Oneta Beth Singleton

30+ Years devoted member to Mission Valley Church of Christ . . .

Proud American ~

Oneta Beth Singleton passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 23, 2018 at the age of 91. Oneta was born to Roy Ernest Clendennen and Verlan Margaret Graham-Clendennen at the beginning of the Great Depression on October 14th, 1926 in a small, rural town in the Texas panhandle. Due to severe storms that ruined their crops, the family moved many times between Texas, New Mexico and Arizona to seek a better way to make a living, until they finally settled in Duncan, Arizona. Small town life in Duncan, AZ was chocked full of adventures for Oneta. Thanks to her best friend, Louise, who bet their fellow classmates that Oneta would get 100% on all her final exams, she graduated “with honors” from Duncan High School on May 28, 1945. The very next day after high school graduation, Oneta’s parents sold their farm and moved to Tucson, AZ in pursuit of better employment opportunities. This was during WWII when food and material goods were rationed and basic necessities in life were scarce.

Shortly after moving to Tucson, Oneta Beth Clendennen met and fell in love with William Travis Singleton and they married on March 28th, 1946. They knew each other less than a month, but Oneta found her “sunny tempered Texan”, and Travis found his “cute little filly”. In a wonderful partnership packed with adversities and triumphs, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in March 2016. During their adventurous life, Oneta faced extraordinary obstacles and worked hard to raise three children; Rick, Marla and Cheri. Her three children, a wonderful blend of both Oneta and Travis’ smarts, good looks, good humor, broad skill sets and kindness.

With a diversified work history, Oneta began as a telephone operator with Mountain Bell Telephone Company. She transitioned to a stay at home mother/homemaker and homestead builder as her family expanded. In the early 1950’s, Oneta’s career path led her to become Arizona’s first female Deputy Sheriff of Pima County. She was recognized as raising the bar and paving the way of acceptance in what had been a predominately male occupation. As additional job promotions came and unique projects were extended, Oneta also became the first female to implement “Operation Bootstrap” with several of the Southwest Indian Tribes. The operation was conducted through the University of Arizona and Oneta helped “in bringing their tribal courts into the twentieth century”.

Oneta served as the Assistant Courts Administrator in charge of day-to-day operations in the

Pima County Justice Courts System. “She knew the court system from arrest to adjudication”. This made her the chosen candidate for “being the first goodwill ambassador” to assist the tribal courts. Her travel assignments began in July 1977, with the Whiteriver Apaches, then extending to seven other Native American tribes within Arizona, and on the California border. Oneta did not cite when her travels to the Southwest Tribal Courts concluded, but did convey successful outreach and exchange of ideas with most of the tribal courts, helping to update their court operations. Her career path continued with the Pima County, Arizona Justice System for over 30 years.

A woman of many talents during her lifetime, Oneta was rarely bored, or “life was never dull”. She had a keen eye and hand for oil painting, drawing, dancing, singing, reading, story-telling and writing stories, which resulted in the publishing of her own book of short stories, or mini-autobiography. She also loved the outdoors, especially horseback riding, camping, hiking and hunting trips. Oneta enjoyed faithfully attending her church.

Oneta Singleton will be missed dearly by family, friends, neighbors and fellow members of the Mission Valley Church of Christ. Oneta requested in lieu of flowers being sent to her Memorial Service, that donations be sent to her Church of Christ Building Fund, Attn: Peter Santinello at 3022 W. Bilby Rd. Tucson, AZ 85746.

Preceded in Death:

William Travis Singleton – beloved spouse of 70 years

Marla Kay Morton – eldest daughter

Harold Clendennen - brother

Gerald Clendennen - brother

Coy Neal Clendennen – brother

Lisa May Clendennen – half sister

Ernest Anderson Clendennen – half brother

Goldie Marie Clendennen – half sister

Survived by Two Children:

Ricky Travis Singleton (Nicki)

Cheri Lee Kiefer (Dennis)

Survived by Six Grandchildren:

Joseph Timothy Morton (Rita)

Laura Marie Singleton (Jason)

Camille Marletta Singleton-Burgess

Don William Johnson

Travis Matthew Singleton (Christina)

Anthony Royal Kiefer

Survived by Eight Great Grandchildren:

Amanda Ray Morton-Federico

Cody Joe Morton

Roxanne Christine Kruse

Marley Rain Kruse

Tucker Lynn Burgess

Ethan Hunter Singleton

Joshua Colton Singleton

Elyssa Brooke Singleton

Survived by Two Great, Great Grandchildren:

Hunter Stanley Federico

Ambrielle Rose Morton

Memorial Services will be at 10:30 a.m. and catered reception following graveside service at Mission Valley Church of Christ 3022 W. Bilby, Tucson AZ 85746.

In lieu of flowers donations being accepted by the Mission Valley Church of Christ, ATTN:Building Fund, 3022 W. Bilby, Tucson, AZ 85746.