Elbert Norman Solomon was called home to his Heavenly Father on June 8, 2026. He was born on May 23, 1936 to Gertrude (Shumway) Solomon and Elbert Drew Solomon in Shumway, Arizona at his Grandma’s house. He was raised alongside siblings, Janice, Gloria, William, Sandra and Patricia of which he was the eldest. At the time of his passing, he was 90 years old. 

Bertie, as he was called when he was young, grew up on the Solomon Ranch, one mile south of Shumway where he helped with the family farm and dairy. His parents bought him a small saddle as a child, and he rode his horse to the little red schoolhouse in Shumway where he attended the first three years of school. 

Later, he went to Snowflake High School; There he was involved in sports and FFA. He graduated in 1954 and headed down to Eastern Arizona College for two years. He then went on a three-year mission to the Spanish American Mission, where he served in Texas, New Mexico and California. During his mission, he learned to speak Spanish which he continued to speak throughout his life. Bert had a deep and unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ, and he found great joy in teaching the gospel. After his mission, he attended college and joined the Army National Guard. 

In the summer of 1964, Bert was introduced to Velleda McNeil on a blind date arranged by his sister Sandy. Bert thought Velleda was a red headed beauty, and she became the love of his life. On November 24, 1965, they were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together they built a life filled with love, faith, and adventure. Bert and Velleda celebrated 60 years of marriage last November. 

One of Bert’s greatest joys was being a father and being around his family. He and Velleda had seven children altogether, with five living. Grant (Kristen Morby) of Mesa, AZ; Kristi (Jon) Crookston of Shumway, AZ; Scott (Erin) of Queen Creek, AZ; Melanie (Kris) Neff of Taylor, AZ; and Shauna (Joel) John of Buckeye, AZ. His other two sons, Jared Welsey and Elbert Nathan passed away at birth. Bert was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather with eighteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 

Bert went into Bank Managing as a career and worked at several branches: Holbrook, Window Rock, Keams Canyon, Tucson and Show Low. He was a great asset to his profession; he helped many people manage their loans and accomplish their financial goals. He particularly loved being a Bank Manager in his home community of Snowflake and Taylor where he knew the families and was related to many. Bert also belonged to a service organization during those years called the Kawanis Club where he served as Vice-President and President. 

As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bert served faithfully in numerous callings from Teacher to Bishopric Counselor to Stake Executive Secretary. The service he loved the most was working in the Temple which he did for several years after he retired. Wanting to serve to a greater extent, Bert and Velleda served three missions together; the British Virgin Islands; Modesto, CA and a Temple mission to Hong Kong China.  

Bert’s two favorite hobbies were riding horses and traveling. As a younger man, he was part of the Mogollon Mustang Club and enjoyed going on trail rides with them. Later in life, he loved to saddle up his horse “Bestie” and take the grandkids on rides. Bert loved adventure. Together with Velleda, they traveled the world going to Europe, Israel, Japan, Australia, and many places in between. 

Bert was extremely proud of his pioneer heritage. To be a descendant of Jesse N. Smith, Charles Shumway and Joel H. Johnson meant the world to him. He was also very patriotic, and he deeply loved America and the freedoms we have here.

Bert Solomon leaves a legacy of hard work, kindness and love to his family and community. His humor and optimism, his gentleness and loyalty, his dedication and friendliness, his warmth and sincerity will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.  

There will be a Viewing on Friday June 19th from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Silver Creek Mortuary in Taylor. The Funeral Services will be on Saturday June 20th with the Viewing at 10:00 am and the Service at 11:00 am at the Love Lake Chapel in Taylor. 

If you are not able to make it in person, please feel free to email kcrooked24@yahoo.com and she will be happy to send you a recording of the services.