WROBEL, Ben J. was born in New Jersey in 1915, was raised in Pennsylvania, and moved to Tucson with his wife and family in 1948. Ben was a business owner in both Tucson and Lakeside, where he lived for 30 years until returning to Tucson in 1992. He was an avid fisherman, he loved life and was a friend to anyone who was lucky enough to have known him. Ben passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday, January 15, 1998, his life ending just as he lived it – ”he did it his way.” He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Angeline Wrobel; his children, Yvonne (Bob) Hansen of Tucson, Duane (Jan) Wrobel of Moraga, CA; his grandchildren, Lori Hansen Christ of Chandler, Craig Hansen of Tucson, Jenna Wrobel of San Francisco, Zachary Wrobel, a student at the U of A; great-grandchildren, Mitchell and Carley Christ; and his sister, Mary Wrobel Cole of Pennsylvania. A Visitation will be held at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY CHAPEL, 5801 E. Grant Rd., on Friday, January 16, 1998 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with recitation of the Rosary at 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Noon on Saturday, January 17, 1998 at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 3201 E. Presidio Rd. Private Entombment will be at East Lawn Palms Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made ”In memory of Ben Wrobel – Hospice” to Carondelet Foundation, P.O. Box 13170, Tucson, AZ 85732.
BARKER, Alma Lee, 84, of Tucson, died January 12, 1998. Preceded in death by husband, Charles Henry Franklin Barker. Interment Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY, N. Oracle & W. Miracle Mile.
Mary Helen Booth (Falkovic), Loved wife and mother Mary Helen Booth (Falkovic), died Sunday, January 11, 1998, at age 79. One of eight children of Croatian immigrant parents, she grew up in Gary, Indiana. She moved to Tucson in 1944 after a year’s wartime service in the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAACs). She soon met and wed Joseph Booth who survives her. Her art was life itself and she gave joy and comfort to all who crossed her path. Among the traits she is remembered for are her beauty, grace, kindness and gentle good humor. She was an avid collector, a healer and a great gardener. Her strength and guidance will be greatly missed by all. She is survived by five children, Maureen, Norah, Barbara, Mark (Lynne) and Joseph (Ann) Booth. Adored by three grandchildren, Jacob and Amanda Booth and Courtney Hollenbeck. Missed by her sister, Mrs. Barbara (Bud) Haak; brother, Joseph Falk; nieces, Barbara Ellen Mohr, Mrs. Catherine (Steve) Cutrera, Mrs. Lisa (Jim) Miller, Mrs. Sally (Ed) Franklin, Mrs. Lisa Hecimovich, Mrs. Sharon Popiel, Mrs. Judith Hayes and LaDonna Falk; nephews, Joe Pavacic, Mark Falkovic, Frank Falkovic and Geoff Falk. Extended family, John Kuehn, Michael A. Brown, Tony Kerasotes, and George Hollenbeck – among many. Services 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 1998 at EAST LAWN PALMS, 5801 E. Grant Rd., with Visitation one hour before service.
BRABAW, Ruth Louise - A Catholic Vigil was held for Ruth Louise Brabaw on Wednesday, January 7, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. in the RISHER MONTEBELLO MORTUARY CHAPEL. Visitation Services were held in the chapel from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Father Fred Schell performed the Vigil. Mrs. Brabaw was then taken to Tucson, Arizona for Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Mrs. Brabaw, 89, passed away at her residence in Huntington Beach, CA. Following a lengthy illness. She had resided in Huntington Beach for 2 1/2 years. Previously she had resided in Tucson, AZ for many years. Mrs. Brabaw was very active in the Episcopal Church, though was a recent convert to the Catholic faith. Many years ago she sang in her church choir in Algonac, MI. She also was a violinist and was involved in Toastmistresses and Lady Lions. Mrs. Brabaw is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Bruce Odou of Huntington Beach, CA. She also leaves six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
KUKIELA, Chester E. Sr. ”Chet”, 76, passed away on January 13, 1998. Survived by his wife and best friend of 54 years, Claire. Devoted father of Joanne (Sam) Fragala, Jackie Costello, Chester Jr.(Elizabeth), and Edward (Maria). Loving grandfather of Richard, Chester III, Edward, and Joseph. Surviving sisters, Stephanie Kukiela and Alberta Buster. Mr. Kukiela, a native of Chicago, retired to Tucson in 1985. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps at Camp Paul, Idaho, and was a WWII veteran, serving on the USS Annapolis. Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 16, 1998, at St. Francis de Sales, 1375 S. Camino Seco. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mr. Kukiela to St. Joseph’s Hospice, Carondelet Foundation, 350 N. Wilmot, Tucson, AZ 85711.
