Virginia P. Romero, 78, of Tucson, passed away November 21, 1997. Preceded in death by husband, Albert V. Romero. Survived by sons, Albert R.(Sylvia H.) Romero, Lawrence J. Romero; sister, Lydia Calderon. Also survived by grandchildren, Kathy (Joseph) Stepanski, Richard and Stephanie Romero; and great-grandchildren, Brianna Romero, Branden, Kaylee, Christopher, Cody Stepanski. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 24, 1997 from 4:00 p.m. until 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 Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave. Interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Cathedral Maintenance Fund. Arrangements by CARRILLO’S TUCSON MORTUARY, INC.
SOPER, George W., 65, of Tucson, died November 22, 1997. Survived by wife, Gloria J.; children, John E. of CA, Doug W. and Belinda J. Fisher, both of Tucson; seven grandchildren; brothers, Rex, Don, and Eulie, all of Tucson. Mr. Soper was a veteran of the Korean War. For information on memorial services please contact the family. Arrangements by SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY.
COLE, George Peyton, Following an extended illness, Brigadier General, USAF, retired George Peyton Cole died peacefully in Tucson, AZ on November 20, 1997.General Cole was born in New Orleans, LA, December 9, 1919. After completing high school in Jacksonville, FL, he attended the University of Florida and Texas A&M. He entered the Army Air Corps Cadet program in the Spring of 1941. Graduating in December as a second lieutenant. From 1942 to early 1944, General Cole served at Boca Raton, FL. During this period, he directed search and rescue operations involving a downed aircraft in which radar was used for the first time. He had a long and distinguished career in the Air Force, with assignments in Brazil and Morocco. He received his Brazilian Air Force wings while on duty in that country. Among his many decorations are the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He became Commander of the 12th Strategic Aerospace Division in September, 1966 at Davis Monthan AFB. This headquarters was then responsible for worldwide reconnaissance missions which included the famous U-2. Leaving Tucson in 1968, he completed duties at SAC Headquarters in Omaha, NE. He returned to Tucson upon retirement in 1970. After retirement from the Air Force, General Cole was prominent in a number of Tucson affairs and services. He served as President of the downtown Rotary Club and served as Board Member for the Red Cross and the Tucson Airport Authority among many others. He is survived by his wife, the former Frances Bryan Milton; his son, Brigadier General, USAF, retired, George P. (Katherine Robbs) Cole, Jr.; and his daughter, Frances Margaret Cole, he is also survived by daughter-in -aw, Linda Prael Cole; grandchildren, George P. Cole, III, Katherine Suzanne Cole, and Sarah Emily Cole; sisters, Elizabeth Ramsey Cole Barber and Victoria (Bob) Cole Smith; nephew, Dr. Edward R. Cole and several other nieces and nephews. General Cole was preceded in death by a son, Lt. Col. (USAF Retired) Lawrence M. Cole. Memorial Services will be held on Monday, November 24, 1997 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church (Campbell and River Road). The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by HEATHER MORTUARY, 1040 N. Columbus Blvd.
HARTNETT, Pat M., passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on November 19, 1997, but continues to touch the lives of many. Born December 18, 1934 to Maurice P. and Geraldine Hartnett in Rockford, IL. He had been a resident of Tucson for many years and well known in real estate and political circles. Survived by his wife, Ermalene; daughters, Cathy (John) Nicholas, Linda (Karl) Kinstle, Sandy (Buddy) Pope and Ermalene Gallahue; six granddaughters, and one great-granddaughter; grandmother, Drusilla Mc Farlane; sister, Drusilla (Charles) Hickman all of Perryville, MO; sister, Patrice Hartnett of CA; five nephews; Uncle Lyle (Audrey) of Branham of Huntsville, AL. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. Memorial Services at First Southern Baptist, 445 East Speedway on November 26, 1997 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Southern Baptist Church or TMC Hospice. Arrangements by HEATHER MORTUARY, 1040 North Columbus Blvd.
JOHNSON, Naomia M., 82, ”Bobbi” passed away November 18, 1997. A resident of Tucson since 1984, she formerly lived in Dudley, MA. Survived by husband, Axel; son, Brian Johnson; daughters, Diane (Al) Skorupski, Pamela (Robert) Brickell; seven grandchildren; five sisters; and one brother. Preceded in death by one grandchild; one brother; and one sister. Bobbi retired from Anglo Fabrics, Webster, MA. She lived life with an indomitable spirit. Her loving and giving nature will be sorely missed by her family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday at Adair Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the AZ Elks Major Projects/Children’s Research Center, PO Box 36570, Tucson, AZ 85740.
