Steven Torres, 47, of Yuma, AZ passed away at Yuma Regional Medical Center. He was born in Yuma, AZ on November 28, 1953. He was a Machine Operator for 20 years.
Survivors include his parents, Arnold and Dodie Torres, of Somerton, AZ.; wife, Maria Porchas, of Yuma; children, Steve Torres, of Tucson, AZ, Victor Torres and Danielle Torres, both of Yuma, AZ; siblings, Arnold Torres Jr., of Somerton, AZ, Elvia Gonzalez, of Phoenix, AZ and Gina Johannsen, of Somerton, AZ.
Visitation will be at Johnson’s on Wednesday, July 18, 2001 from 5:00 PM to - 9:00 PM. Rosary will be at 7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, July 19, 2001 at 9:30 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Somerton. Desert Lawn Memorial Park will be his final resting place.
Pallbearers will be Steve Torres, Victor Torres, Arnold Torres Jr., Arnold Torres III, Richard Carbajal and Christopher Caballero. Honorary Bearers will be A.J. Arredondo, George Rodriguez, Manuel Guerrero, Manuel Guerrero Jr., Eric Guerrero, Ernie Johannsen, Manuel Ramos and Alex Ramos.
Steve will be missed by his loving family.
Mr. William Howard Gundy
William passed away at the age of 69 at Yuma Regional Medical Center on Monday, July 16, 2001.
He was born in Seattle, WA, and later retired as a Logging Truck Driver.
William served the U.S. Army in the Korean Conflict and received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Gundy; Sons, Ronald and William Gundy; Daughters, Marcia Cadwell and Jean Gundy; Cousin, Alvin Nicholson; Step-Mother, Sheila Gundy; Sister, Sharon Lemoine.
William was preceded in death by his Parents, Charles Gundy and Thelma (Heltzer) Gundy.
Graveside services will be July 25, 2001 at 2:00 PM. William will be laid to rest at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.
Anna Louise Hansberger Toohey
Anna Louise Hansberger Toohey, 81, of Del Mar, Californiapassed away Sunday, June 10, 2001. Louise, as she was known to her friends, was born in Yuma, Arizona, where she grew up.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, a Navy pilot. They enjoyed traveling and living throughout the world before retiring to Del Mar more than 30 years ago.
Louise is survived by her daughters, Terry Downey of Tucson, AZ and Judith Barrett of Lowell, AR; sister, Marian Bishop of Walnut Creek, CA; and her granddaughter Jennifer Downey of New York City, NY.
Mrs. Erna M. Walters
Erna passed away at the age of 73, July 18, 2001 at the Life Care Center of Yuma. She was born December 23, 1926 in Hanna, Alberta, Canada.
Erna was the owner of a date farm in Winterhaven and Bard, California. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star Yuma Chapter #14. She had been a resident of Yuma for 28 years.
Erna is survived by her Step Daughter, Reva J. Sparks of Winterhaven, CA; Sisters, Tina Morrison and Aleda Cooper; Brothers, Ron and William Miller, all of Alberta, Canada.
She was preceded in death by her first Husband, Bill Allen; second Husband, Don Walters; Sister, Otilia McGuigan; and Parents, Albert and Maria Miller.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 23, 2001 at 1PM at the Kamman Mortuary. Officers and Members of the Order of Eastern Star, Yuma Chapter #14 will be officiating. Erna will be laid to rest at the Desert Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
Hazel Alta Kruse
Hazel Alta Kruse, 96, passed away on August 1, 2001 at Yuma Regional Medical Center.
Hazel is survived by her husband of 58 years, Raymond William; sister, Billie Alexander of San Diego, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be no services at this time. A private cremation has taken place and inurnment was at Sunset Vista Cemetery. Arrangements by Sunset Vista Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory.
James Eldred Skaar
James Eldred Skaar, 74, passed away on Monday, August 6, 2001 in Sandpoint, Idaho. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, August 9, 2001 at St. Agnes Episcopal Church with Father J.P. Carver presiding. A visitation will be held from 6-8pm, Wednesday, August 8, 2001 at Coffelt’s Moon Chapel. Interment will be held in Paullina, Iowa at 10:00 am, Monday, August 13, 2001 at Prairieview Cemetery.
Jim was born on May 31, 1927 in Beatrice, Nebraska the son of Jacob and Evah (Johnson) Skaar. He served with the U.S. Navy during W.W. II. Jim married Margaret “Peggy” Wright on August 2, 1975 in Yuma, Az. Since 1975 Jim and Peggy have enjoyed spending the winter months in Yuma, Az. and the summer months at their home in Hope, Id.
