Acquanetta(1921-2004)

Born as Mildred Davenport in Ozone, Wyoming in 1921, Aquanetta was a movie actress of genre motion pictures. She was nicknamed the "Venezualan Volcano" by Universal Studios, although she was of Arapaho decent. She was often seen in her trademark long black braids and beautiful silver & turquoise jewelry. She starred in Tarzan and the Leopard Woman (1946) and also also had roles in Arabian Nights (1942), Jungle Woman (1944), Dead Man's Eyes (1944), Lost Continent (1951) and The Legend of Grizzly Adams (1991). In the 1950s, Acquanetta moved to Phoenix and married the owner of a local car dealership. She achieved local celebrity status when she appeared in numerous ads for her husband's business. She also had her own TV program, "Acqua's Corner", that accompanied the Friday Night Movies. Acquanetta also authored a book in 1974 called "The Audible Silence", a fine compilation of poems about life, love, and Indian jewelry. She used her celebrity and charming personality to support/raise money for a number of cultural groups and charities including: Mesa Lutheran Hospital, the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Indian School, Stagebrush Theatre, and the Phoenix Symphony. She passed away of Alzheimer's complications in Ahwatukee, Arizona on August 16, 2004 at the age of 83. She left behind four sons who adored her: Jack Ross Jr., 45; Lance Ross, 50; Tom Ross, 47; and Rex Ross, 43. She was also survived by her brother, Horace Davenport, 85, a retired Pennsylvania judge.