| CLAIRE ELAINE CHAMPIE CORDES |
| Claire was born on 7 February 1900 on Humbug Creek in Columbia, Arizona, one of 12 children of Charles and Elizabeth Lee Champie. Her mother is also represented in the Rose Garden. A true Arizona pioneer cowgirl, Claire was also a mining expert, beekeeper, silversmith, artist, seamstress, taxidermist, lion hunter, and a great cook. In 1920 she married rancher-farmer Fred James Cordes in Prescott and they had three children: Wayne Lee (6 July 1932); Clairann Cordes Allen (3 March 1936); Martha Cordes Peterson (30 August 1921). She lived in Castle Hot Springs, Cleator (Turkey Creek), Bumble Bee, and in the Arizona Pioneers Home. Claire wrote a weekly column for an Arizona newspaper and published a book of stories entitled Ranch Trails and Short Tales. She belonged to the Arizona Farm Bureau, served as its State Women's President, and was named their Woman of the Year. She was also a member of Yavapai Cattle Growers. Claire died 24 August 1996 and services were held at St Luke's Episcopal Church where she was a member. She is buried at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale, Arizona. DONOR: Clairann Cordes Allen May 9 1996 |
