Rev. Joseph G. Gorsuch, beloved pastor of St. Helen’s Parish in Eloy and Faithful priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson for 36 years, died Thursday, March 18, 1998 after suffering a stroke. Born in 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska, Father Gorsuch was the youngest of the eight children of the late Delbert and Tillie Bourg Gorsuch. When the Gorsuch family moved from Omaha to Phoenix in 1936, Joseph entered St. Francis Xavier School. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix in 1948, Joseph worked as an apprentice printing pressman at Arizona Printers and Maricopa Printers. With the outbreak of the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a lithographer aboard the aircraft carriers USS Bataan and USS Bon Homme Richard. After four years of meritorious service in the Navy, he continued to pursue a career in printing, becoming a journeyman pressman for the Arizona Messenger Printing Co. in Phoenix. In 1955, he answered the strong call in his life to become a priest by entering St. Mary’s Minor Seminary in Kentucky. He completed his studies for the priesthood at St. John’s Major Seminary in Camarillo, California, and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Tucson on May 1, 1962, by the Most Rev. Francis J. Green at the Gorsuch family parish of St. Francis Xavier Church. His first assignment was as assistant pastor at St. Agnes Parish in Phoenix, where he served from 1962 until 1965. He was an assistant pastor at St. Augustine’s Cathedral from 1965 until 1973. During that time, he served as ”master of ceremonies” for Bishop Green and was recognized in the national Catholic press for his role in the innovation in 1969 of mariachi music for the 8 a.m. Sunday Mass at the Cathedral. Also at the Cathedral, Father Gorsuch was active in youth ministry and the altar server program, which included, for many boys, training for service at the altar as well as camping and trout fishing trips with ”Father Joe.” He was appointed pastor of St. Helen’s Parish in Eloy in 1973, where he served until his death. Father Joseph’s priesthood enriched the lives of many, especially through his continued dedication to the youth of the Church, his love for music, his use of print communication, and by his caring and compassionate ministry. The Rite of Christian Burial willbegin on Friday, March 20, 1998 with a Vigil and Rosary service at 7:00 p.m. at St. Helen’s Church. The Mass of the Resurrection, concelebrated by the Most Rev. Manuel D. Moreno and priests of the Diocese of Tucson and the Diocese of Phoenix, will be Saturday, March 21, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Helen’s Church. Burial will be at the St. Francis Cemetery, Phoenix, Arizona at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 1998. Father Gorsuch is survived by sisters, Joan Gorsuch of Phoenix; Rita Clifton of Cibolo, Texas and Virginia Peluso of Cave Creek, Arizona and brothers, Robert Gorsuch of Lake Elsinore, Colorado and Reynolds Gorsuch of Yountville, California. Memorials be sent to St. Helen’s Seminary Scholarship Fund, Eloy, AZ.
Robert R. Hawkins, 76, of Tucson, died March 17, 1998. Retired pharmacist. Father of Charles B. and Robert B. Hawkins, both of Tucson, Thomas H. Hawkins of Douglas, AZ, Beverly Vick of Mesa, AZ; eight grandchildren; brother of Betty J. Spielen of Hartford, CT. Mr. Hawkins was a member of Masonic Lodge #408, Chapel Hill, NC. Funeral Services will be held at ABBEY FUNERAL CHAPEL, Saturday, March 21 at 9:00 a.m. Interment Asheville, NC. Friends may call at ABBEY FUNERAL CHAPEL, 3435 N. 1st Ave., 888-1111, Saturday 10:00 a.m. until service time.
HENNIG, Lillian R., born September 26, 1922 in Buffalo, NY, passed on to her heavenly home March 17, 1998. Survived by sisters, Betty E. Hennig and Virginia M. Goss. Lillian was a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Hospital and attended El Camino Baptist Church, 7777 E. Speedway, where a Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 23.
HILDRETH, Mashek Goldie, 88, of Tucson, died March 17, 1998. She is survived by her children, Harold Mashek of Casa Grande, Allen Mashek of Camdenton, MO, Elaine Hume and Barbara Faircloth both of Tucson and Thomas Mashek of Lemon Grove, California; 14 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren also survive. Goldie was a resident of Tucson since 1956. Friends may call at HEATHER MORTUARY, 1040 N. Columbus Blvd. on Monday, March 23, 1998 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Burial will be private. A Memorial Service will be on Monday, March 23, 1998 at 6:00 p.m. at the Jehovah’s Witnesses – Rincon Congregation Kingdom Hall at 5643 E. Lee. Arrangements by HEATHER MORTUARY.