Jim retired as a civil engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer after 26 years of service. He belonged to both St. Agnes Episcopal Church in Sandpoint and St. Paul Episcopal Church in Yuma, Az. The church was very important to Jim and Peggy and they were very active in both congregations giving of their time, and talents to help both churches.
Jim is survived by his wife of 26 years Peggy Skaar of Hope, Id., four children, James Jeffries of Phoenix, Michael Jeffries of Sonoma, Ca., William Jeffries of Plainfield, IL. and Carolyn Meyer of Novato, Cal., 6 grandchildren Theresa Johnson, Scott Jeffries, Kimberly Jeffries, Jamie Jeffries, Geoff Meyer and Sean Meyer. and sister, Marilyn (Glenn) Petersen of Hope, Id.
On August 10, 2001, Isidro R. Hurtado, A.K.A. “Don Juan” and “Johnny”, departed from this world to begin a new eternal life. He was born May 16, 1921 in Tempe, Arizona. He since dedicated 40 years of his life to work at Southern Pacific Railroad, retiring in 1982 as a mechanical technician.
Isidro is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Maria C. Hurtado of Yuma, AZ; son, Miguel A. Hernandez of Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico; daughters, Leticia (Tim) McNeel of Yuma, AZ, Elizabeth Hernandez (Emiliano Torres) of Center, CO, Patricia (Paco) Ortega of Yuma, AZ and Carmen Hernandez of Tucson, AZ; his grandchildren, Victor, Oscar, Elizabeth, Claudia, Erick, Edgar, Jackelyn, Patti, Yvette. Paco Jr., Tim Jr., Joshua, Nalani, Anayensi and Miguel Jr.; great grandchildren, Oscar Jr., Bianca, Llesenia, Mayra, Cesar, Llaritza, Ricardo, Joel and Edgar Jr.; sisters, Catalina Fernandez of San Jose, CA and Mercedes Zavala of Yuma, AZ; brother, Raymond Hurtado of Yuma, AZ; and nieces and nephews from CA, OK and AZ.
Isidro was preceded in death by his parents, Rafael Rocha and Victoria Rocha; and sister, Petra Magana.
Visitation will be held at Yuma Mortuary on Monday, August 13, 2001 at 4:00PM with Rosary at 7:00PM. Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 9:00AM, funeral services will immediately follow. Pallbearers include; Victor M. Torres, Oscar L. Torres, Erick Torres, Paco Ortega, Noberto Magana, Ricardo Zavala and Tim McNeel. Honorary Pallbearers include; Raphael Zavala, Fermin Magana, Michael Magana, Frank Magana, Roger Martinez, Raymond Lopez, Luis Almazan and Candido Magana
Our dad, “grampa”, brother, uncle and husband was a loving, kind, humble man. We will all miss his constant pranks and laughter -- WE LOVE YOU!!!
Thomas R. Black
“Tom”
Thomas R. Black, 76 passed away August 11, 2001 in Yuma, Arizona. He was born June 27, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Tom served as Chief Gunner’s Mate in the Navy during three wars, World War II, Korean War, and Viet Nam. He retired from the Navy after 30 years service.
Tom is survived by Barbara “Bobbie”, his wife of 55 years, two daughters, Hilary Carroll of Sebago Lake, Maine; Celeste “Rusty” Jenson of Escondido, Ca; by two grandchildren, Lynette McDaniel and James Carroll; and three great grandchildren.
No services are planned.
Alice F. Dahin
Alice F. Dahin entered eternal life on August 9, 2001 at Yuma Regional Medical Center. She was born on August 9, 1935 in New York City, New York.
Alice met her husband of 45 years on Easter Sunday in 1956. Their union produced five children. In 1972, they moved to Yuma, Arizona where they raised their family. During her time in Yuma, Alice worked as a bookkeeper for various non-profit organizations including Saguaro Foundation, TROTH, ARC and the WORC Center. Alice volunteered many hours working with the developmentally disabled. In 1985, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona where she was a bookkeeper for Al White’s Mailing. They returned to Yuma in 1995 to be with their children. From 1995 to April 2001, Alice worked as a bookkeeper for National Flooring Covering, Inc.
Alice is survived by her husband, Alfred E. Dahin; son and daughter, Michael and Sherri Dahin; son and daughter, Glenn and Elizabeth Dahin; son, Thomas Dahin; daughter and son, Donna and Randall Crist, all of Yuma, AZ; 5 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; 2 nieces; 1 nephew; and 3 cousins.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Alice Jediny; daughter, Katherine Dahin; and brother, Edward Jediny, Jr.
