Belva Dora Smigel, 80
Born 12/20/1936 – Died 2/8/2017
Dora is preceded in death by her husband, Frank F. Smigel, and her parents, Leo F. Wirt, and Marguerite O. Wirt. Dora is survived by her Stepson, Paul F. Smigel, Stepgrandchildren Danielle R. Smigel, and Donovan T.Smigel, Sisters Betty Ann Muscato, Carolyn O. King, Evelyn J. Wahl, Peggy L. Wirt, and Brother Leo A. Wirt. Dora was laid to rest, next to her husband, Frank F. Smigel, at Mountain View Cemetery, Mesa Arizona, on February 16, 2017.
A Celebration of Dora’s Life will be held
March 25, 2017 @ 10:00 AM
at
Desert Chapel United Methodist Church
462 N. Palo Verde Dr
Apache Junction, AZ 85210
Condolences may be sent to the Family at:
2325 N. Apache Dr.
Apache Junction, AZ 85120
Dora was born in Beaverton, Michigan, on December 20, 1936. She moved to Apache Junction, Arizona, with her family, in the early 1950s,.
Dora was named Miss Apache Junction, 1959, and was a runner-up in the 1959 Miss Arizona Contest. Dora worked for the City of Mesa, Arizona, and was on track to be an Airline Stewardess, and scheduled to attend Airline Stewardess School in 1961. Dora’s plans changed, when Frank F. Smigel asked Dora to marry him. Dora and Frank were married, at the First Methodist Church in Mesa, Arizona, on June 3, 1961.
After Dora and Frank were married, they moved to Starlight Park, a suburb, in the far west valley of Metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona. However, before Dora settled into being a fulltime wife and mother, she did attend her planned schooling for becoming an Airline Stewardess.
Dora returned to the work force after Paul had grown up, and left home in 1973. She went to work for the Cartwright Elementary School District, as an assistant buyer, and eventually became the District Buyer. Dora held this position until she retired in 1998.
Dora loved to travel. She and Frank traveled extensively, until Frank’s death in 1992. Dora continued to travel with family, and friends, until her health no longer allowed for her to do so.
Dora moved to Apache Junction, Arizona in 2004, and remained there until her death, on February 8, 2017. Dora is greatly loved, and will be missed.
Belva Dora Smigel, Miss Apache Junction, 1959
Dora & Frank’s Wedding Party, June 3, 1961
Dora & Frank, Hawaii, 1986
Condolences to all of Dora’s family. She was my dear friend.
I’m sorry I lost contact with her several years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wilma and Everett Ufford