DELMAS “NED” GREENELTCH JR.

Delmas “Ned” Edward Greeneltch, Jr., 81, passed away in Cottonwood, Arizona.

Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, Ned was a dynamic presence in every community he touched. Known for his spirited personality and warm, outgoing nature, he built friendships that spanned both coasts, connecting deeply with people across his lifetime.

He graduated from the Linsly Military Institute in 1961. After serving in the United States Air Force, Ned earned his degree from Florida International University and worked a career in health sciences in Miami and Wheeling. In 2004 he and his wife, Patti relocated to Cottonwood where Ned could fully embrace his passions for the rugged trails and the beauty of the Southwest.

Ned always had a bond with engines. He built his first car from scraps and went on to become a well-known figure in the motorcycling community. Ned found joy in the grit, grease, and camaraderie of the racetrack. His contributions extended beyond racing, as he built and maintained dirt bike trails across Northern Arizona with the Coconino Trail Riders.

Ned was also a devoted steward of Native American archaeology. As the site steward head of the Verde Valley for the State of Arizona, he played a pivotal role in protecting and preserving the area’s rich history. Above all, Ned cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. His wisdom, humor, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed.

Ned is survived by his wife, Patricia Quinn Greeneltch; daughters Christina Charlize Greeneltch, her wife Kristie Greeneltch of Yulee, FL and Katherine L Green of Cottonwood, AZ; sons Corey Quinn Greeneltch, his wife Zhenya Ogorodova of Silver Spring, MD and Garrett Walter Green of Prescott Valley, AZ; and sisters Carla Greeneltch of Cottonwood, AZ and Margie Hower of Atlanta, GA. He was predeceased by his parents, Delmas Greeneltch, Sr., and Dorothy Walter Greeneltch.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Verde Valley Archaeology Center: https://www.verde valleyarchaeology.org/donate.