MCGURREN, Henry ”Hank”, 86, a Chicago attorney for 62 years died Monday, November 17, 1997 at his home in Tucson, AZ. Mr. McGurren, a Chicago native, was an attorney with Department of Justice from the years 1941 through 1948, during which time he commuted to Washington, D.C. He then practiced corporate international and tax law with the firm of McGurren and McGurren until 1965. He continued to practice law in his own firm until his death. During the second World War and for many years following the war Mr. McGurren worked covertly for the office of the Secret Service. Mr. McGurren graduated from Cornell University in 1932. He received his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1935. Mr. McGurren is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carroll Brady McGurren; two daughters, Karen Hoyt and Joy Whitmer; their son, Henry J. McGurren; eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held at St. Pius X Church, 1800 North Camino Rio Decimo on Saturday, November 22 at 11:30 a.m. Donations may be sent to the Matthews Foundation for prostate cancer research, 1010 Hurley Way, Suite 195, Sacramento, CA 95825.
MEYERSON, Ben, 80, of Tucson, died November 20, 1997. Survived by his wife, Sara Meyerson of Tucson; sons, Joel D. Meyerson of Annandale, VA, Ronald L.(Hannah) Meyerson of Tucson; 100 year old mother, Rose Meyerson of Tucson; brothers, Irving (Lee) Meyerson of Detroit, MI, Leon (Betty) Meyerson of Tucson; grandchildren, David J. Meyerson of Newton, MA, Jeffrey E. Meyerson and Barrie A. Meyerson, both of Tucson, many nieces and nephews. For the past 12 years, Mr. Meyerson served as a volunteer at the El Dorado Medical Center. Service, Sunday, 11:00 a.m. EVERGREEN MORTUARY, Rabbi Arthur R. Oleisky, Congregation Anshei Israel officiating. Interment Congregation Anshei Israel Section of Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY, N. Oracle & W. Miracle Mile. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5325 E. Pima, Tucson, AZ 85712.
MIRANDA, Socorro F., 78, of Tucson, passed away November 20, 1997. Survived by daughters, Artemisa (Joseph) Yabes, Mary (Bob) Hart, Josie Mesa, Eleanor (Bill) Mendez, Frances (Robert) Dominguez and Jackie Miranda; sisters, Morena, Vicki and Lenor; brother, Narcisco. Also survived by 20 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 1997 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at TUCSON MORTUARY, South Chapel, 240 S. Stone Ave., November 26, 1997 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Monicas Church. Interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Arrangements by TUCSON MORTUARY, South Chapel, 240 S. Stone.
PENNINGTON, Pearl Emma, 77, of Tucson, died November 20, 1997. Survived by husband, Howard Pennington; sons, Charles, Harvey, and Robert Pennington, all of Tucson area; daughters, Anna (Kenneth) Singleton of New Haven, IN and Emma Conklin (Jack) of Miami, AZ. Mrs.Pennington was preceded in death by 2 sons, Albert and Fred Pennington and one grandson. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Affiliations, Member of Manor Baptist Church. Services 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 24, 1997 at Manor Baptist Church, 433 W. Lerdo Road, with Pastor Kenneth Nickell. Interment at SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY CHAPEL, 5401 S. Park Ave. Friends may call Sunday, November 23, 1997 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m. at SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY CHAPEL.
WHITTLESEY-EDWARDS, Anna, loving daughter of Fredrick Charles and Mary Emma Baugh Whittlesey and beloved Mother of Frederick Whittlesey Edwards and Suzanne Edwards, died November 18, 1997. She was born in Mayo Bros. Clinic, Rochester, MI, March 17, 1894. Her early years were lived in Jamesville, MI. Her family later moved to Mission, TX, where she received teaching certification, subsequently becoming a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in Gonzales, TX. In 1916, she married Llewellyn Arthur Edwards and moved to Youngtown, OH, where their children were born. She moved to Tucson from Ohio in 1949, shortly thereafter opening a women’s apparel shop, which she operated for 35 years as Ann Edwards, Inc. She was a member of St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, Red Cross volunteer, member and President of Tucson Chapter Pilot International Women’s Service Club, member Tucson Boosters Arizona Boys Ranch and demit member of Mission Texas Eastern Star. Mrs. Edwards was preceded in death in 1944 by her beloved son, Air Force Captain Fredrick Whittlesey Edwards and by her husband; sister, Martha Weber; brothers, Fredrick, Ralph and Warren Whittlesey and loved nieces and nephews. Her daughter, Suzanne and brother, Albert Whittlesey survive. Also surviving are very loved nieces, Doris White, Betty Wilkins, Janet Phillips, Kathleen and Marcia Edwards, Reavis Dean Young, Pat Whittlesey; and nephews, Robert Phillips, David Edwards, Bert Whittlesey, William Morgan, John Wilkins, Robert Paddock and their beloved children. In Tucson, Mrs. Edwards cherished many precious and caring friends, whom she loved dearly. Memorial Services will be held, 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 24, at St. Mark’s Church, 3809 E. Third Street. Remembrances may be made to a charitable organization of your choice. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME (DODGE CHAPEL), 1050 North Dodge Boulevard.
