CHIDESTER, Otis Holden, 93, died February 22, 1997. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Saddlemire Chidester; by his parents, Harmon Otis and Lillian Beatrice Chidester and by his sister, Beatrice Chidester LaFetra. He is survived by his cousins, Carolyn (Hank) Azcona of Tucson and John (Peg) Fuller of Lancaster, OH. He was born March 22, 1903 in Mineral City, Ohio and spent his formative years in Susquehanna, PA. He became a Boy Scout on September 8, 1912, and after 84 1/2 years, was the nation’s Senior Scout in continuously registered and active service. He became an Eagle Scout in 1935, received the Silver Beaver Award in 1948, and was named a Distinguished Eagle Scout in 1993. He served Catalina Council as its Historian for 34 years and was the national dean of Scout Council historians. At the time of his death, he was nearing completion of the revised edition of his monograph on the history of Scouting in Southern Arizona. In 1984, he established the Otis H. Chidester Scout Museum of Southern Arizona; he considered the Museum to be his principal legacy to his fellow citizens and to Scouts of all ages. He and his wife came to Tucson in January 1934. He taught at the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind 1937-40. He earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Arizona in 1940 and 1948. He founded the graphic arts department at Tucson High School in 1940 and served as department chairman until 1968. He was inducted into Tucson High School Hall of Fame in 1992. He became a Master Mason in Windsor, N.Y. Lodge No. 442 on April 3, 1925 and had been a member of Epes Randolph Lodge No. 32 in Tucson since March 7, 1941. He was named Mason of the year by his lodge in 1993. He had been an active and devoted member of Catalina United Methodist Church since 1934 and received its John Leecing Missioner’s Award in 1987. He was the senior member of the Tucson Corral of Westerners, having served as its Sheriff in 1961 and having edited its research publication, The Smoke Signal, 1960-89. He had been International Secretary Emeritus of Westerners International since 1977. He served as President of the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society 1952-54 and received its Victor R. Stoner Award in 1987. He received the Al Merito Award from the Arizona Historical Society in 1975. He served as International President of the International Graphic Arts Education Association 1955-56 and received its Fred J. Hartman Award in 1975. He was the founding Chairman of Pima Community College’s Graphic Technology Citizens’ Advisory Committee in 1968 and served as chairman for 10 years. In 1994, the Baha’i's of Greater Tucson named him the inaugural recipient of the William Sears Vision in Action Award. Throughout his long life, this noble soul exerted a positive and loving influence on countless thousands of young men and women, and the world is a far better place because of his passage through it. A memorial service will be held on March 5 at 7:00 p.m. at Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Speedway. A Masonic observance will occur at 1:00 p.m. on March 22, 1997 at Catalina United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Otis H. Chidester Scout Museum of Southern Arizona at 1937 E. Blacklidge Dr., Tucson, AZ 85719 or the Catalina United Methodist Church at 2700 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85716. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd. (at Speedway).
LIZARDI, Hector M., 72, of Tucson, passed away March 1, 1997. Preceded in death by parents, Benito and Ysabel Lizardi; sister, Mercy Finch. Survived by wife, Eva V. Lizardi; daughters, Rosemary Lizardi (Greg Czekaj), Miriam (James Williams), Marcia (Allen Gyolai); son, Jaime Lizardi; sisters, Olga Lizardi, Isabel Ezrre, Stella Ayon, Socorro Caviglia; brothers, Benito Lizardi, Jesus Lizardi, Ernie Lizardi. Also survived by seven grandchildren, Joseph and Christopher Williams, Erin Leon, Yvonne Gyolai, Brian Lizardi-Brown, Janell and Julia Lizardi. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 1997 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at CARRILLO’S TUCSON MORTUARY, (South Chapel), 240 S. Stone Ave., with Rosary recited at 9:30 a.m. Mass will be offered at 10:30 a.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave. Interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. He was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He will be greatly missed by all his family, neighbors, friends, and co-workers. He belonged to Sheet Metal Local Union #426. Family suggest donations be made to the St. Augustine Cathedral Maintenance Fund. Arrangements by CARRILLO’S TUCSON MORTUARY, INC.
