfee and James McAfee; nieces, Pat Etheredge, Karen Pirtle, Barbra Roberts, Cheryl Nevitt, Diane McCall and Kay Doonan. She was preceded in death by her husband, brothers Laurence and Jesse White and sisters Christine Reece, Alene McAfee and Maxine White.
Visitation and Funeral Services were held March 17, 2014 at Griffith Mortuary, Kearny, AZ. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Online Guestbook: www.griffithmortuary.com
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