Sedona: From Cucumbers to Leavenworth

Using interviews with Sedona Schnebly’s children, Lisa Schnebly Heidinger  has put together little-known details about this amazing woman’s life, from being written out of the will for marrying TC Schnebly on her 20th birthday to the fate of the man she didn’t marry. Her story includes the journey west and the comic and tragic details of building community in an admittedly beautiful but also harsh place.  Family recollections stitch around the edges, with some surprising anecdotes about this WTCU member.

As a native of the state  (although in speeches she often says that Sedona Schnebly came from Missouri, so true Arizonans can be born anywhere), Lisa Schnebly Heidinger’s deepest passion lies in sharing stories of our amazing state and helping others find their favorite Arizona.  Beginning as a cub reporter for the Green Valley News, she feels her best ministry lies in taking in other people’s stories and sharing them with wider audiences.  When Heidinger’s state centennial book was voted OneBookAZ, she  went on a  statewide tour that included a seven-person audience in Concho and more than 100 in Fountain Hills. In all, she loves sharing Arizona stories.