Eugene Edward Lohberg, 82, died January 13, 1998. Father of Richard (Janet) Lohberg of Tucson, Paul (Sharon) Lohberg of Orange, CA, Jerry (Rose) Lohberg of Spring, TX, Joan (Gene) Fowler of Tucson, Jim (M.F.) Lohberg of Tucson and Jay (Lauren) Lohberg of Tempe, AZ; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren also survive. His smile, humor and love will be missed by all. He was a WWII Army Veteran, earning a Bronze Star and a Member of Arizona Professional Photographers Association. Mass will be offered 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 1998 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1375 S. Camino Seco, Interment to follow at Our Lady of the Desert Cemetery. Vigil Service, 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 16, 1998 at BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL. Donations in Eugene Lohberg’s memory may be made to TMC Hospice, 5301 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ 85712. Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 16, 1998 at BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
MORALES, Julia Facio, 74, of Tucson, died January 13, 1998. Daughter of Armida M. Facio; mother of Richard (Diane) Manriquez, Steven (Anna) Manriquez, John Manriquez and Gloria Bennett, Peter (Erica) Morales, Kathleen (James) Ayer, Mary (Richard) Brecht; grandmother of 20 and great-grandmother of six. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. Friends may call Friday, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at VALLEY FUNERAL HOME. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be in Holy Hope Cemetery. Services conducted by VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 2545 N. Tucson Blvd. (327-6341).
READ, Clara H., 88, of Tucson, passed away at home on January 6, 1998. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip C. Read. She is survived by two nieces, Jacqueline Walsh of Tucson, and Joan Siebert of Brookfield, WI.; numerous great-nieces and nephews; and her devoted companion, Cathy Doyle. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 8650 North Shannon Road, Tucson at 10:00 a.m., January 20. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES. A Service will be held simultaneously in Milwaukee, WI.
RODRIGUEZ, Roman Flores, 91, of Marana, died January 14, 1998. He was a farm worker. Survived by wife, Socorro B.; children, Hector (Karen), Rosie McMillan, Roman Jr. (Novella), Lucia (Rudy) Acedo, Socorro Rodriguez, Edward (Lydia), Ramona (Julian) Alaya, and Carmen (Arnold) Posada; grandchildren, Sean, Joey, Debi Lucia, Rebecca, Linda, Rene, Rudy III, Gabriel, Flavio, Roman, Mindy, Josie, Dominic, Sonya, Peggy, Francisco, Andrew, Javier, Michael, Concepcion, Edward Jr., Michael and Timmy. Preceded in death by children, Roman Jr. (Texas) and Martin. Visitation and Rosary will start at 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 16, 1998, at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, 12101 W. Moore Rd., Marana, AZ. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, January 17, 1998, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Arrangements byADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave. @McGee.
ROMAN, Rodolfo L., 50, of Tucson, passed away January 11, 1998. Survived by mother, Margarita; daughters, Evangeline Leon, Evelyn Soza; son, Rodolfo Jr.; sisters, Maria Dolores, Rosa Amelia, Hermelinda, Alma Angelina; brothers, Alex, Jorge, Tony, Jose Luis; and four grandchildren. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. at Santa Cruz Church, 1220 S. 6th Ave., with Rosary recited at 9:30 a.m. prior to Mass. Arrangements by CARRILLO’S TUCSON MORTUARY.
SAMMONS, Lillian Mae, passed away January 12, 1998. She was born to Lela Agatha Davis and Leander Fulbright. She moved to Arizona in the mid 1930's with her husband at the time, Jess Whitlock. Their children are Thelma, who died in an accident at a young age, Ann and Charles Cisson of Sedona, AZ, their children Ric Cisson, Michael and Anne Cisson, David Cisson, Craig Cisson, Wendy and David McDough; daughter Nora Papaila of Tucson, her children Brenda and Louis Dupont, Debbie and David Sholes, John and Pauline Woods; son, Jimmy and Billie Whitlock, his children Linda Bradley, Cynthia and Jerry Kuhlmann, Daylene and Richard Harrison, Michael and Lisa Whitlock, Jim Whitlock II, Andrienne and Casey Flanagan; and daughter Loretta and Holland Grove of Las Vegas, their children, James and Jennifer Grove, Lisa and Steve Oberdan. There are 27 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. In 1952 Lillian married Melford Sammons and they had a good life together until Melford passed away in 1984. She attended First Southern Baptist Church on East Speedway and had many wonderful friends over the years. Lillian spent her very last years with long time friends Harley and Eunice Hendricks. There will be a Visitation from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m. Friday, January 16, at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Road, followed by a Graveside Service at 3:00 p.m. at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.
SULLIVAN, William W., 91, of Tucson, died January 11, 1998. There will be no Services at this time. Arrangements by HEATHER MORTUARY, 1040 N. Columbus Blvd.
WOLF, Frances E., 85, died January 12, 1998. Arrangements by BRING’S MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 236 S. Scott.