VALDEZ, Carmen, 70, of Tucson, died February 28, 1997. Survived by daughters, Michelle Valdez, Valerie (Richard) Acevedo, Pamela Felix and Kimberly Soto, all of Tucson, and Cynthia (Stephen) Selznick of Van Nuys, CA; son, Edward G. Valdez of Tucson; seven grandchildren; one great-grandson; four sisters; two brothers; and many nieces and nephews. Graveside Service Tuesday, 1:00 p.m., Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 N Oracle Rd., with Pastor Michael A. Sentigar, Midvale Christian Center, officiating. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY.
WELLS, Julia Mae, 79, died February 28, 1997. Survived by her children, Venesa (Richard) Hartley and son, Tom (Christy) Wells; grandchildren, Julia and Jeff Hartley, Amy and Thomas Wells; great-grandchildren, Payton and Max Wells; two brothers, A.D. and Jesse Langford and sister, Marie Marshall. Friends may call 10:00 a.m. until 10: 45 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 1997 at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd. and Graveside Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.
BOHL, Robert Carl, 82, died February 24, 1997. Husband of Irene; father of Maryann Bohl of New York City and Robert F. (Nora) Bohl of New York; brother of Ruth Fuest of New Mexico; grandfather of Kristin (Dave) Woodhouse and Joanne Meceli; two great-grandchildren, Michael and Lucas Woodhouse also survive. He was a member of Adobe Lodge #41, F & AM, Ret. Men’s Association and the Fire Department for the city of New York. Memorial service 3:00 p.m. Monday, March 3, 1997 at BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway with Rev. Lowell McBrayer officiating. Contributions to the Tucson Medical Center Hospice Unit, would be appreciated.
CURRAN, Eugene F., 67, former resident of Tucson, passed away at Gila Regional Medical Center, Silver City, NM on Friday, February 21, 1997. Born in Fond du Lac, WI November 5, 1929. Survived by wife, Kathryn; two sons, Bradley (Bonnie), Brian (Vonal); one daughter, Michele Janelli (Carl); five step daughters, Linda Jaye (Jerry), Yvonne Bohan (James), Mary Zechel (Carl), Christine McDonald (Steve), Beverly Vofsekuil (Scott); three sisters, Elaine Waltz (Norbert), Beatrice Blackhull (Jack), Dawn Burkhardt (Lawrence); sister-in-law, Mary Curran; 19 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Glenn and first wife, Marles.
HARRELL, Billy Wayne, 48, died February 28, 1997. Arrangements by BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
JOHNSON, Dorothy Lois 'Dottie' of Tucson, was born on July 14, 1918 in Montello, WI and died on February 23, 1997. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Frederick (Fred); her daughter, Melanie (Arnold) Ormsby; her son, Robert M. (Dianne) Johnson; her sister, Bette Fink of Winter, WI and her three grandchildren, Serena Ormsby and Sean Johnson of Tucson, Tiffany Hummel of Reading, PA and many friends. Dorothy retired as bookkeeper from Bill Breck Dodge. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. A gathering of friends will be held Sunday, 3:00 p.m. March 2nd, 1997 at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd. (at Speedway). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Tucson Community Food Bank. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.
LANE, Elouise Laumann, 81, of Tucson, formerly of St. Louis, MO, died February 27, 1997. Preceded in death by husband, Frank J. Lane. She retired from Steele Elementary School as a first grade teacher. Survived by children, William, Peter, Thomas, Patrick of Tucson; Sue Landy of Phoenix; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services of love and remembrance will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday at VALLEY FUNERAL HOME. Memorial contributions can be made to the Community Food Bank, P.O. Box 26727, Tucson, AZ 85726. Directed by VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 2545 N. Tucson Blvd., (one block North Grant.) 327-6341.
