MILLER, Glenn D., age 93, of Tucson, AZ, died Thursday, December 26, 1996 at Handmaker Senior Care Center. He was born September 27, 1903 in Franklin Township, Mansfield, OH & lived in that area until 1966. He moved to Tucson in 1972. Mr.Miller retired from the Tappan Company after 45 years of service. He was a member of Mansfield Lodge #35 F & AM for over 50 years & a member of the Tappan 25-year Club. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Sheldon & Leota Miller of Mansfield, OH and Gene and Ruth Miller of Strongsville, OH; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; eight stepsons and stepdaughters; 22 step-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren. He was widowed and preceded in death by Olive and Regina; one brother, Gaylord Miller; and one sister, Mary Kathryn McKim. A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, December 29 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Methodist Church. Contributions may be made to the Salvation Army. Service and Burial will be in Mansfield, OH.
O’CONNOR Anita J., 74, went to Heaven on Christmas Day, December 25, 1996 while at home surrounded by her family whom she loved dearly. Preceded in death by husband, John F. 'Jack' O’Connor. Survived by daughter, Peggy O’Connor Torregrossa (Michael); sons, John (Susan), Christopher and Richard O’Connor. Cherished grandmother of Kaylene and Paul Torregrossa and Johnny, Christopher and Elliott O’Connor. Born in Sarasota, FL, Anita was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Florida. Anita enjoyed her career as Administrative Executive to the Director of Medical Services at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Tucson. She was dearly loved by all. Memorial Mass will be held for Anita on Saturday, January 4, 1997, 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, 1375 S. Camino Seco. The family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church. Flowers may be sent as well. Arrangements by BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
PIELLISCH, Elvera R., 83, passed away December 25, 1996. Preceded in death by husband, Richard J. Piellisch. Survived by son Richard (San Francisco), sister Patricia G. Roush, and brother James J. Gillespie, both of Tucson; numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Service Saturday, December 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Church, 1300 N. Greasewood. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Brewster Center, 2711 E. Broadway, Tucson, 85716.
POSNER, Robert, 85, of Tucson, died December 21, 1996. He is survived by his beloved wife, Frances; loving father of Louis (Patricia) Posner of Columbus, OH, David Posner of Chandler, AZ; special companions, B. Lakin and S. Little; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, December 29 at 12 noon at VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 2545 N. Tucson Blvd., (one block North Grant.), with Rabbi Tom Louchheim officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the Arizona Cancer Center, 1501 N.Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ 85724. Directed by VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 327-6341.
RODRIGUEZ, Larry J., 36, of Tucson, passed away December 26, 1996. Preceded in death by Carlos Rodriguez; survived by parents, Carlos and Helen Rodriguez; sisters, Terry Rodriguez and Kathy Duarte. Also survived by companion, Chris Scarborough; numerous nieces and nephews and dog, Alex. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 29, 1996 from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. at TUCSON MORTUARY, (North Chapel), 204 S. Stone Ave., with Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be offered Monday, December 30, 1996 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s Church, 602 W. Ajo Way. Interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Arrangements by TUCSON MORTUARY, INC.
SEARS, Marion (Dickie) Gill, 81, of Tucson, passed away suddenly on December 26, 1996. Affectionately known as Dickie, Marion Alison Gill was born in Sunbury, PA on January 12, 1915 and raised in Pittsfield, MA. A graduate of Barnard College, she worked as a neighborhood social worker on the upper East Side New York. Dickie married Hayden Sears and began a 51-year-long partnership of ministry in Congregational and Methodist churches. Their lifelong adventure took them to Montclair, NJ, downtown Los Angeles, El Centro, Anaheim and San Diego, CA, Catalina Methodist Church Tucson, Santa Monica, CA, First Untied Methodist Church, Mesa, AZ and Kona, HI. After raising her five daughters, Dickie developed a talent for starting and leading small prayer and sharing groups. In additions to these Yokefellow groups, Dickie had been active in church work, painting groups, senior writers’ classes, choir and supporting U of A basketball since her return to Tucson in 1988. She will be sorely missed by her friends and relatives, who found her a constant source of good companionship and personal inspiration. Her desire for personal growth led her into many areas of study, while her ability to nurture the same in all around her was great and knew no generation gap. A firm believer in family values, she was the chronicler of the family, keeping a great network of loved ones connected by newsy and meaningful letters, and she was a much sought-after traveling companion. She is survived by a sister, Nancy Emerson of Richmond, Ma; daughters, Alison Ray of Tucson, Joanne (Don) Finch of Tucson, Patricia Sears (Hugh Roberts) of Anthony, TX, Roberts Hare (Jeffrey) of Gillette, NJ, Margaret Sears (Ron Kean) of Bakersfield, CA; adopted daughter-in-law, Lucille Mayer of Encinitas, CA and adopted son, Charles Clark (Bunnie) of Tustin, CA; 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren are scattered across the country. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, December 30, 11:00 a.m. at Catalina Methodist Church with Rev. Gaston officiating. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Hayden and Marion Sears Memorial Scholarship Fund, School of Theology at Claremont, c/o Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85716. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.
