CASE, David ”Dave”, died November 10, 1997 at the age of 87 following a brief illness. Originally from Hancock, MI, Dave lived in many cities in the midwest and east coast working as an accountant for Austin Company and Cunningham-Limp Contractors. Retired since 1980, Dave and his wife Ollie of 58 years traveled extensively through-out Europe and the Orient and have resided in Tucson since 1990. In addition to his wife Dave is survived by his son, John; grandson, John David; daughter, Mary Ellen; brother, Bernard; and many friends who will miss his quick wit and great stories. Dave’s life was honored in a Memorial Mass at St. Odelia’s in Tucson on November 13. The family requests memorial contributions be directed to Hospice Family Care, In-Patient Unit, 3838 N. Campbell, Tucson, 85716.
GRIDER, James W. Msgt USAF (Ret), age 80, of Tucson, died November 12, 1997. He is survived by his son, James W. (Linda) Grider; daughter, Shirlene (James) Kenny; grandchildren, Shannon, Andy, Julie, and Katie; brother, Eugene Grider; sisters, Edith Kopacz, Charlotte Hilmes, Shirlene Kalkbrenner and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine and brother, Maurice Grider. He was active in the Lions Club, V.F.W. and American Legion in Breese, IL. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 14, 1997, at East Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to American Legion Post #252, P.O. Box 101, Breese, IL 62230 or Breese Lions Club, 310 S. 5th Street, Breese, IL 62230. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.
HEALEY, Gerald K., born May 7, 1933, passed away November 10, 1997. Survived by children, Michael (Paula) Healey, Patricia Rea, Linda (Mike) Hall and Lori Healey; previous wife, Diane Kerr; and eight grandchildren.
KISHMAN, Carl, age 64, of Tucson, died November 12, 1997. He is survived by wife, Janet; brother, Harvey (Rachael) Kishman, Marblehead, OH, Charles Kishman, Cincinnati, OH; stepmother, Margaret Kishman Holland, MI; father and mother-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. James W. Allender, Tucson; brother-in-law, Jay (Shirley) Allender, Casa Grande and numerous nieces and nephews. Carl retired as a sergeant from the Tucson Police Dept. and as an investigator with the Pima County Attorneys Office. Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, 1997 at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave. at Magee, with Rev.Gregory P. Wyse, Christ the King Episcopal Church officiating. Donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 6464 E. Grant Rd. 85715 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 2221 N. Rosemont Blvd. 85712.
Leo Joseph Poprovo, Jr., 52, left us on November 11, 1997 to go to a better place. he leaves his wife, Trudy and his three children in Mass., April, Leo and Mark and two stepchildren, Lisa Carr of Springfield, Mass. and Daniel Nihiser of Tucson. He was born in Ware, Mass. on January 12, 1945. He will be sadly missed by many. Memorial Services will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, 15th at Unitarian Universalist Church, 4831 E. 22nd St.
PTACEK, Rainer Jaromir, June 7, 1951, November 12, 1997. He will be missed here on earth by his children, Gabe, Rudy and Lily; his wife, Patti; mother, Ingeborg Vlcek; brother, Bob Ptacek and his wife, Gail; the entire Keating family, scores of friends in Tucson and scattered around the world. He taught us about love and we will celebrate his life at San Pedro Chapel, 5230 E. Ft. Lowell, Monday, November 17, 1997 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Please support cancer research and UMC Cancer Center. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.
RASH, Susan Beth, 49, passed away October 31, 1997. She is survived by daughter, Amy Jones; son, Douglas Rash and father, Isidore Levine. Originally from Brooklyn N.Y., she lived in Tucson for 44 years. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Anshei Israel, 5550 E. 5th St.
ROSS, Charles E., 41, is no longer with us as of November 10, 1997, in loving memory, born April 3, 1956. Husband of Susan; father of Meagan and Brian; son of Ed Ross of Tucson; brother of Carl (Darcy) Ross of TX; Jerry (Cathy) Buffalini of CA and Lois Hyschak of PA; in-law of Gayle and Dawn Hunt, Ken and Cathy Nault, Brad Brewer, Joanna Barker, Jo Brewer and Bill Brewer. Many nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bettsy. Meagan offers, ”He was a good person and I love him very much.” His lifelong aspiration was to be a cowboy. He fulfilled his dream by roping his first calf about three weeks ago. Everyone that knew Chuck knew his family and friends was his life. Funeral Service, 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 15, 1997 at BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway, with Pastor Russ Hendricks of New Hope Church officiating. Interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jerry Torres, Bob Ralston, Kevin Rogers, Gayle Hunt, Gary Emerson and Brian Martin. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m until service time Saturday, November 15 at BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL.
