Bill Jessie Maples

FARMINGTON Bill Jessie Maples May 27, 1924 - Feb. 8, 2011 Bill Jessie Maples, 86, of Farmington, died on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011, in Farmington. He was born May 27, 1924, in Laneville, Texas, to Ross and Sue Wood Maples. After she divorced Ross, Bill's mom married William Bittle, who raised Bill and his sister, Laura, as his own. Bill was only able to attend school for five years because he was needed to pick cotton with his family in order to survive. The family moved from Texas to Oklahoma to California to Colorado to find work. They settled on a small chicken farm in Dove Creek, Colo. It was in Dove Creek, in 1946, that Bill met and married his wife, Grace E. Howell. They had four children. Bill was a hard worker, determined to provide for his family. He worked for the city of Farmington for 20 years and Drake Well Service for eight years. In his younger years, he was a volunteer fireman. He was a collector of many different items. Bill had a good heart and shared what he had with those in need. Bill was preceded in death by Grace, his wife of 50 years; sons, Gary Maples and Larry E. Maples; parents, William Bittle, Sue Bittle and Charlie Ross Maples; sister, Laura Bell Gage; and one grandchild. He is survived by his son, Steven K. Maples; his daughters, Gail M. Maples and Teena G. Maples; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4400 College Blvd. in Farmington. Bishop Mike Lacey will preside. Graveside services will follow at Memory Gardens, 6917 E. Main St. in Farmington. Following the graveside services, a reception will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4400 College Blvd. Pallbearers are Billy Maples, Ronnie Thompson, Robert Thompson, Darrell Nichols, Brent Helquest and Frank George. Memorial gifts may be made to Isaiah Prison Ministries, 9 Country Road 3118, Aztec, NM 87410. Arrangements are with Cope Memorial Chapel, 404 W. Arrington St. in Farmington, (505) 327-5142.