Birda W. Pelton, age 84, passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. Birda was born on February 26, 1935 in Deming, New Mexico. She is preceded in death by her parents, Norris F., Sr. and Minnie Wilson, her sister Billie Parnell, her brother, Norris F. Wilson, Jr., her daughters, Elizabeth Jane Lopez and Shannon Lynne Smith, and her husband, Daniel Clarence Pelton.
Birda was an avid bowler and a member of the Phoenix Women’s Bowling Association. She was inducted into the PWBA Hall of Fame for her dedication and meritorious service to the organization in 2001. She also loved her Boston Terriers, and had several over the years who were her faithful companions. Above all she loved living in Phoenix, her extraordinary view of Camelback Mountain, the solitude of the desert, and the most beautiful sunsets and landscape.
Over the past few years she was well cared for by her son, Jay, and her grandson, Daniel. They made sure she was comfortable and content and were her constant companions throughout all of her medical procedures. She would have been lost without both of them.
In addition to her son, William Joseph “Jay” Pelton, she is survived by a daughter, Mary Anne Webb, her grandchildren, Daniel Cantelme, Lindsey Cantelme, Jessica Engels, Melissa Kovalesky, Marissa Smith, Kristen Smith, Tracie Smith, Karianne Edwards, Jason Pelton and Ashley Evans. She also has eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial Service will be held beginning at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, February 7th, 2020 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Bryan and Lynne Brown
Bryan, Shaun, and I are so sad to hear of Birda’s passing. She was such a brilliant woman…quick witted…with a wicked sense of humor. She and Dan were always such wonderful neighbors to have, and I know how much she has missed Dan all of these years as well as her daughters Shannon and Janie…I am praying that she is with them all again. Her lively spirit will be missed on this earth.
Sheryl Griem
Our sincerest condolences to Birda’s family on their loss.
I first met Birda over 28 years ago when we moved to Phoenix and I was interested in joining the Phoenix Women’s Bowling Association. We served together over 10 years on the PWBA board until we merged and became the MPUSBC. Birda was an absolute stickler for interpreting and following the rules and knew her stuff! She was a dictionary or encyclopedia for the rules and ran an extremely tight ship. I respected her knowledge and the years of dedication to the sport we love.
We both shared love for our puppies, her with her Boston Terriers and we would each have two puppies at the time to admire and show love too.
She was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and spoke of them often.
I hope there is a bowling league in heaven so you can continue to participate in the game that you so loved and worked at so diligently.
Sheryl and Paul Griem