KAMMES, Harry A., 80, of Tucson, passed away December 26, 1996. He is survived by wife, Mary; daughter, Kandy Eagerton; grandchildren, Buddy and his wife, Amy Eagerton, Ginger Eagerton and Jay Eagerton; sister, Bea Peterson and Dorris Hogan. Preceded in death by son, Garry in 1970. Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 1996 at Hudgel’s SWAN FUNERAL HOME, 22nd & Swan. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations be made to Parkinson Disease Center or VFW Post 549.
LANIER, Carol, 57, born January 2, 1939 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, went to be with the Lord, Sunday, December 22, 1996. Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Wade Lee Lanier. Mrs. Lanier is survived by her daughters, Julie (Dave) Beauchamp, Lisa (Tom) Kent, Lori Chacon, all of Tucson, Kim (Norm) Hoskin of Missouri; sisters, Violet D’Amore and Lucille Held; brothers, Herb (Jean) Held and Johnny (Aggie) Held; grandchildren, Hidi Delight Ostrander, Denise Freeman, Crystal Chacon, Leanna Beauchamp, Beau and Ariel Kent and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Mrs. Lanier moved to Tucson in 1971 from Milwaukee, WI where she worked and raised her four children. Later she married Wade Lee Lanier in 1978 where they spent most of their time traveling together with their grandchildren and spending their leisure time in the White Mountains and Cholla Bay, Mexico. Memorial Services, 2:00 p.m.Sunday, December 29, 1996 at Faith Lutheran Church, 3925 E. 5th St. (Alvernon and 5th). Arrangements by SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY.
PIELLISCH, Elvera R., 83, passed away December 25, 1996. Preceded in death by husband, Richard J. Piellisch. Survived by son Richard (San Francisco), sister Patricia G. Roush, and brother James J. Gillespie, both of Tucson; numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Service Saturday, December 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Church, 1300 N. Greasewood. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Brewster Center, 2711 E. Broadway, Tucson, 85716.
SAMANIEGO, Joseph L. 'Buddy' 51, died December 23, 1996. Husband of Rita Samaniego; son of Gladys Sieber; brother of Jerry (Betsy) Samaniego of Tucson; Judy (John) Metcalf of CA; and Peggy (Gary)Sadler of UT; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles also survive. Memorial Service 1 p.m. Sunday, December 29, at BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, with Father Jay Luczak officiating. Mr. Samaniego was a member of VFW Post #4903. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to the Humane Society of Tucson, 4450 N. Kelvin Blvd. Tucson, 85716. Arrangements by BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
BROWN, 'Grandma' Betty, went to be with the Lord on December 22, 1996 at age 86. Betty was born in Geff, Illinois on September 13, 1910. She moved from Valparaiso, Indiana to Tucson in 1962. She was a hairdresser in her early years, but is best remembered for her many volunteer activities after her 'retirement'. In her sixties, she was a foster mother for 13 different babies. In her seventies, she was a weekly volunteer at the Beal Center on the University of Arizona campus where she brightened the lives of many students. She was the biological grandmother to four loving grandchildren, but in her church and neighborhood, she was 'Grandma' to hundreds of young people. We were all touched by her example of Christian love and generosity. We learned from her, and we will miss her. Betty was preceded in death by her daughter, Betty Jean and her son, Gerald E. Brown. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Elsie Brown of Jonesboro, AR; her grandchildren, Carol Seyffer (Jurg) of Monument, CO, Sheryl Champlin (Pat) of Little Elm, TX, Gerald E. Brown, Jr. (Jacki) of New Orleans, LA and Terry Brown of Arlington, VA; her sister, Bernice Boor of Los Angeles, CA and her brothers, Lloyd Barnard (Ruth) of O’Fallon, IL, Haskell Barnard (Lubine) of Fairfield, IL, Don Barnard(Margaret) of Fargo, ND and Harold Barnard (Betty) of Geff, IL. A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel of Casas Adobes Baptist Church, 2131 W. Ina Rd., Friday, December 27, 1996 at 3:00 p.m. Private interment Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY. Contributions may be made in Betty’s memory to the Beal Campus Ministry c/o First Baptist Church, 215 E. Fifth St., Tucson, AZ 85705.
CELAYA, William Anthony III, died December 21, 1996. Born September 16, 1996. Survived by loving parents, William A. Celaya Jr. and Antonette Abril; brother, Anthony; sisters, Maria Liza and Danielle; paternal grandparents, William and Mary; maternal grandparent, Jesus; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation will be held at SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY CHAPEL, 5401 S. Park Ave. at 10:30 a.m. There will be a service at 11:00 a.m. in our chapel with a graveside to follow at South Lawn Cemetery, 5401 S. Park Avenue. 'We will miss you Guerito'.
