Francis Jewel Schofield entered into a heavenly reunion on Sunday, July 5, 2020. Jewel was
born on July 24, 1933 in Conneautville, Pennsylvania. At 17 he enlisted in the Army and served
in the 674th Airborne as a paratrooper during the Korean War. After returning home he met on
a blind date the love of his life Rita Siegrist. It was love at first sight and soon after they were
married. He then attended Michael's Beauty School and accepted a position as an instructor
upon graduation. The promise of good jobs and a drier climate that would be a health benefit to
their young son brought Rita and Jewel to Arizona. Jewel was quickly hired on at Inspiration
Consolidated Copper Company as a diesel mechanic where we worked until he had to take a
medical retirement.
Jewel always stood up for what he believed in and took part in movements that brought change
to his community. He was part of the nine month strike at Inspiration during which time he
worked any odd job he could. He said it did not matter what the work was as long as it put food
on the table. Later in life he went door to door getting signatures to raise the speed limit to 35 in
Ice House Canyon. He was also part of the body that established the Volunteer Canyon Fire
department.
Papa, as he was best known, taught many life lessons by example, like the time he was
recovering from heart surgery but still went to see his granddaughters in a parade. As the
American flag came into his view he stood to attention and saluted as the flag went by.
His grandchildren remember fondly how he always asked what they had in their pockets. If they
didn't have anything he would give them coins or candy and tell them they always needed
something in their pocket. As a farmer and hunter he believed every child needed an animal to
care for, instilling a love and respect for animals in all his children and grandchildren.
Papa was always outside tinkering, his last project was reconstructing a swing set for his
great-grandchildren. Even when in the middle of something if his grandchildren called or came
to visit he would stop what he was doing and sit for a visit.
He and his wife were well known for their strong bond, even after 62 years of marriage they
never went anywhere alone and always walked holding hands. It was not until the passing of his
wife Papa started to slow down.
Jewel is preceded in death by his parents, brothers John (Hank) Schofield and Clifford Merle
Schofield. Sisters Grace Schofield, Betty Schofield and Mildred Schofield-Querze. A son John
Schofied, great-granddaughter Leah Mounce and his beloved wife, Rita Grace Schofield.
He is survived by a son, his daughter Virginia Mounce and son-in-law Chad Mounce.
Grandchildren Julia McBride and husband Zac McBride, Katherine Valencia and husband
Damon Valencia, Jacob Mounce and Zane Mounce. Great-grandchildren Holland Jewel
McBride, Emery McBride, Zachariah McBride and Zinnia McBride. Sister Drusella Handy
(James) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Already missed but never forgotten,
we will love you and carry you in our hearts until we meet again.
Military Honors followed by a Celebration of Life for both Rita and Jewel will be held at 2:00 on
Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Miles Damron Funeral Home, Globe, Arizona.