Bill Root

Billie came to Wickenburg 90 years ago with his parents M.I. (Merton Ira) and Ethel Root. He passed from this life on Saturday, Jan. 27 after a short illness. Billie was known around town as one who could always be counted on for a smile and a handshake, a hug or a joke. Every person he met soon became a friend. He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Trudy, his daughter Judy (David) Newton, his son Bill (Patsy) Root, seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brother Frank Root of Prescott Valley and Yuma, many nieces, nephews and friends from all around Wickenburg and the state of Arizona. Billie was a devoted Wickenburg Wrangler fan, attending most home sporting events and many away games throughout the decades. He played football at Wickenburg High School on the six-man team while also working at a local Texaco station owned by Larry Willis. He graduated from Wickenburg High in 1945, and was soon drafted into the Army. He served 15 months at Fort Hood in California, and returned home, eventually purchasing the Texaco station from Willis in 1947. In 1955 he married his bride Trudy and they raised their family in Wickenburg. He sold the service station in 1967, and opted for another method of service as a postman at the Wickenburg Post Office. Billie worked at the post office for the next 22 years. His quick wit and excellent memory soon earned him the name of "Mr. Computer", as he was able to quickly recall the post office box numbers of most people he encountered. These were the days before home delivery came to Wickenburg, and the population was around 3,000. Billie took on the side job of yard work maintenance, working at the Episcopal church and some private homes for a number of years. He was also committed to helping a number of elderly residents around town with their maintenance needs and errands. He was a regular visitor at the Hospital Nursing Home to provide companionship to those who were bedridden and lonely. Billie enjoyed racing jalopies down at Manzanita Speedway with his friend Bill Roehler and collected a number of antique vehicles over the years. After retiring from the post office, he learned the art of sewing and quilting. His grandsons and great-grandsons were never able to put holes in their jeans that grandpa couldn't fix. He created beautiful purple and gold quilted "lap-robes" and gave them away for those chilly football nights. He was a frequent coffee drinking buddy with the guys at Screamers or Sundance, breakfast at Twin Wheels or Spurs, and he supported the Wise Owl breakfasts on Saturdays. Everyone knew him by name, and he knew everyone's names and their children, taking interest in other people's lives. He attended many town council meetings over the years. His philosophy was to listen more than to speak, because "you just might learn something." He will be greatly missed, but the legacy he has left will live on in the lives of his family and many friends. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. at First Southern Baptist Church, 360 W. Yavapai St. in Wickenburg.