RYON, Elsie C., 89, of Tucson, died December 8, 1996. Survived by daughter, Doris (Dean) Hill; granddaughter, Dee (George) Buffington; great-granddaughter, Michelle (Richard) McGuffie and many loving nieces, nephews and friends in the Washington, DC area. Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 11 at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd, where friends may call one hour prior to service. Burial will be in East Lawn Palms Cemetery.
SCHNECK, Katherine 'Kay', 78, of Tucson, passed away on December 8, 1996. Survived by her sons, Ronald (Donna) Schneck of Fairborn, OH and Robert Schneck of San Francisco; granddaughter, Lisa Schneck of Columbus, OH; sisters, Irene (Leon) Cottrill, Dorothy Moe, Dolores (Jack) Garcia, Vivian (Dick) Horner all of Tucson and Donna (Sal) Jaime of Tombstone; brothers, Steve (Betty) Swarney of Dover, OH and Ed Swarney of Huachuca City; brothers-in-law, John Blaschak of Tucson and Joe Frieben of Johnstown, PA. Kay had many friends in the Tucson area after living here for 18 years. She was from Johnstown, PA, where she assisted her golf professional husband, the former Henry Schneck, for many years at the Berkley Hill Golf Course where she was an accomplished golfer in her own right. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Tucson Medical Center Hospice staff and the nurses in the 300 wing for their loving care. A Memorial Mass will be said at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 8650 N. Shannon Rd, Wednesday, December 11, 1996 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University Cancer Research Center, 1515 N. Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ 85719. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave.
WESTENBURG, Charles Edward 'Chuck', died in his sleep Friday, December 6, while on an elk hunting trip in the White Mountains. He is survived by his wife, Rena; daughters, Victoria Enderle of Tucson and Leah Hendrix of Selah, WA; sisters, June Terpstra of Alamosa, CO and Mary Lou Hof of Escalon, CA; grandchildren, Jason, Crystal, Clint, Jillean, and Raychel (hunting and fishing buddy); step-daughter Nichole Ransom; and step-son Paul Rios, both of Tucson. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara; and his brothers Keith and Bill. Chuck was born August 3, 1933 in Alamosa, CO to Peter and Jeanette (Bylsma) Westenburg. He graduated from Alamosa High School as valedictorian after serving as both Senior Class and Student Body President. He worked in the construction field while promoting his interest in the outdoors by, among other things, conducting game surveys with the Colorado Game and Fish Department. Chuck moved to Tucson in 1957 to take advantage of the longer construction season our weather allows. His efforts culminated in his construction business, Chuck Westenburg, Inc., specializing in concrete. His notable projects are numerous–let’s just say that you’ve all walked on his work. His professional affiliations include the Association of builders and Contractors (past president), now known as the Arizona Builders Association. Chuck’s favorite pastimes-hunting, fishing, and cooking-all came together in his support of several organizations and allowed him to touch the lives of countless friends. He was a charter member, past president, and current vice president of the Arizona Chapter of Safari Club International. His administrations repeatedly received from the Arizona Game and Fish Department for their environmental and conservation efforts. As past president and life member of the Tucson Rod and Gun Club, he started the Annual President’s Traveling Trophy Award for the best antler contest and served 25 years as a Hunter Safety Instructor. Tens of thousands of Tucsonans have enjoyed the various game meats prepared by Chuck and others from the barbecue pit at the Rod and Gun Club annual public barbecue. Many hunting camps were lucky to take advantage of his skills around the camp fire–cooking and story telling–as his camp site cooking has received national recognition in hunting publications. He was also a charter member of the Sierra Vista Rod and Gun Club, a life member of the National Rifle Association, and an active member of Ducks Unlimited and The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Safari Club International or the Tucson Rod and Gun Club. Funeral Service 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 11, 1996 at Brings Broadway Chapel, with Pastor Mark Harris of Bear Canyon Community Church officiating. Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 10th at Bring’s Broadway Chapel, 6910 E. Broadway.