CAMPAS, Armida Benitez, 79, of Tucson passed away November 17, 1997. Preceded in death by father, Fernando Benitez; mother, Maria Louisa Benitez; and husband David Campas. Survived by daughter, Ester Aviles; sons, Ernesto Campas, Sonny Campas; sister, Lydia (Carlos) Delehanty; brother, Abelardo (Frances) Benitez; 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 23, 1997 from 4:00 p.m. 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 on Monday, 9:00 a.m., November 24, 1997 at St. Margaret’s Church, 801 North Grande Avenue. Interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Arrangements by TUCSON MORTUARY, (North Chapel), 204 S. Stone.
CULBERSON, Angelina, 76, born March 6, 1921 in Taunton, Mass. Angelina resided at Casa Grande, AZ, she was a homemaker, died November 19, 1997 in Casa Grande, AZ. She was involved with the American Legion Auxiliary; Sunday School Teacher; Girl Scout Leader; General Federation of Woman’s Clubs and other service organizations. Survived by husband, C. Edward Culberson of Casa Grande; daughter, Glenda Farmer of Casa Grande; son Kirk Culberson of Gilbert, AZ; brothers William Roderick of Hanson, Mass., John Roderick of Bryantville, Mass, Charles Roberick of Hanson, Mass.; three grandchildren, Jason, Eric and Matthew. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 1997 at First Presbyterian Church, Casa Grande, AZ. Pastor Rick Lemberg officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pagets Disease Foundation, P.O. Box 2772, Brooklyn, NY 11202. Arrangements by SIMES MORTUARIES, CASA GRANDE CHAPEL, 1575 E. Florence Boulevard, Casa Grande, AZ – 836-5555.
DAVIS, John Robert, age 28, of Tucson, AZ, died November 18, 1997, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He is survived by his fiancee, Jennifer Brick of Tucson, AZ; son Cody Davis of Bradenton, FL; mother, Kathy Davis of Gaylord, MI; father, John Mayne of El Paso, TX; stepfather, Jerry Davis of Gaylord, MI; sister, Lisa (Jeff) Middleditch of Gaylord, MI; half-brother, J.D. Mayne of El Paso, TX; nephews, Nick, Ryan, and Eathan and niece, Ashlea. His great-grandmother, Vera Veraghen of Gaylord, MI; grandparents, Robert and Beverly Weaver of Gaylord, MI; grandmother, Betty Roe of Apache Junction, AZ; and many aunts, uncles and cousins, also survive him. John graduated from Gaylord High School in 1987, Grand Valley State University in 1994 and earned his Masters of Science Degree in GEO Science from the University of Arizona in June of 1997. He was a member of the Arizona Geological Society, Society of Mining Engineers and was currently employed as a geologist by BHP Copper Inc. in Florence, AZ. Friends may call at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave. @ Magee, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 21, 1997. Funeral services will be held at ADAIR FUNERAL HOME at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 1997.
Nelly T. Dillman, 71, died November 19, 1997 at St. Joseph’s Hospital following a short illness. Born in Bacadehuachi, Sonora, Mexico on January 12, 1926, she is survived by her son, Peter B. Dillman, Jr. (Rosa) and daughter, Millie L. Rockafellow (Leighton) and was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Marcia Dillman. She is also survived by sisters, Teresa Albright (Larry), Lucy Solis, Lydia Alietti (Art), and Eufrocina Jomarron; brothers, Phillip Torres (Mary), Luis Torres, Alex Torres (Cecelia), Jesus Torres (Laura), Mariano Torres (Barbara), and Frank Torres (Lillian); and grandchildren, Jennifer Dillman, Lauren Rebecca Dillman, Cinthia Dillman, Sergio Ramirez, Brenna Rosales, Leighton Rockafellow, Jr., Lisa Rockafellow and Eve Rockafellow. Numerous nephews, nieces and cousins also survive. Nelly was devoted to her children, grandchildren, family and friends and will be deeply missed by all who loved her. Funeral will be at St. Joseph’s Church, 215 S. Craycroft Road, Tucson, AZ at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, November 22, 1997. Viewing will be private. Rosary will be at St. Joseph’s Church, Friday, November 21, 1997, at 7:30 p.m. with Deacon Garcia. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Joseph’s Parochial School Endowment Foundation, 215 S. Craycroft, Tucson, AZ. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd. (at Speedway).