LAMP, Martha E., 73, died March 17, 1998. Arrangements by BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
A Loving Mother and Grandmother
Nellie L. McDaniel Went to meet her Lord, March 18, 1998. Born July 20, 1906 in Cleburne, Texas.Widow of Flury McDaniel, long time member of the Northside Church of Christ, resident of Tucson since 1946. Survived by daughters, Mavanell Terry-Stoddard and Tena Williams; also niece, Donna Johnstone, all of Tucson; eight granddaughters of Tucson, Idaho and Oregon; 12 great-grandchildren and one sister, Bernice Fancher of Raymore, MO and many friends. She reaped the rewards of a long, loving life. Visitation will be at EAST LAWN CHAPEL, Friday, March 20, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorial Service will be March 21 at 3:00 p.m. Interment immediately following, East Lawn. Celebration of Nellie’s life at 150 W. Greer Lane, Tucson, near Oracle and Orange Grove, La Sarena Homes, Stoddard’s home, after service.
MULLINS, Bernice, 82, died March 18, 1998. Arrangements by BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
SAMUELS, Herbert, age 88, died March 18, 1998 in Tucson. Born in Lithuania and lived most of his life in Duluth, MN until retiring to Tucson 20 years ago. Survived by his wife, Esther of Tucson; son, Dr. Steven Samuels of Sacramento, CA; daughter and son-in-law, Nina Samuels and Earl Schwartz of St. Paul, MN; brother, George Samuels (Sylvia) of Minneapolis, MN; sisters, Rita Kenigsberg and Rose Goldfine of Minneapolis, MN, Jeanette Frumes (Ted) of CA and Gerry Schneider (Sidney) of Riverdale, NY; grandchildren, Rafi and Miriam Samuels-Schwartz of St. Paul, MN. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. World War II Army veteran and member of B’nai B’rith, A.F & A.M. Ionic Lodge #186 and AAD Temple, Duluth, MN. Memorial Service will be held 2:30 p.m., Friday, March 20 at Congregation Anshei Israel. Interment will be in Minnesota. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY.
SLOAT, William J., 80, passed away March 17, 1998. Survived by wife, Joan D.; daughter, Jody Shoemaker of Tucson and son, William H. Sloat of OR; brother, Clark S. Sloat of Tucson; seven grandchildren and two great-grandson. At his request, there will be no services.
SMITH, Russell Helm, 54, died March, 17, 1998. Son of Beryl and Richard Smith of Tucson; brother of Richard (Paula Lynch) Smith of Phoenix; father of Debbie. Funeral, 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 20th at BRING’S MEMORIAL CHAPEL. Burial will be private. Donations in Russell’s memory may be made to Hedrick House, Inc., 1632 E. Hedrick Dr., Tucson, AZ 85719. Friends may call from 5:30 p.m. until service time Friday, March 20th at BRING’S MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 236 S. Scott.
VERRIER, Charles R., beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Born June 14, 1911 in Mass, Michigan.Attended schools in Hancock, MI and Detroit, MI. Survived by wife, Maxine; and six children, Marlene (Robert) Rankin of Ossineke, MI, Donald Verrier of Sterling Heights, MI, Barbara Michaeljohn of Clearwater, FL, Michael Verrier and Sylvia Chrominska of Toronto, Ontario, Michelle Verrier of Clearwater, FL, Suzanne (Norman) Hibbing of Live Oak, FL; also survived by sisters, Mary Helen (Louis) Steinbacher of Tucson and Patricia Masser of Royal Oak, MI. Also survived by 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Prior to retirement in 1980 Charles Verrier was president of Square D Co. Canada. Also was a director and president of the Metro Toronto Assn. for Community Living and director of Electrical Assn of Canada. He was a lifetime honorary member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of Elks Lodge #385, and a member of the Oro Valley Country Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to the UPARC Foundation, Inc., 2151 Calumet St., Clearwater, FL 33575. Charlie will be missed by his family and many friends and was loved by all. Memorial Service will be held at Catalina Mission, Oro Valley, at a later date.