BRADY, Peter Randolph, 80, of Rillito, Arizona, passed away on December 6, 1996. He survived his beloved wife of 50 years, Bertha. He is survived by his daughters, Lorraine (Polly Brady-Garcia), Madeline Tammami; son, Richard Randolph Brady; sisters, Barbara Helbig; Cecilia Bartreau; brother, Oscar Brady. Mr. Brady is the great-grandson of Peter R. Brady, one of Tucson’s founding fathers. He was a member of B.P.O. Elks Lodge No. 385 and the Fraternal Order of Eagle. Dad, you were a great service to the community of Marana and Tucson. You were much loved by us. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 10, 1996 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at TUCSON MORTUARY, South Chapel, 240 S Stone Ave., with Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be offered Wednesday, December 11, 1996 at 9:00 a.m. at Santa Cruz Church. 1220 S. 6th Ave. Interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Arrangements by TUCSON MORTUARY, INC.
BRUMMET, Dorothea Elizabeth, 91, of Tucson, died Saturday, December 7, 1996. She is survived by daughters, Helena Brummett of Tucson; Alberta (William) Stern of Las Vegas, NV; son, Clifford (Peggy) Brummet of Cleveland, OH; brothers, Robert Critney of Edinburgh, IN; Chester Critney of Seattle, WA. Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 1996 at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY CHAPEL, 5801 E Grant Rd. Interment will follow at East Lawn Palms Cemetery. Friends may call at the chapel one hour prior to the service. Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Carondelet Hospice Services, PO Box 13170, Tucson, AZ 85732-3170.
DRAKE, Edsel P., 79, of Cochise, AZ, died December 6, 1996. Born on Clarkston, MI on October 25, 1917 to Clarence Drake and Pear Ackins. Preceded in death by parents wife, Pearl Drake; one brother, Manley Drake; and one sister, Betty Therlot. Surviving relatives include: sons, David (Andrea) Drake of Tucson, AZ; sister, Mary Buhot of Cochise, AZ and one grandson, David E. Drake of Tucson, AZ. Private cremation was conducted. Arrangements by Westlawn Chapel and Mortuary in Willcox, Arizona.
FULTON, Douglas J. 'Doug'. Born April 5, 1928 in Illinois. Died Thursday, December 5, 1996. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Philips-in-the-Hills Episcopal Church on Tuesday December 10 at 4:00 p.m. with Fr. Paul W. Buckwalter and Tom Fleming of Ann Arbor, Michigan officiating. Gospel music under the direction of Dorothy Reid Prince Chapel Ame Church. In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to the Nature Conservancy, 300 E. University Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85705. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd.
GAMBLE, Albert R., a practicing attorney in Tucson for 28 years, died Wednesday, December 4, 1996 at age 77. He served in the US Army as Lieutenant in WWII. Albert is survived by his spouse, Lois; a daughter, Ranelle of Cleveland, Ohio; stepchildren, Jonathan Horn of Houston, Texas; Valerie Horn Price of Tucson; Janis Horn Stevenson of Las Vegas, Nevada; Leslie Horn Williams of Phoenix, Arizona; Miriam Long Simmons of Los Angeles, California; Anita Allyn of Tucson; and seven grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Monday, December 9 at VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 2545 N. Tucson Blvd., with a Memorial Service at 6:30 p.m.
GEARHART, David Barker, passed on December 4, 1996. Born December 16, 1904 in Hopkinton, Iowa. He is survived by his wife, Mickey; his sister, Mary Schipull; and his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Dorothea Gearhart. David was father to Carole who predeceased him; grandfather to Carole’s adult daughters, Kathie and Kelly; and stepfather to Deborah and her husband, Fred, as well as Jane and her husband, John. He is also survived by seven other grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be conducted by Father 'Bud' O’Dell, the afternoon of Thursday, December 12, at Saguaro Canyon Church, near Houghton and Old Spanish Trail. It was David’s wish that any memorial gifts be made to the Salvation Army.
