Elaine A Thorsen

Elaine A. Thorsen, 74, passed away July 3, 2008, in Las Vegas.

She was born Nov. 30, 1933, in Rhode Island and was a resident of Pahrump for 66 years, having come from California.

She was a self-employed dog groomer and of the Catholic faith.

Husband Raymond Thorsen of Pahrump; sons Ronald (Faye) Thorsen of Pahrump and Michael (Tommera) Thorsen of California; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren survive her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one grandchild.

Mass will be held at 8:30 a.m., Friday, July 11 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas. (07/03/2008)

George Harold Batalias

George Harold Batalias, 61, passed away June 28, 2008, in Pahrump.

He was born Oct. 12, 1946, in New York City, N.Y., and has lived in Southern Nevada since 1970. He moved to Pahrump in 2003.

He was a diesel mechanic for Silver State and Republic Sanitation in Las Vegas and was retired.

Having served in the U.S. Air Force, he was a veteran of Vietnam. He was a hard worker and a good grandfather.

His daughter Jamie Batalias of Las Vegas; brother James Batalias of Pahrump; four grandchildren, one niece and one nephew survive him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mildred.

Services are private. (06/28/2008)

Grover Finley Townsend

Grover Finley Townsend passed away June 21, 2008, in Pahrump.

He was born July 17, 1926, in Twin Lakes, Mich.

He spent most of his career in Southern California where he worked in construction. He retired from Golden State Water Company (formerly Southern California Water Company) in 1991.

He was an active member of Rotary and involved in many fund raisers. One of his favorite charities was the March of Dimes where he raised $100,000.

Grover was loved by everyone who met him. He was there to give a hand to whoever needed it.

Grover was the love of his wife, Marilyn. On Aug. 21, they would have celebrated 60 years together.

Grover enjoyed spending time with his wife (they were inseparable), camping at the beach, watching sports and spending time with his family.

His wife, Marilyn Townsend; children Ginger (Steve) Gibson, Christine (Junior) Newberry, Grover "Chip" (Wendi) Townsend III, Scott Townsend and Randy (JoeAnn) Townsend; brothers Don Townsend, Jerry (Ginger) Townsend and Rolly (Angie) Townsend; Jackie (Don) Matteson; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren survive him. (06/21/2008)

Brandy Lyn Betterton

Brandy Lyn Betterton, 27, passed away July 3, 2008, in her home.

She was born in 1981, in Layton, Utah.

She was a loving wife and daughter who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Husband Mykel Nolan Betterton of Las Vegas; mother Shelly W. Pfiester and stepfather David Vaughn Pfiester of Pahrump and father Gary Thomas Coles of Wyoming survive her. (07/03/2008)

George F. 'Whitey' Taylor

George F. "Whitey" Taylor, 74, of Boiling Pot Ranch Road, in Beatty, passed away June 27, 2008, at Spring Valley Hospital in Las Vegas.

Whitey was an Army and Air Force veteran who served in the Korean War and spent most of his adult life mining throughout Nevada and the West. He was also an accomplished sculptor whose art has been seen throughout the country.

George is survived by sons Leslie and Shannia of Pahrump, Franklin Abraham and Drue of Santaquin, Utah and David A. and Natalie Spicer of Beatty; daughters Susan and Cary Holland of Pahrump, Cynthia and Will Kent of Marshall, Calif., Karen and Scott Shanklin of Texas and Dorothy Collins of Granite Falls, Wash.; brother Robert Keel of Texas and sister Margie Rasmussen of Florida; 28 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by former wives Shirley Watts of Arizona and Doris Muldowney of Pahrump, to whom he was married for 27 years.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jennifer Ann and a son Warren A., by former wife Effie Spicer-Taylor.

A graveside service was held at 5:30 p.m. July 12 in Chief Tecopa Cemetery. (06/27/2008)