George 'Mick' Ahrendt

George 'Mick' Ahrendt, 70, passed away Feb. 12, 2008, in Las Vegas.

He was born Feb. 14, 1937, in Chicago, Ill., and was a resident of Pahrump for 12 years, having come from Mesquite.

He worked as a cage cashier for Terrible's Town Casino until he retired in September of 2001.

Ahrendt was a veteran of the Air Force, a member of Willow Creek Golf Club, had a 16-year education and was of the Catholic faith.

His wife Debbie of Pahrump; daughters Sheri of Pahrump and Tawnya of Las Vegas; sons Bernard of Vancouver, Wash., and Robert of Tonopah and seven grandchildren survive him.

Services are pending. (02/12/2008)

Joseph W. Lacomb

Joe passed away at his home in Pahrump on Feb. 16, 2008. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease four years ago.

He was born in Brasher Falls, N.Y.

After moving West, he graduated from West Seattle High School in Seattle, Wash. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering at the Montana School of Mines in Butte, Mont., which is now Montana Tech.

Joe's experience was varied and includes four years of active duty in the United States Air Force as a KC-47 pilot. He spent a number of years as an underground miner and once owned his own small mine in Montana.

He worked on the Minute Man Missile Project all over the West, Hawaii and Alaska. During that time, he gained important geological experience as a drill rig geologist and supervising geologist.

He also spent a number of years in soils, materials and foundation testing engineering and joined the Defense Nuclear Agency in 1963, at the Nevada Test Site. His vast experience in drilling, geology, materials testing and the agency's test program, gave him the background and expertise necessary as the Chief of Test Operations and a member of the government senior executive corps.

He was a registered professional engineer in Nevada.

He co-authored numerous publications related to underground mining and test technology and was the recipient of many highly honored civilian awards, including the Meritorious Civilian Service medal, the Exceptional Civilian Service medal and the Joint Service Tester of the Year award.

Joe retired in 1994 and spent a lot of time hiking, fishing, camping and just relaxing.

He moved his family to Pahrump in 1968, never dreaming he would stay in one place so long.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty; son Spike; daughter Laura; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister Sandra of Henderson; sister and brother-in-law LaVon and Jens of Montana; sister-in-law Naomi of Montana and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be no local services.

At a later date, a private family service will be held and his ashes spread over his favorite fishing hole.

Donations can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or Nathan Adelson Hospice. (02/16/2008)

Sherry Holdaway

Sherry Holdaway, 65, passed away Feb. 17, 2008, in Indian Springs.

She was born July 28, 1942, in Coalville, Utah and has been a resident in the area since 1966.

She worked as a radiation protection technician and was retired.

Her husband Ray Watson of Indian Springs; son Travis (Stephanie) Holdaway of Las Vegas; granddaughters Halle and Cassidy Holdaway of Las Vegas; sister Pamela Salvato and her husband Albert Kjops of Indian Springs; niece and nephew Lisa and Kenneth Crow and their children Cameron and Zoe Crow all of Indian Springs; best friend Dennis Holdaway of Indian Springs and two grandchildren survive her.

Services will be graveside at 3 p.m., Feb. 21, at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Palm Mortuary-Cheyenne handled the arrangements. (02/17/2008)