LAW, Thomas A., 53, died December 5, 1996. Arrangements by BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
TAYLOR, Frances Bernice, 76, died December 6, 1996. Preceded in death by her husband, Henry Edward Taylor. Mother of Betty Butler of Tucson; Mary Session of NJ; Vandora (Thurman) Brown of Tucson; Henry Taylor of Tucson; Esther Johnson of Tucson; Jim (Mary) Taylor of Glendale; Rosie Hartsfield of Tucson; and Lonnie (Lori) Taylor. Sister of Effie Lee Pryor; Henrietta Ratliff; and Charlie Mae Williams; 30 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 11 at Greater South Park Church of God, 2419 S. Park Ave, with Pastor Robert Robinson officiating. Burial will be in Tucson Memorial Park, South Lawn. Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 10 at BRING’S MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 236 S Scott Ave, and from 10:00 a.m. until service time, Wednesday, December 11 at Church.
VORBERG, Frederick O., 83, died December 5, 1996. Husband of Wacel Vorberg of Tucson. He was a member of the F&AM #60; DAV; Rincon Renegades #18; York Rite, Tucson Chapter #3, Sabbar Temple; and Ravada Lodge #130 AF & AM; and the VFW. Friends may call 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, December 9 at BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway. Graveside Service will be Tuesday, December 10, National Memorial Cemetery, Phoenix, Arizona. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sabbar Shrine General Fund, 450 S Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716 in memory of Fred O. Vorberg.
WHEELER, Catherine, 88, of Tucson, died December 5, 1996. She was preceded in death by her husband, Oswin. She is survived by children, Terence Wheeler of Globe, AZ, William (Patricia) Wheeler of Carmel, Ind, Ellen Wheeler (David Nix) of Tucson; grandchildren, Kevin Wheeler, Kathleen Ortega, Daniel Wheeler, Diane Kopf, Nora Green, Eileen Terry, William Wheeler Jr., Timothy Wheeler, Gregory Nix and Catherine Nix; great-grandmother of 12; aunt of many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Monday, December 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 2545 N. Tucson Blvd., (one block North Grant.) Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Newman Center, UA, 1615 E. 2nd, Tucson 85719. Directed by VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 327-6341.
ALVAREZ, Ralph V. Born in Tucson, Arizona, died December 4, 1996. He graduated from Sunnyside High School and attended Pima College. Ralph worked as a welder for Duval mine for several years, then Pacific Freight Express until 1985, when he joined the Tucson Police Department as a police officer. He served there until his death. During his police career, he was an observer with the air support unit and, as a third degree black belt in karate, instructed at the police academy in self-defense and baton. During his 12 years as a police officer, he received numerous commendations and letters of appreciation. Ralph loved to spend his free time playing with family and friends at the lakes of Arizona; especially Roosevelt, San Carlos and Lake Powell. He had many, many friends and they all loved his company and valued his friendship. He will be deeply missed by them all. He is survived by his wife, Norma Alvarez; daughters, Denise Alvarez-Romero and Correen; his son, Nathan; his parents, Jesus and Anita Alvarez; brother, Frank; and sisters, Mary Alvarez-Salese and Patricia Alvarez-Anaya and brother-in-law as well as best friend, Armand Salese. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tucson Medical Center Hospice, 5301 E. Grant, Tucson, AZ, phone: 324-2090. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 8 at 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at South Lawn Cemetery, 5401 S. Park Ave, Tucson, Arizona. Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 8650 N. Shannon Rd. Tucson at 10:00 a.m. on December 9. Burial to follow at South Lawn Cemetery.
BRADY, Allison P., 65, of Tucson, died December 6, 1996. He is survived by his wife, Monique; children, Jane Brady and Wayne Brady both of Tucson, Elaine Hartman and Diane Lujan both fo Colorado Springs; three grandsons, Jovan, Andre and Nash; daughter-in-law, Janine; sister, Edna Brady; brothers, Donald and Bobby Brady. There will be no services at this time. Arrangements by HEATHER MORTUARY, 1040 N. Columbus Blvd.
CAIN, William Lee, 76, died December 5, 1996. Husband of Belia P. Cain of Tucson; brother of Kathyrn Carpenter and Mattie Russell both of MI; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends also survive. Mass will offered 12:00 noon Monday, December 9, 1996 at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 1800 S. Kolb Rd. Interment to follow at Our Lady of the Desert Cemetery. Rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Sunday, December 8, 1996 at Brings Broadway Chapel and friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, December 8, 1996 at Brings Broadway Chapel, 6910 E. Broadway. Donations to Lou Gehrig Disease National Foundation, 185 Madison Ave. NY, NY 10016 or Community Hospice, would be appreciated.
