KENNEY, Roger L., born February 7, 1955, passed away June 30, 1997. Survived by his mother, Patty; sisters, Pamala, Machell and Bobbi Jo, all of Tucson; ex-wife, Kay Lynn; daughter, Savannah; son, Joshua, all of Albuquerque, NM; grandmother, Pauline Helzer; aunts and uncles, Mr. and Mrs.Robert Doyle, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Penton, Mr. and Mrs. William Gerlock, Wilma Kenney, all of Casper, WY, Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Kenney of Lawton, OK; as well as two nephews, three nieces; 16 cousins and many more family and friends.
KUHN, Elizabeth M., 93, died July 7, 1997. Survived by nephew, David Sedlak of Tucson and numerous other nieces and nephews. Mass will be offered 8:00 a.m., Thursday, July 10 at St. Thomas the Apostle, 5150 N. Valley View Rd. Entombment to follow in Holy Hope Mausoleum. The family suggests donations to St. Vincent DePaul Society, 829 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701. Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m, Wednesday, July 9 at BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
LESLIE, Charles Hendrix, 87, of Tucson, died July 3, 1997. Survived by loving wife, Leonora; daughters, Clare Leslie of Tucson, Joan (Bennet) Boerboom of Colorado, Anne (Harry) Maxfield of New Jersey; son, Joseph of New Hampshire; brother, W.B. Leslie of Georgia; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m., Thursday at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic church. Burial will follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Friends may call 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday at VALLEY FUNERAL HOME. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to either Salpointe Catholic High School or SS. Peter and Paul School Fund. Services conducted by VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 2545 N. Tucson Blvd. (1 1/2 blocks N. of Grant Rd.) 327-6341.
Michael Joseph Mastrilli, 30 years old, born June 17, 1967 Omaha, NE died July 4, 1997. Survived by parents, Frank T. and Marlene Mastrilli of Tucson; brothers, Frank A. (Teresa) Mastrilli of Rowlett, TX, Daniel L. Mastrilli of Tucson; nephews, Matthew and Jonathan Mastrilli, both of Roweltt, TX; paternal grandparents, Frank P. and Helen Mastrilli of Woodbury, GA; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends may call at Hudgel’s SWAN FUNERAL HOME, 22nd and Swan, on Tuesday, July 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. by Rev. Cliff Brooks. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to MADD.
Michael you left us too soon, you will be missed by your family and friends.
OATES, Ruby Opal, 82, died July 7, 1997. Survived by her husband, Walter; daughter, Walt Dean Palser; grandsons, Walter Lee and Bret Palser. Ruby has been a resident of Tucson for 57 years working along side her husband Walter as owners of W&W Used Cars, formerly the Oates Motor Co. Friends may call 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 1997 at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd. where Funeral Services will be held Thursday, July 10, 1997. Burial to follow at South Lawn Cemetery.
PIANKA, Chester A., 82, passed away July 3, 1997. Survived by wife, Wilma; sons, Chester L. (Laverne) Pianka of Tucson and Raymond L. (Karen) Pianka of Cleveland, OH; granddaughter, Kristina (Wade) Hampton of Mesa, AZ and Kirsten Pianka of Cleveland, OH; grandson, Lewis W. Pianka of Tucson and great-granddaughter, Tatiana of Tucson. Memorial Service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 9, 1997 at Hudgel’s SWAN FUNERAL HOME, 22nd and Swan, with Rev. Eric Northard officiating. Remembrances may be made to Dignita Hospice, 5675 N. Oracle #3101, Tucson, AZ 85704.
Fernando 'Ferny' Sanders, Jr., 15, lifelong resident of Tucson, died Saturday, July 5, 1997. Survived by parents, Fernando and Antonieta Sanders; sister, Ruby; grandmothers, Lydia Sanders and Delfina Dicochea, all of Tucson; numerous, aunts, uncles and cousins. Ferny was a student at La Cholla High School. Friends may call Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. at SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY CHAPEL, 5401 S. Park Ave. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m., Thursday at St. John’s Catholic Church, 602 W. Ajo Way. Interment South Lawn Cemetery.
