Location: City Hall, City Manager's Conference Room

The fourth recipient of the "Spirit of Sedona" award was the wife of T. Carl Schnebly and the woman for whom our community was named.

Sedona was a member of the fifth family to enter this area and a pioneer mother. During construction of the Schnebly Hill Road, she took apple cake and fresh bread on horse-back to the crew. The Schnebly home, located where Los Abrigados Resort now stands, was turned into a lodge where guests were treated with hospitality and served home-cooked meals.

In the evenings, Sedona played piano and the guests joined in a sing-along. Sedona, known as Aunt Ona or Mother Schnebly in later years, helped found one of the first churches in the area. Her kindness and gentleness is a guide for us all. A monument honoring her stands outside the Sedona Public Library. 

Location: City Hall, City Manager's Conference Room

Many years have passed since Joe Beeler and four other cowboy artists founded the Cowboy Artists of America in 1965. That same year, Beeler was the first contemporary artist to have a one-man show at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Beeler's painting and sculptures of the Old West are now collector's items. A "real cowboy" who grins a lot, wears hand-made boots and a sweat-stained hat, Joe Beeler is, indeed, a legend in his own time and a very special part of Sedona's heritage.  

Location: City Hall, City Manager's Conference Room

Cecil Lockhart-Smith, a Sedona resident for nearly 40 years, was affectionately known as "Mr. Sedona." He was a founding member and Chair or was President of numerous organizations that continue to serve Verde Valley residents.

These include: Sedona Arts Center, Sedona-Oak Creek Chamber of Commerce, Sedona Humane Society, Sedona Medical Center, Verde Valley Guidance Clinic, Sedona Public Library, Sedona Friends of the Library, Sedona Taxpayer Association, Southwest Theatre, Verde Valley Artists Association, Flagstaff Festival, Citizens for Self Government, Verde Valley Concert Association, Lions Club-Arizona and Sedona, Boy Scouts of Verde Valley. Lockhart's untiring contributions helped mold Sedona into a community and made Sedona a better place to live and visit.

Location: City Hall, Clerk/Council Lobby

Russell A. and Georgia B. Petit, residents of Sedona since 1968, were co-recipients of the second "Spirit of Sedona" award. They have been called the "Nightingales of Sedona." Their unselfish efforts ensured ambulance service for the Sedona-Oak Creek area 24 hours a day for 12 years, and shaped the Sedona EMT training program. Both served in the following capacities: Red Rock Fire Department and District, Sedona Historical Society, Friends of Sedona Library and Sedona Humane Society.

Mr. Petit served in the following areas: Sedona Medical Center Co-founder, Paramedic, EMT and IEMT legislative bills, Sedona Justice Court Judge. Mrs. Petit was active in: Sedona Ambulance Service, Sedona Ambulance Donated Fund, BPW Club of Sedona/Woman of the Year, Sedona Arts Center, Xi Alpha "People Helping People" Award. Both Russ and Georgia played a vital role in the healthy and enduring development of excellence in Sedona's health care services. 

Location: City Hall, City Manager's Conference Room

Laura Purtyman McBride was the third recipient of the "Spirit of Sedona" award. The daughter of pioneer James J. Thompson and great-granddaughter of Abraham James, Laura was an active member of the Sedona Historical Society.

She authored "Traveling by Tin Lizzie," a true life story of an adventurous road trip in 1924, as recalled by a thirteen-year-old girl. Her book reflects the life and times of Sedona's pioneer families and their struggles, hardships, simple fun and love for the land of the red rocks.