OTERO, Geronima E., 73, of Tucson, passed away February 28, 1997. Survived by sisters, Thelma Mendivil, Maria Simpson, Flavia (Benny) Haro, Saturnina (Alex) Garcia, Frances Rodriguez, Teresa (David) Garcia, Evangelina (Frank) Aguirre; brothers, Teofilo (Annie) Escarcega, Martin (Janette) Escarcega, Joe (Maria) Escarcega. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 2, 1997 from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. at CARRILLO’S TUCSON MORTUARY, (North Chapel), 204 S. Stone Ave., with Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be offered on Monday, March 3, 1997 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 South Stone Ave. Interment to follow at Holy Hope. Family suggest donations be made to St. Augustine Cathedral Maintenance Fund. Arrangements by CARRILLO’S TUCSON MORTUARY, INC.
WHEELOCK, Donald L., 75, died February 26, 1997. Husband of Beatrice Wheelock of Tucson; father of Douglas Wheelock of Almond, WI, Dennis Wheelock of Camp Verde, AZ, Daniel Wheelock of Phoenix, AZ, Donna Parker of Cottonwood, AZ and Patti Sue Cluff of Phoenix, AZ; step brother of John Hagen of Tucson, Albert Hagen of Marana and Alice Schroeder of Holt, MI; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by daughter, Betty Ann Wheelock and son, Larry M. Wheelock. He was a US Army World War II Veteran. Funeral Service, 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 3, 1997 at BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, with Dr. Wayne North officiating. Interment will be at National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 1997. Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 1997 at BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
WILLIAMS, Tollie, age 70, of Tucson, passed away February 18th, 1997. Funeral Service Monday, 1:00 p.m. at SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY CHAPEL. Visitation from 12:00 noon until service time. Rev. D. Grady Scott of Grace Temple Baptist Church officiating. Arrangements by SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY, 5401 South Park Ave.
ALVAREZ, Marie A., “Toni', 42, of Tucson, passed away February 24, 1997. Survived by husband, Antonio 'Tony' Alvarez; mother, Lilly; father, Pete; mother-in-law, Adela Alvarez; daughter, Melissa; sister, Debbie (Angel); brothers, Jerry, Gilbert (Margarita), Gene. Also survived by numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 2, 1997 from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. at CARRILLO’S TUCSON MORTUARY, (South Chapel), 240 S. Stone Ave., with Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be offered on Monday, March 3, 1997 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 South Stone Ave. Interment to follow at South Lawn Cemetery. Family suggests donations be made to the St. Augustine Cathedral Maintenance Fund.
ARNOLD, Virginia G., 71, beloved mother and grandmother entered into rest February 1, 1997. Preceded in death by husband, Doyle E. (Eddy) Arnold. Survived by daughter, Jo Ann Hayden; sons, John H. and James W. Arnold; brother, Rev. Isaac Roberts; grandchildren, Patricia, Lori, Jessica, April; great-grandchildren, Justine, Luis, Brittany, Dakota, Tristan. Memorial Service was held February 5 At 2:30 p.m. at South Lawn Mortuary.
HEIDEL, George P., age 78, a 48 year resident of Tucson, passed away February 26, 1997 at St. Joseph Hospital after a short and unexpected illness. Mr. Heidel retired as a civil engineer from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. Survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Corona; daughter, Martha (Larry) Pulli; son, John (Candy) Heidel; three grandchildren, Danielle, Ricky and Laurie; two great-grandchildren, Candy and Danny; brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and many friends also survive. Visitation will be held today, Friday at 12:00 noon where a Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY, 5401 S. Park Ave. In lieu of flowers, he requested that donations be made in his name to: Hospitality House, Salvation Army, P.O. Box 43799, Tucson, AZ 85733. 'We did not expect for you to die so soon. You will always be in our hearts and prayers.'