Harold L. Smith, born February 27, 1926, died July 5, 1997 at the age of 71 by breaking the hold that Alzheimer’s and Cancer had on him. He was born and raised in southern Michigan. At the age of 17, he joined the Naval Armed Guard and served 34 months in the South Pacific during WWII. He completed his education and married (Alice) Miriam Whitelock in 1946. They made their home in Flint, MI, where they raised their four children. Mr. Smith was in the investigation and security business, first for insurance companies, then for himself. He and his wife opened their agency in 1957, which they sold to their son in 1979. During these years, Mr. Smith was a volunteer Disaster Coordinator for the American Red Cross. He was an avid sportsman, especially enjoying golf and hunting. Mr. Smith retired in 1979, he and his wife moved to Tucson, AZ, in 1981, where he continued to enjoy golf and developed the special interest of exploring mountain trails and ghost towns. He invited many to go with him on the back trails, and he always served a tailgate lunch that was remembered. He was also known for his Wild Game Feasts in both MI and AZ. In addition to Professional Organizations in MI, Mr. Smith was a member of BPOE, Rotary International, Breakfast Optimists, the Bear Hunters Association, and the Flint Golf Club. In AZ, he was a member of Santa Rita Golf Club, a life member of the American Legion Post #109, and was so pleased to be an Honorary Member of the Active 20-30 Club. Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Miriam; son, Steven H. Smith (Pam) of MI; daughters, Susan S. Smith of CO, Joanne (Michael) Spagle of CA, Christine A. Smith of Tucson; grandchildren Brooke (Michael) Pachuta and Ryan H. Smith both of MI, Jordan Kasper, CA, Wesley Spagle, CA, Gabriel Spagle and Charlene Spagle both of AZ; brother Gene Smith, MI, and many nieces and nephews. Respecting Mr. Smith’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Family and friends are invited to join Celebration of his life, at the residence, 8760 East Desert Spring Street, Tucson, Wednesday, July 9, 1997 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Respite Care Fund, Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging, 2221 North Rosemont, Tucson, AZ 85712, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Southern Arizona Chapter, P.O. Box 13423, Tucson, 85732-3423. Cremation will be followed by distributing his ashes in his beloved Santa Rita Mountains. Arrangements by BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
THOMPSON, Barbara C., 78, entered into eternal rest July 5, 1997. She was born May 2, 1919 in Saugus, MA. She is survived by her husband, Donald Thompson, Sr. Preceded in death by daughter, Doreen and survived by sons, Donald Jr. (Linda), William (Sarah); daughters, Beverly (Terry) Kirchoffner, Patricia (David) Ratliff. Beloved grandmother of 13 grandchildren. Preceded in death by brother, Daniel Cameron and survived by brother, Irving (Helen); sisters, Helen, Eleanor (Henry), Betty and Abby Lee (Walter) and many beloved nieces and nephews. Services to be held First Free Methodist, 1350 N. Arcadia, with Pastor Mark Bickerton, Wednesday, July 9, 1997 at 4:00 p.m. Graveside Service at Eastlawn Cemetery, 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 10. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Diabetic Assoc., TMC Hospice or favorite charity. Arrangements by WOLFREY PEACE CHAPEL, 5225 E. Speedway, 881-0338.
TRAHER, Jerry, 76, passed away at home July 5, 1997. Jerry was born in Provo, Utah. She has lived in Tucson 44 years and is best remembered for her close family values and her long lasting personal friendships. She is survived by her three children, Jacqueline Lynch of Pebble Beach, CA, Russel Traher of Phoenix and Michael of Tucson; two sisters, La Rue Lunt and Luanna Jackson; brother, Rex Nelson; and 13 grandchildren also survive. Memorials may be made to TMC Hospice. Private family services will be held.
VARSO, Helen, age 82, of Tucson, formerly of Gary, IN, died July 7, 1997. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Varso. She is survived by daughter, Sylvia M. (Thomas D.) Kleinschmidt, Tucson; daughter, Michaeline (William) Reay, Manhattan, KS; grandchildren, David A. (Sandra) Kleinschmidt, Benicia, CA, Kathryn A.(Robert) Yanez, Tucson, Thomas M. (Judith) Kleinschmidt, Phoenix, Sean M. Chance, Phoenix; great-grandchildren, Brianna, Kyle and Samantha Kleinschmidt, Benicia, CA, Christina and Brandon Yanez, Tucson, T.J. and Pilar Kleinschmidt, Phoenix. Friends may call at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 8650 N. Shannon Rd., Wednesday, July 9, 1997, starting at 6:30 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 1997 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 8650 N. Shannon Rd., Tucson, AZ 85742. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave. (at Magee).