FORTSON, Montine L., 84, of Tucson, died Wednesday November 19, 1997. Mrs. Fortson is survived by her loving husband, Hubert; four children, Louise Honea (Dexson), Roger Fortson (Monteen), Retha Telford (Larry), Jerry Fortson (Virginia); 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. We will miss you mother. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 22, 1997 at 22nd Baptist Church, 6620 East 22 Street with Pastor David Houchine officiating. Visitation for family and friends, Friday, November 21 at SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY CHAPEL, 5401 S. Park Avenue. Interment will be at SOUTH LAWN CEMETERY. Arrangements by SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY CHAPEL, 5401 S. Park Ave.
JOHNSON, Naomia M., 82, ”Bobbi” passed away November 18, 1997. A resident of Tucson since 1984, she formerly lived in Dudley, MA. Survived by husband, Axel; son, Brian Johnson; daughters, Diane (Al) Skorupski, Pamela (Robert) Brickell; seven grandchildren; five sisters; and one brother. Preceded in death by one grandchild; one brother; and one sister. Bobbi retired from Anglo Fabrics, Webster, MA. She lived life with an indomitable spirit. Her loving and giving nature will be sorely missed by her family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday at Adair Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the AZ Elks Major Projects/Children’s Research Center, PO Box 36570, Tucson, AZ 85740.
LAYEL, Carl A., MSGT, 66, died November 17, 1997 at home of a heart attack in his sleep. He was born May 19, 1931 and raised in North Carolina. He joined the USAF in 1950 and retired in 1973. He moved from North Carolina to Tucson to stay with family. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. He is survived by his brothers, Clyde and C.L.; sons, Mike, Mark, Spencer, Vonn; daughter Cindy (David) Beheler; grandchildren, Tommy, Annie, Todd, D. Blair, Sonder, Collin and Jared (fiance Patsy Bratton). Services will be held at DMAFB Chapel 1, Friday at 4:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to meet at VFW Post 549 after the services.
LEON, Gloria A., 58, of Tucson, passed away November 20, 1997. Survived by husband, Al; daughters, Edith (Leon), Linda, Lori (Fred); sons, Richard, Peter, Patrick (Eva), Joseph, Arthur, Al (Lettie); sister, Helen Robles; brothers, Alfonso (Emily), Barney, Danny (Bev), Alfred (Holly); 11 grandchildren. The Leon family would like to extend a very special thank you to the doctors and staff of the University Medical Center. Donations may be made to the Cathedral Maintenance Fund. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 21, 1997 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at TUCSON MORTUARY, (North Chapel), 204 S. Stone Ave., with Rosary recited at 7:30 p.m., Mass will be offered on Saturday, November 22, 1997 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 South Stone. Interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Arrangements by TUCSON MORTUARY, (North Chapel), 204 S. Stone Ave..
LILE, Vivian V. ”Trick”, 89, of Tucson, died November 19, 1997. She was born May 7, 1908 in Hopkins County, TX, and was an Arizona resident for 57 years. Vivian was a wife, mother and grandmother. She spent the last seven years at the Desert Life Nursing Home, Tucson, AZ, where she fought a courageous battle against Alzheimers. She was a very loving and caring person, who always like hugs and kisses, which she was so generously awarded by all of her wonderful caregivers and family. Mrs. Lile was preceded in death by her husbands, Horace Halcomb and Wallace Lile, and her children, Onnie Halcomb McKenzie, Clovis W. Halcomb, W.A. ”Dub” Halcomb and Charles W. Lile. Her survivors include her daughter, Jannette Harrison of Tucson; daughter-in-law, Grace Halcomb Honea of San Manuel, AZ and also 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Saturday, 10:00 a.m., EVERGREEN MORTUARY, with Rev. Robert Seel officiating. Further services and Interment will be in Como, TX. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY, N. Oracle & W. Miracle Mile.
