William James Ambrose
August 29, 1940 – March 11, 2024
Bill Ambrose was born in Nogales on August 29, 1940, and passed away in Patagonia on March 11, 2024. He was a member of a pioneer family that had many acres of land in Sonoita.
Bill became interested in construction and began working for Patagonia Excavating Construction Company. Using his skills in the use of heavy equipment, he helped build the roads to Patagonia Lake and Parker Canyon Lake.
He also built many house pads for folks in Patagonia, Nogales and Sonoita.
He retired in 1990 after 30 years in the construction business and focused his energies on gardening and raising some livestock at his home in Patagonia.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting in Arizona, and fishing in southwestern Montana where his wife, Shirley, grew up. His favorite civic duty was to serve as a 4H leader, teaching young student’s skills in gardening, farming and in raising livestock.
Bill was a very likeable person and had many long-term friends in the Patagonia, Nogales and Sonoita area. Bill and Shirley’s home is always open to friends and family that want to stop by for a visit.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Emma Ambrose, his brother Robert, his sisters Margaret and Christina, his daughter Suzanne Sosa and stepdaughter Donna Wing.
He is survived by his loving wife Shirley, his brothers Smokey and Perry, sister Alice, son John William and stepdaughter Holly Allen. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The grandchildren have always enjoyed going to visit, whether it was to be chased by chickens or playing ball in the yard.
He will surely be missed by his family and many friends. A memorial service will be held April 13 at 11am at the Patagonia Community United Methodist Church. Remembrances may be made to Soulistic Hospice (a nonprofit service) or the charity of your choice.