VAVRA, Frank E., 79, of Tucson, died July 6, 1997 in Phoenix, AZ. Survived by daughters, Nancy Mull of Buckeye and Elsie Garland of Tempe; brother, George of IL; grandchildren, Michael, Tricia, Cynthia, Pamela and Paul; great-granddaughter, Kayla. Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Church of Christ, 145 N. Country Club. Friends may call Tuesday 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 2545 N. Tucson Blvd., 327-6341.
Carmen Yubeta, of Mammoth, AZ, died Thursday, July 3, 1997. She is survived by her husband, Louis S. Yubeta; children, Irma (Leandro) Rico, Dana Point, CA, Cecilia (George) Madrid, Mammoth, AZ, George Louis Yubeta, Tucson, AZ, Raul (Marylou) Yubeta, Oracle, AZ, Danny (Janet) Yubeta, Aliso Viejo, CA and Manny (Terri) Yubeta, San Manuel, AZ; 27 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Visitation was held at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern (at Magee), from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday, July 7, 1997 and at 7:30 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Mammoth, AZ, with Rosary at 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 8, 1997 at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Gilbert Padilla officiating. Interment will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Mammoth, AZ.
AMLING, Jennie Catherine, 72, died June 19, 1997. Wife of Russell 'Buzz' Amling of Tucson; mother of Jeff Torell of Franklin, TN; sister of Irwin Collinge of Emporia, KS, Roy Dale Collinge of Wakaruss, KS and Doris Anne Beardmore of Topeka, KS. Two granddaughters also survive. Mrs. Amling was a member of several Masonic ladies organizations. Memorial Service 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 11 at Sabbar Shrine Temple, 450 S. Tucson Blvd. Donations may be made in Mrs. Amling’s memory to Shriner’s Hospital, c/o Sabbar Shrine Temple, TMC Hospice Program, Social Order of Beauceant or K T Holy Land Pilgrimage Fund. Arrangements by BRING’S MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 236 S. Scott Ave.
BYRD, Winifred W., 84, of Sierra Vista, AZ, died July 4, 1997. Survived by her daughter, Barbara De La Cruz; sisters, Margaret Kelso and Edna Schmidt; sister-in-law, Ruth Wade; grandson, Pablo De La Cruz; 10 nieces and nephews. Baha’i Funeral Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 7, 1997 at EAST LAWN PALMS CHAPEL, 5801 E. Grant Rd. Tucson, AZ. Burial to follow.
COFFEE, Ray F., 87, of Benson, AZ, passed away July 3, 1997. He is survived by wife, Doris Coffee of Benson; niece Bonnie Coffee Janeta of Sierra Vista, AZ; nephew Ronnie Coffee of Lake Arrowhead, CA. Graveside service at High Street Cemetery, Benson, AZ, Tuesday, July 8, 1997, 9:00 a.m. Arrangements Richardson’s Mortuary.
Michael A. Hammel, 31, of Tucson, died July 2, 1997. Father of Loralei A. and Britney M. Hammel, both of Tucson; son of Charles Hammel of Tucson and Patricia Fennell of TX; brother of Kevin Hammel of Phoenix, Christopher Hammel of GA and Stephen Hammel of Tucson; husband of Christine of Tucson; son-in-law of Ned and Loralei Collier of Tucson. Michael was born in Tucson February 8, 1966. He graduated from Amphitheater High School in 1984 and served four years in the U.S. Navy. Michael worked for the Arizona Department of Corrections as a disciplinary coordinator. His many friends and family will miss him. Memorial Service Monday, July 7 at 6:00 p.m. at ABBEY FUNERAL CHAPEL, 3435 N. 1st Ave. (888-1111).
MERRIMAN, Keith, 87, of Tucson, died July 3, 1997. Father of Richard A. Merriman of Oceanside, CA; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother of Mildred Tansey of FL. Graveside Service Tuesday, July 8, 1997, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Hope Cemetery with Rev. John Heiserman officiating. Visitation Tuesday, July 8, 1997 from 9:00 to 9: 45 a.m. at ABBEY FUNERAL CHAPEL 3435 N. 1ST AVE, (888-1111).