DESPAIN, Charles, 88, died December 22, 1996 in Marana. Survived by wife, Ivy DeSpain of Marana; one son, Charles B. (Donna) DeSpain of Marana; one daughter, Bertha (Hal) Porterof of Holbrook, AZ; three brothers, William, Milton, Melvin; two sisters, Grace, Rosailia; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by one daughter and son-in-law, Yvette and Walter Marty; two brothers, Loran, Clyde and three sisters, Edna, Ellen, Marvene. Funeral Services for Mr. DeSpain will be Friday, December 27, 1996 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – Marana Ward, 13450 N. Lon Adams Rd. in Marana at 10:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior to service. Graveside Services will be Saturday at 10:00 a.m. December 28, 1996 at St.Joseph City Cemetery, in Joseph City, AZ. Arrangements handled by WOLFREY PEACE CHAPEL, 5225 E. Speedway, Tucson, 881-0338.
FENSTER, George J., 88, Co-Founder, with his wife Kitty, of the Fenster School and the Fenster Ranch Camp, passed away December 22, 1996. Four brothers preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, F. Kitty Fenster of Tucson; son, Kenneth (Mary Vine) Fenster; daughter, Beverly (Larry) Gammon; grandchildren, William (Barbara) Fenster, Jeffrey (Lori) Gammon, Craig (Karen) Gammon, Tami (Jerry) Lucey and 11 great-grandchildren. He was born February 12, 1908 in Brooklyn, New York, son of Joseph Fenster and Esther Fenster (a distant cousin). He was a graduate of New York University and Pace Institute of Accounting. In New York, he was the Comptroller for Consolidated Laundries Inc., a laundry holding company. He also owned various investment real estate properties. Moving to Tucson in 1941, he was employed as an accountant by M.M. Sundt Construction Co. and involved in the construction of Marana Air Base (Pinal Air Park) and Ft. Huachuca. Later he was an auditor with Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Co. (Convair), building B-24s and B-29s in Tucson. In 1944, he, together with his wife, Kitty, founded the Fenster Ranch School. He served as Managing Director for many years and was still, at the time of his death, an interested member of the Board of Trustees. During the 55 years he lived in Tucson he served on many civic boards and received numerous local and national awards. After his retirement as the active head of Fenster School he and his wife enjoyed many years of international travel. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 26 at EVERGREEN MORTUARY, N. Oracle & W. Miracle Mile, followed by Interment at the Congregation Anshei Israel Section of Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Handmaker Jewish Services For The Aging, 2221 N. Rosemont, Tucson 85712.
GOMEZ, Rodrigo (Rod) J., joined our Savior in the life-everlasting on December 24, 1996 at the age of 72. Born on March 14, 1924 in Jalisco, Mexico, Rod was raised in Jerome and Cottonwood, AZ. He graduated from Clarkdale H.S. in 1943 and then joined the Navy.
He served on active duty with the 'Seabees' for three years during WW II and retired a Commander of the Civil Engineer Corps, U.S. Naval Reserve. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1950.
In 1963, Rod founded Rod Gomez & Assoc. (RGA Engineering Corporation), which ranked as one of the foremost consulting engineering firms in Arizona. During his 30 years as president of RGA, he gained a well-deserved reputation for design excellence. Rod received numerous awards and recognition over the years for his extensive professional and civic accomplishments. He and his wife, Evelyn, retired and closed RGA’s doors in 1993.
Rod was very proud and appreciative of his business partners, engineers, technicians and support personnel who contributed to RGA’s success over the years. He was especially grateful to his wife, Evelyn, for her dedication, perseverance, and support.
Rod, former 4th Degree Grand Knight, is survived by his wife of 47 years, Evelyn J. Gomez; three sons, Rod, Jr. (Tracy) of Grand Rapids, Michael (Nana) of San Diego, and Alan (Mary) of Tucson; and two daughters, Beverly Arriaga (Gilbert) and Cynthia Smith (Marc), both of Tucson. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; his 90-year-old mother, Luz; brothers, Ray (Linda), and Joe (Betty) Gomez; sisters, Lucy (Pete) Saucedo; Mary Lou (Eusebio) Rosalez, and Rosalva (Robert) Gallardo.
Visitation will be held Thursday, December 26 at BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be offered Saturday, December 28 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at Broadway and Craycroft. Interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Rod’s memory to: Casa de Los Ninos Crisis Center, 1101 N 4th Ave., Tucson, 85705.
ALTHOUGH THE FAMILY IS DEEPLY
SADDENED AT HIS PASSING,
HIS MEMORY AND EXAMPLE
WILL LIVE ON FOREVER
IN US AND OUR CHILDREN.
HILL, Lena C., was born in Salisbury, NC, the daughter of Benjamin F. Cauble and Sarah E. Cauble. Mrs. Hill passed away on December 22, 1996 at the age of 88. She is survived by a daughter, Sarah Pershing; a son, Baxter J. Hill and grandchildren, Susan Tappan, Bruce Pershing, Barbara Pershing, Gregory Williams and Sandra Straley. Mrs. Hill was a resident of Tucson for nearly 50 years. She resided at the La Canada Care Center for the past two years. Her career included the Steinfeld and Steinheimers bookstores, and assistant librarian at the DMAFB library and Tucson High School library. Her family requests no flowers and suggests that a donation to your local library would be more appropriate. Memorial Services will held Saturday, December 28, 1996 at 11:00 a.m. at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave.