CLOTHIER, Clara Cummings, 92, of Tucson, AZ and Kanosh, UT, died Thursday, December 5, 1996. She has followed her husband, Ernest Clothier in death. She is survived by son, Ed (Sonja Waag) Clothier and their children, Ben, Claire, Brittany, Lindsay and Michael; daughter-in-law, Patricia Clothier and granddaughter, Debbie. Clara married Ernest Clothier in 1926 and moved to Tucson in 1927. They came on dirt roads in their Model T and bought 2.5 acres on Blacklidge Dr. for 25 cents down. Clara and Ernest spent 69 years together blessing the lives of others with their love and service. They were renowned for their green corn tamales, which they graciously taught anyone to make. Clara was a past member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in which during her lifetime she served as Relief Society President, Sunday School teacher, Primary Teacher, and shared her many talents in needlework, quilting and cooking. Friends may call Monday, at 9:00 a.m. in the Relief Society Room of the LDS Church, Sumter Road Chapel, 3500 W. Sumter Road (Thornydale North of Linda Vista). Services will then be at 10:00 a.m. with Bishop Hancock officiating. Interment will follow at TMP South Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave.
DICK, James Robert 'Jim' Dick, was born December 21, 1925 in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, and died in his home in Tucson, Arizona on December 4, 1996. For 33 years Jim was a teacher in TUSD, with most of that time spent at Palo Verde High School as head of the Social Studies Department. Jim and his wife, Helen (Robbie) were the catalysts, in Tucson, for Citizen Diplomacy with the Soviet Union. Their unofficial diplomatic ventures into the so-called 'evil empire' brought many visitors from the USSR to Tucson, resulted in Tucson having a Sister City in the former Soviet Union (Alma Ata, Kazakhstan), and ultimately contributed to the collapse of the Iron Curtain. Jim is survived by his wife, Robbie; three sons, Dana, Kirby and Dallas; three daughters-in-law, Rita, Barbara and Jean; six grandchildren; a brother, Don; two sisters, Lucille Franklin and Joyce Johnson; and thousands of students and friends who have been touched by his compassion and love. Jim’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 p.m., at Saint Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church, 4625 E. River Road. A party celebrating Jim’s life will follow immediately. An outdoor Performing Arts Center, located at Saint Francis in the Foothills, will serve as a lasting memorial to Jim’s keen interest in The Arts. Memorial offerings should go to Saint Francis in the Foothills.
ENCINAS, Damian S., 71, died December 3, 1996. Father of Damian Encinas Jr., Irma (Richard) Ward, Roland Encinas, Norma (Kent) Cramer and Fred Encinas all of Tucson; brother of Manuel and Ramon Encinas, Eliza Lopez, Carmen Gortarez all of Tucson and Mary Pepple of Yuma; four grandchildren also survive. Mr. Encinas was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa. Rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 8 at BRING’S MEMORIAL CHAPEL. Mass will be offered 9:30 a.m. Monday, December 9 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 300 S. Tucson Blvd. Burial in Holy Hope Cemetery. His death has left a huge void in the lives of all who knew him. Friends may call from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 8 at BRING’S MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 236 S. Scott.
FREY, Michael Alan, 39, went to a better place on Wednesday, December 4, 1996. He is survived by his two sons of whom he was very proud and loved with all his heart, Michael and Logan of Enumclaw, WA; parents, Hillard and Jo-Ann Frey; sister, Susan Beers; niece, Jesse Jo-Ann; grandmother, Marian Frey of Oceanside, CA; grandfather, H.R. (Leone) Frey, Sr. of Redding, CA and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Michael was born in Phoenix, but raised in Tucson. He worked as a chef for many years in Reno, NV. He returned home to Tucson in November, 1995 after he had cancer surgery and treatments. Michael was a warm, loving, considerate son and father and will be sadly missed by all his relatives and many good friends. Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 1996 at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.