ENGLISH, Gerald William, Born to the World, October 25, 1940 Denver, CO. Born to Eternal Life, December 22, 1997 Tucson, AZ. Survived by, a loving and adoring family also many loyal and faithful friends. Services were private.
GABRIELSEN, Frances Grace, 63, of Tucson, went to be with her maker on January 12, 1998. Survivors include her friend and constant companion, Eddie Seibel; children, Jeffrey A. Gabrielsen of MA, Cherylynn (Joao) Sousa and Michele Gabrielsen both of VA; grandchildren, Ryan, Jeffrey Jr., and Amanda Gabrielsen, Nicole and Christopher Sousa, and Emily Frances Gabrielsen; one brother, Frank Nolan of Canada and one sister, Lynn Leblanc of NY. Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Albert Gabrielsen in June of 1971. Memorial Service will be held at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church, Friday, January 16, 1998 at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Frances’ name to The Gospel Rescue Mission, 312 W. 28th St, South Tucson, AZ 85713.
JOHNSON George F. Jr., 80, of Tucson, died January 12, 1998. He is survived by wife of 54 years, Ruth Johnson; daughter, Kay (Gary) Harvey of Woodbury, MN; sons, Tom (Margie) Johnson of Tucson, Mike Johnson of Grand Island, NE; and seven grandchildren. Mr. Johnson practiced law in Superior, NE before retiring in Tucson, October 1983. Memorial Service will be Friday, January 16, 1998 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church with Rev.Barbara Andersen officiating. Arrangements by VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 2545 N. Tucson Blvd. 327-6341.
JONES, Ruby W., 84, went to be with God, January 11, 1998. Born September 7, 1913 in West Virginia. Survived by her daughter, Barbara Hogue and her husband, Carl; grandchildren, Jennifer, Doug, Gary, Brandie, Carla, and Carlina; great-grandchildren, Cathleen, Andrew, Joseph, Tyler and Lauren; sister, Nova Cody. Friends may call from 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 15, 1998 until Service time at 3:00 p.m. at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY CHAPEL, 5801 E. Grant Rd. Burial to follow at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.
KING, Helen P., died January 12, 1998, in Tucson, AZ. Wife of Arthur R. King of Tucson; mother of Lloyd (Mollie) King of Honolulu, HI, and Lynne King of Tucson; grandmother of Leslie, Dennis, Alison and Clara; one great-grandchild, Jamen also survive. Former resident of Glendale, CA. Loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Memorial Mass 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 1998 at St. Francis de Sales, 1375 S. Camino Seco. Contributions in Helen P. King’s memory may be made to Carondelet Hospice, 350 N. Wilmot Rd. Tucson, AZ 85711. Arrangements by BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
LA MASTER, Cyrus T. ”Cy”, 86, of Tucson, died January 12, 1998. Born September 9, 1911 in Ochiltree, County, Texas, Cy was one of 10 children born to Walter B. and Pauline La Master. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eula and daughter, Polly Routh. Survivors include his sons, C. Tandy II (Karen) La Master of Basalt, CO, Walter W. (Molly) La Master of Concord, CA and Rob (Karen) La Master of Tucson, AZ; six grandchildren; four brothers; and one sister. Cy attended Perryton High School in 1929, then Texas Tech University in 1936 where he graduated with a Business Degree. He played football and baseball, then managed both teams. After his graduation, he was a scout and an assistant football coach. He was an assistant coach on the 1939 Lubbock Westerners Texas State football champions and coached at Tulia High School in Texas prior to WWII. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 (one of nine siblings to serve in the war) and rose to the rank of Captain. Cy was the special services and morale officer for the 498th Bomb Group, 20th Air Force on Saipan in the Marianas Islands. After the war, he returned to coach at McKinney High School in Texas and Highland Park High School in Dallas, where he was also athletic director. He left coaching in 1959 for a lengthy career in insurance. Funeral Services will be held in Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Texas Tech University General Scholarship Fund, Plymouth Park United Methodist Church, Irving, Texas or your local YMCA. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.
Ip Wai Lee, also known as Mrs. Henry (Mary) Lee, 90, of Tucson, entered into rest on Sunday, January 11, 1998. Survived by her sons, Richard, Hoover (Daphne), Albert (Grace), David; daughters, Marion (Joe) Wong, and Lillie. She was a caring, loving grandmother of 12 and a great-grandmother of nine. A resident of Tucson since 1928, owned and operated a neighborhood grocery store. She will be missed and remembered by many friends for her generosity, warmth, and friendly smile. During her retirement years, she took great pride in her garden and enjoyed cooking for her family gatherings. Friends may call 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday at EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY, N. Oracle & W. Miracle Mile. Services 1:00 p.m. Friday, at Evergreen Chapel with Pastor David Chan officiating. Interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery.