SMITHE, Hazel M., 86, of Tucson, died November 13, 1997. Mother of Holly L.Lawrence and Kirby M. Smithe of Tucson; six grandchildren, Eric and Michelle Lawrence, Kirby and Jason Smithe, Michelle Agner and Kim Olewnik; three great-grandchildren, Kurtiss, Eric and Jacob Smithe. Preceded in death by husband, C. Kirby Smithe, former Kirby Smithe Insurance Company and FBI agent. Memorial Service will be held at ABBEY FUNERAL CHAPEL, Saturday, November 15 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Gregory of Christ the King Episcopal Church officiating. Arrangements by ABBEY FUNERAL CHAPEL, 3435 N. 1st Ave., (888-1111).
YEARLING, Kenneth F., 62, a resident of Tucson for 23 years, died Sunday, November 9, 1997. Survived by wife, Patricia; sister, Vivian Scire (Sam) of IL; brother-in-law, Michael Jagielski (Annie) of IL; sister-in-law, Shirley Reichold (Ralph) of AZ; nine nieces and nephews, Debbie, Joann, Mary Ann, Gary, Denise, Robert, Angela, Jean, Jim from IL and AZ. Affiliations: Three Points Fire District board member. Services will be private. Arrangements by SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Mary’s Hospice, Humane Society, or the Desert Museum.
ALLEN, MURPHY, 80, of Tucson, died November 10, 1997. He was born in Sallis, Mississippi and lived in Mississippi for 39 years, when he moved to Tucson and worked for Magma Copper for 25 years. Murphy served in the Navy during WWII. He is survived by his wife, Dora; his two sons and their families, Lane Allen and grandchildren, Tyler, Justin and Scott; Larry Allen, his wife, Sue and grandchildren, Larry, Mike and Mark; also his two stepdaughters and their families, Christine (Robert) Baines and grandchildren, David and Lissa and Cleta (John) Blackledge and grandchildren, Bill, Brandy and Brian; brothers Gordon and Wilmon and four great grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Carondelet Hospice for their kindness and support. A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel of First Southern Baptist Church, 445 East Speedway on Thursday, November 13, 1997 at 10:00 a.m. with interment in Goodman, Mississippi. Memorial donations may be made in Murphy’s name to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY AND CEMETERY.
BATES, ROBERT THOMAS ”TOM”, passed away November 8, 1997 at TMC Hospice following a prolonged and painful struggle with bone cancer. Born September 16, 1949 in Detroit, MI, but spent his entire life in Tucson where he attended Catalina High School, Class of 1967. Preceded in death by his father, R. Robert Bates, M.D.; sisters Martha and Nancy and brother Mark. He was an Assistant Manager at different times for Wendy’s, Arby’s and Long John Silvers. His favorite hobby was playing the guitar. He leaves his mother, Norma Grove and stepfather, Robert J.; brother Steve (Justyna) of St. Louis; sisters Barbara (Don) Phillips of Phoenix and Maribeth Dennis, Ph.D., of Lubbock, Theresa Braford of St. Louis and 10 nieces and nephews. His cremated remains will be placed in the Columbarian Wall at Rincon Congregational Church of Christ. There will no services at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the TMC Hospice. Arrangements by HEATHER MORTUARY.
Richard Raymond Benhase, Jr., 44, died November 4, 1997. Survived by his mother, Mary A. Benhase; sisters, Mary Lynne, Rhonda, Meg Benhase and Rendy Horner; brother, Michael Thomas Benhase; nieces, Mandy Oneal, Angela Bonura, Rachel Dawkins, Nicki Grant, Shari Van Patten; nephews, Clede Oneal, Damian Bonura, Tim Van Patten, Thomas Oberry, Kenny Grant, Richard and Michael Horner. Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Richard Raymond Benhase Jr. Fund, C/O University of Arizona Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Research, P.O. Box 245002, Tucson, AZ 85724. Attn: Cindi Laukes. Memorial Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 1997 at Fountain of Life Lutheran Church, 710 S. Kolb Rd. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd.
