Vera May (née Blyther) Sloan Williams, 90, died Nov. 20, 2017 at Mountain View Care Center in Tucson. She was born at home on June 25, 1927 in West Molesey, Surrey, England near Hampton Court Palace where her father served in the Kings Guard 15th/19th Royal Hussars cavalry unit. Vera was the fourth of five children. In 1944, she met Elmer W. Volz, an American soldier stationed at Hurst Park and they married at St. Peter’s Church in West Molesey.
After their first child was born, Vera moved to the United States, settling in Clifton, AZ, where her husband managed the Lindsey Creamery. Though Vera remained British at heart and was proud of her heritage, she loved her adopted country and especially Arizona. She became a naturalized citizen of the U.S. on May 7, 1953. Vera and Elmer divorced in 1954.
On Jan. 11, 1955 Vera married Charles Sloan in Silver City, NM. They eventually moved to San Manuel, AZ. Vera loved children and took care of many of the town’s youngsters. She liked to say she “practically raised them.” Charlie retired from Magma Copper in 1977. They enjoyed caring for their grandchildren and attending San Manuel High School sports. Vera was acknowledged to be one of the leading “cheerleaders” for area teams and could be readily heard at sports gatherings. Charlie died in 1985.
Vera married Henry L. Williams in 1994. They lived in Lakeside, AZ and San Manuel, AZ until relocating to Oracle in 2005. They loved the outdoors, especially the White Mountains region. They spent many days traveling Arizona roads. Vera often said Hank knew a lot of stories and all the back roads in Arizona. He died in 2010.
Vera is survived by her brother, Harold (Sylvia) Blyther, West Molesey, Surrey; her children, Sandra (Bill) Poch, Dedham, MA; Sharon (Allen) Koning, whereabouts unknown; Ken (Nancy) Volz, Payson; Charles Jr. (Georgeann) Sloan, Elko, NV and Michael (Kelly) Sloan, Oracle; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren.
Vera will be remembered for her beautifully coiffed hair, ever-present British accent, her gift of gab, and unceasing love of family. Per her request, no services are planned.