Rancho Developer Demands Tribute for Alma Farrell: “I Would Gladly Pay!”

Mike Ingram, the developer behind Rancho El Dorado and namesake for Heritage Park, expressed deep sorrow over the recent passing of Alma Farrell. Ingram described her loss as a severance of a vital connection in his life.

Ingram’s journey began after he built two successful distribution businesses in Oklahoma, boasting over $100 million in annual sales. His fortunes shifted drastically as he witnessed financial institutions collapse and oil rigs become dormant. Left with little choice, Ingram relocated to Arizona, embarking on a new chapter with a U-Haul truck that carried his aspirations.

In Arizona, Ingram partnered with several associates to acquire significant properties, including John Wayne’s El Dorado Ranch and Red River Ranch near Maricopa. His commitment to community safety led to the formation of the Maricopa Road Association, an initiative prompted by community leaders who urged improvements to a perilous stretch of road linking Phoenix to Maricopa. Alma Farrell played a crucial role in these efforts.

Farrell was not only a civic leader but also a prominent business figure in the community, with her family owning the beloved Headquarters restaurant and bar. During his time in Maricopa, she welcomed Ingram into a makeshift office within the establishment, providing him a space to engage more deeply with local affairs.

She tirelessly advocated for infrastructure improvements, particularly the four-lane divided highway known as State Route 347 and John Wayne Parkway. Farrell’s connections with the Gila River Indian Community helped rally support for the highway’s expansion, although the Bureau of Indian Affairs ultimately blocked the project, suggesting that Interstate 10 would meet the region’s needs.

Farrell’s community involvement extended to local schools. She approached Ingram and his partners on several occasions to support initiatives such as financing a new scoreboard for Maricopa High School and providing computers for students, both of which they gladly fulfilled.

A key figure in education, Farrell even served as superintendent of Maricopa schools. Her dedication ensured not only her involvement but also inspired others, including Ingram, to contribute to the community’s development.

The city of Maricopa owes much of its current landscape and spirit to Alma Farrell’s unwavering commitment. Ingram hopes to honor her memory with the erection of a plaque commemorating her contributions to the city and Pinal County, offering to fund the initiative himself.

Ingram concluded by affirming that Alma Farrell’s impact will resonate for years to come; she will never be forgotten.