BLOMSTROM, William Harry, was born in Omaha, Nebraska on August 2, 1946 and departed this life on November 12, 1997. He attended school for four years in Seward, NE and one year at Sam Hughes School in Tucson. The remainder of his public schooling was in Mont Clair, NJ. He received his Bachelors Degree from Lycoming College in Williams Port, PA with the Major in Theater. He was active in several prominent vocal groups, including the Mont Clair Madrigals, the New Jersey State Chorus and the Mont Clair Operetta Club. He leaves his mother, Helen Blomstrom and close friend, Adam Mertz of Tucson; two aunts, Arlene Sarnes of Boise, ID and Fern Blomstrom of Lincoln, NE and several cousins. His father, Harry preceded him in death five years ago. There will be a service at the Chapel of Campana Del Rio Retirement Home on Friday, November 14 at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. Hugh Smith officiating.
COCHREN, Rev. John Tell. Funeral Services were held Tuesday, November 4 for Rev. John Tell Cochren, D.D., who passed away at his home Thursday, October 30, 1997. The Funeral was preached by Rev. Angel Sobrino. Survivors include: his wife, Elsie; daughters, Marie and Sallie; brother, George and sister, Martha.
HEALEY, Gerald K., born May 7, 1933, passed away November 10, 1997. Survived by children, Michael (Paula) Healy, Patricia Rea, Linda (Mike) Hall and Lori Healey; previous wife, Linda Kerr and eight grandchildren.
Francisco H. Islas, a Tucson resident since 1952, passed away on November 9, 1997. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mercedes; three sons, Frank, John and Edward; and one daughter, Elizabeth; and 12 grandchildren. Viewing at SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY, 5401 S. Park Ave., Wednesday, November 12, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Mass Services, Thursday, 10:00 a.m., November 13 at St. Monica Church.
Frank Don Lopez was called to his Father on Monday, November 10, 1997. Frank was the independent owner/operator of FDL Transport and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His ready laughter will always be remembered, along with his jokes and kind words. He was a man who demanded honesty and sincerity and had no patience with artifice. Frank had so much to give us all, and his death has left a huge void in our lives. Frank loved all living things, but wolves and dogs and other animals held a very special place in his heart. He loved the outdoors and tramping through the mountains and the pine trees, smelling the clean, crisp air. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank; his mother, Lola and his sister, Frances. Survivors include his wife, Pamela; sister, Dolores; son, Frank and daughter-in-law, Billie; father and mother-in-law, Roy and Pat Martin; sister and brother-in-law Carole and Bob Knapp and their families. Friends may call at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd., Friday, November 14, 1997 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at East Lawn Palms Chapel, Saturday at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sawtooth Wolf Pack at the Wolf Education and Research Center, PO Box 917, Boise, ID, 83701. Above all, he respected the wolves and their devotion to family, and so, too, was he a devoted family man. His dream was to take a trip to visit the pack in their new Idaho home next summer.
ROSS, Charles E., 41, is no longer with us as of November 10, 1997, in loving memory, born April 3, 1956. Husband of Susan; father of Megan and Brian; son of Ed Ross of Tucson; brother of Carl (Darcy) Ross of TX; Jerry (Cathy) Buffalini of CA and Lois Hyschak of PA; son-in-law of Gayle and Dawn Hunt, Ken and Cathy Nault, Brad Brewer, Joanna Barker, Jo Brewer and Bill Brewer. Many nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his mother, Betsy. Megan offers, ”He was a good person and I love him very much.” His last aspiration was to be a cowboy. He fulfilled his dream by roping his first calf about three weeks ago. Everyone that knew Chuck knew his family was his life. Funeral Service, 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 15, 1997 at BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway, with Pastor Russ Hendricks of New Hope Church officiating. Pallbearers will be Jerry Torres, Bob Ralston, Kevin Rogers, Gayle Hunt, Gary Emerson and Brian Martin. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m until service time Saturday, November 15 at BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL.
SANTA MARINA, Richard C., 69, of Tucson, passed away November 11, 1997. Survived by daughters, Linda Fisher, Sandra Aguirre, Carmen Tona, Louise Santa Marina; sisters, Emily Rodriguez, Ramona Alegria, Josephine Flores, Rosie Vega, Martha De La Hanty; brother, Joe Santa Marina; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 14, 1997 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at CARRILLO’S TUCSON MORTUARY, (North Chapel), 240 South Stone Ave., with Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be held on Saturday, November 15, 1997 at 8:30 a.m. at St. Monica’s Church, 212 W. Medina. Interment to follow at Tubac Cemetery.