A private service and cremation was held on August 10, 2001 at Yuma Mortuary. Honorary Pallbearers include Michael Dahin, Glenn Dahin, Thomas Dahin and Randall Crist.
The family request that all Memorial Donations go to Hospice of Yuma, 1824 S. 8th Ave.
Alice was a very devoted wife, mother and grandmother and will be missed dearly by everyone who knew her. She will live on in our hearts forever.
Freia Kettunen
Freia Kettunen, age 95, a retired Yuma Union High School Nurse died August 11, 2001 at the La Mesa Care Center. She was born August 26, 1905 in Breinard, Minnesota. She graduated as a Registered Nurse from the University of Minnesota and became the supervising nurse at the students health service. She married Elmer Kettunen, Xmas Day 1937 and became a Navy Pilot’s wife. She had many colorful stories about their experiences. Her daughter Karen Frans was born in Hawaii and they moved back to the continental states one year before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, where they lived while in Hawaii. John, her son, was born in Athens, Georgia as her husband continued his career in the Navy in charge of training pilots. After the war they settled in San Diego for awhile where she worked in the local hospitals. She moved to Yuma in the early 1950’s and worked as a nurse in the old hospital on Avenue “B”, which has since been removed. She then became a school nurse for Yuma Union High School in the early 1960’s. After retirement she enjoyed her many interests including, sailing and grand and great-grand children. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Henry and Mary (Brunni) Terava, and brother Hank Terava. She is survived by her husband Elmer Kettunen; daughter Karen and husband Ron Frans; son John and wife Debbie Kettunen; nephew and niece Jack and Marion Terava; grandchildren; Terri and husband Alan Muschott, Tammy Kettunen, Lia (Frans) Palmer, Bill Frans, Jeff and wife Sunshyne Kettunen, Mike Kettunen; great-grandchildren Brooke Freia Muschott, Paige Muschott, and Austin Muschott.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 16, 2001 at Yuma Mortuary, 155 W. 16th Street, Yuma.
Isidoro Alfonso “Chilolo” Lopez
Isidoro Alfonso Lopez, 63 passed away on August 12, 2001 at Yuma Regional Medical Center. He was born in Rosario Sinaloa, Mexico on May 30, 1938.
Isidoro became a Naturalized Citizen and was a Farm worker.
He is survived by His wife Maria Hermila Lopez,; Sons and daughters-in-law Alfonso and Vianey Lopez, Hector and Iveth Lopez, Daughter and Son-in-law Brenda and Agustin Tumbaga, Daughter Mirella Lopez and Son Arturo Lopez; and Daughter-in-Law Mary Ellen Moreno.
Grandchildren Joanna Melissa, Alfonso Jr and Sydney Dominique, Iveth, Hector Jr, Itzel, Chantal, Jessica, and Mireya.
Wake will be on Thursday, August 16, 2001 from 5:00pm to 11:00 pm with Rosary at 7:00pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Funeral Mass will be on Friday, August 17, 2001 at 8:30 am. at Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Pallbearers will be Arturo Lopez, Agustin Tumbaga, Arturo Vargas, Guadalupe Heras, Maurilio Ramirez and Ramon Aguilar.
Final resting place will be Desert Lawn Memorial Park
Melvin T. Houghton
Melvin T. Houghton, 77, formerly of Yuma, passed away in Bellingham, Washington, on July 20, 2001. He was born in Howard, Kansas, on March 6, 1924, to Lester and Laura Bonnell Houghton. He served in the First Armored Division during WWII, in North Africa, Italy, and Germany. He married Chloe Trowbridge on August 6, 1946 and they had three children. In 1965, they moved to Yuma, where Melvin worked at YPG, driving tanks and other test vehicles and later ran his own auto shop. After the death of his wife, he married Phylis Taliaferro of Bellingham, Washington.
Melvin is survived by his wife Phylis of Bellingham, children Gary Houghton and wife Aida and their son John; Karen Stamp and husband Richard; and Carol Brooks of Yuma. Also granddaughters Lorna Brooks and her daughter; Deborah Babb and husband Robert and their son Adam; and Susan Brooks and husband Jason Mai, all of Yuma. He is also survived by aunts Gladys Magner and Hazel Johnson of Eureka, Kansas.
Melvin had a talent for designing and building machinery, some of which is still being used in foreign countries to help the poor build churches and homes. For a friend, he also built a complicated trailer which folded out to become a complete meeting space for church services. He always kept up on what was going on in the world and loved to discuss it with his friends. Private family graveside services were held on July 27th.