HEMERSBACH, Linus John, Born October 26, 1930, passed away, February 24, 1997. Linus John Hemersbach, 66 years old, of Tucson, died February 24, 1997 after a long battle with emphysema and lung cancer. Preceded in death by his grandson, Ryan A. Hemersbach and brothers, Hank and Al Hemersbach. Born in Norwalk, WI, son of Frank and Katie Hemersbach. Survivors include his wife, Patricia of 43 years; four sons, John of Milwaukee, OR, James of Tucson, AZ, Joe of Tucson, AZ, Mark of Santa Cruz, CA; and two daughters, Cheryl of Tucson, AZ and Carol of Tucson, AZ; sisters, Lydia Brown, Helen Steffaw, Freda Thorson, Angela Merlak; brothers, William Hemersbach and Ed Hemersbach; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was a loving husband and father, always giving of himself, a man with a heart of gold. He will be forever missed by family and all who knew and loved him. John served 26 years in the US Air Force and 19 years with the Department of Corrections. He was an avid Arizona Wildcat fan. During his younger years he spent a lot of time coaching youth soccer and being a part of the Boy Scouts of America. Memorial Mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 7651 E. Pima at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 2nd. Interment will follow at TMP East Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Carondelet Hospice Center or to the SIDS Alliance of Arizona. Sincere thanks to Carondelet Hospice Staff for their compassion and caring. Arrangements by BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
JOHNSON, Dorothy Lois 'Dottie' of Tucson, was born on July 14, 1918 in Montello, WI and died on February 23, 1997. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Frederick (Fred); her daughter, Melanie (Arnold) Ormsby; her son, Robert M. (Dianne) Johnson; her sister, Bette Fink of Winter, WI and her three grandchildren, Serena Ormsby and Sean Johnson of Tucson, Tiffany Hummel of Reading, PA and many friends. Dorothy retired as bookkeeper from Bill Breck Dodge. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. A gathering of friends will be held Sunday, 3:00 p.m. March 2nd, 1997 at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd. (at Speedway). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Tucson Community Food Bank. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.
SCHOCK, Margaret 'Maggie' Goodrich, 76, of Tucson, died on February 24, 1997. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Ray Schock on September 8th, 1996 and is survived by her daughter, Susan Schock; granddaughter, Katie Grinold and brother, Bill Goodrich. Maggie was born in Nogales, Arizona on November 23, 1920 where her father, Wendell Goodrich, was stationed as a US Army Pilot. She grew up in Glendale, California and operated a flight school in Seguin, Texas with Ray before moving to Tucson in 1949. An avid pilot, Maggie became a charter member and the first Chairwoman of the Tucson Chapter of the 99s, an international organization of licensed women pilots in 1951. In addition to many church and civic activities, Maggie earned a commercial pilot’s license in 1964 and was the first pilot in Arizona to receive the Blue Seal rating. She remained active in civic affairs and as an accountant for the Southwestern Foundation for Education and Historical Preservation until the time of her death. Maggie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 2nd at the Memorial Chapel at Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Speedway.
SITTERLEY, Theodore Synyer, 83, passed away February 23, 1997. Born January 9, 1914 in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, Ted was raised in Bronxville, New York and educated at Mercersburg Academy and Lehigh University. In college he played football, ran track and became an expert fencer. He was also a drum major and member of Alpha Tan Omega fraternity. A skilled sailor, he had a great love of the sea. Antique and contemporary firearms were another passion dating from his days as champion trap and skeet shooter. After time as Vice-President of a world wide publishing company, his engineering background led him to the aircraft industry where he worked for a number of the country’s largest aerospace firms, retiring from Hughes Aircraft in 1980. A resident of Tucson since 1949, Ted gave his support to many community efforts and especially in the later years to the University of Arizona Arthritis Center of which he was a Board member. He was a member of the University of Arizona Foundation’s President’s Club, Tucson Country Club, a Mason, both 32nd degree Scottish Rite and Knight’s Templar York Rite, a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, President Emeritus of the Hughes Management Club and member of St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church. A kind, generous and courageous gentleman, he is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte and sons, Ted Jr. (Marsha) and Tom. Also three grandchildren, Tom Jr. (Erin), Ted R. (Gretchen) and Charlotte Anne and three great-grandchildren. Private family service. Interment at Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, New York. Remembrances may be made to the University of Arizona Arthritis Center or St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, 3809 E. Third St. Local arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.