Alice Apalategui, 65, of Tucson, passed away March 17, 1998. Is resting in peace with the Lord. Survived by husband, Frank B. Apalategui; children, Sandy Salazar (Abel) Eddie Apalategui, Lorene Salazar (Marco), Patty Bernal (Mike) and Kelly Vera (Tom), Frank Apalategui (Martha), Andy Apalategui (Christine), Chris Apalategui and Lisa Lopez (Mark); sister, Connie Rivera; also survived by 20 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 1998 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 Saturday, Marcy 21, 1998, 10:30 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Cathedral Church. Interment will follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Also survived by beloved niece, Norma Pacheco (Raymond) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
APPLEBY, Shirley N., 62, of Tucson, died Tuesday, March 17, 1998. She is survived by her daughters, Bonnie and Andrea Appleby both of Denver and a son, Jay Appleby of Tucson and two grandchildren. She is also survived by her long time companion, Bill Ridlinghater. Shirley was born in Sutherland, Nebraska in 1935 and moved to Mesa, AZ with her parents in 1947. She graduated from Mesa High School, the University of Arizona with a BS in chemistry and from the University of Arizona with a masters degree in math. Shirley taught at several Tucson high schools including Palo Verde, Sabino and Sahuaro. She was very active in the POW-MIA organization after her husband Colonel Ivan Appleby was shot down over Vietnam in 1967. After her retirement from teaching in 1985 she traveled extensively to third world countries and was always involved in charitable work for their benefit including supporting FINCA which is a non-profit organization engaged in village banking. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20th at Saint Frances in the Foothills at River Road and Swan. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to FINCA at 1101 14th Street, NW Washington DC 20005.
ARIZPE, Polo, died at home March 16, 1998. He was born March 3, 1913 in Alice, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Juanita; his brother, Max of Kingsville, Texas; his son, Jose Arizpe and daughter-in-law, Patricia Healy of Tucson; his daughter, Lulu Rice and son-in-law, Bill Rice of Tucson. Polo dearly loved his five wonderful grandchildren, Windy Rice Archibald and Corey Ross Archibald of Mesa, Arizona, Jenny Rice, Alex Arizpe and Simon Arizpe of Tucson. He was in the Navy and was in World War II. He served on the USS Lexington in the Pacific. Polo loved to bowl and in his bowling career, he achieved three perfect games. He was an amazing gardener and everything he touched flourished. He was a loving and kind husband, a generous unselfish father, a loyal friend and a good citizen. The viewing will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by a service starting at 3:00 p.m., Friday, March 20 at BRING’S MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 236 S. Scott.
BECRAFT, Joseph ”Joe” Thomas, 90, of Tucson, died Saturday, March 14, 1998. Survivors include three daughters, Patsy Leach of Ohio, Vicki Hart of New Mexico and Shirley Veazey of North Carolina; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. No services will be held.
DESCOTEAUX, Natalie Madeline (Mautino), of Tucson, born December 20, 1919, was called to her everlasting home with the Lord on March 6, 1998. Natalie was preceded in death by her husband, Simon Joseph Descoteaux. She is survived by her daughters, Janet (Paul) Ohlendorf of Scottsdale and Mary Anne (Michael Webb) Descoteaux of Tucson. Natalie is also survived by her grandson, Todd Ohlendorf and step granddaughters, Shannon (Carter) Knowles of Kirkland, WA and Shelly Lee Webb and Kelly Lee Webb of Tucson and sister, Christine Binder of Forest Park, IL. Natalie was born in Oakville, CT and moved with her husband to Tucson in August 1947. Natalie was a housewife who devoted her time to making her house a home for her beloved husband and children. A Memorial Mass was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on March 9th. Donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Parochial School.Natalie’s gentle spirit will be sorely missed. We love you, Mom.
Billye Thelma Duncan, age 77, of Tucson, AZ died March 17, 1998. In loving and grateful memory of Billye Thelma Duncan. She was the strength and foundation of our family. Besides being a devoted and loving wife to William E.Duncan for 61 years, she was a loving and treasured mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Bill; children, Eddie Duncan (Jama, Gianna, Suzy, Donelle), Georgene Kitterman (Roger, Denise, Donetta, Dawn Ann), Claudia Thollaug (Oscar, Tami, Roni, Matthew), Sharon Smith (Lori, Alex), Karen Wright (Charles, Tom, Kris, Chase); 12 great-grandchildren, Rachelle, Justin, Jennifer, Sheldon, Colten Moor, Shane Smith, Brodie and Braelyn Henry, Shanae Jarvis, Jamie and Kaillyn Caunedo and Andrew Thomas Wright; sister, Betty Jo Byrd (Lynn); brothers, Ishmael Christian (Mary) and Duwane Christian (Joey). Billye’s love was always unconditional. She truly had a heart of gold. The memory of her will live in our hearts forever. Friends may call 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. with services at 10:30 a.m.Saturday, March 21, 1998 at the ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave. (at Magee). Burial willfollow at East Lawn Cemetery.
GEHLERT, John C., 77, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 1998. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean Gehlert; daughters, Mary Ann Higgns (Ron) and Carol Pierce of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren, Christopher Higgins of Tucson, AZ and Jennifer McGeachy (Jeff) and Michael Pierce of Reno, NV. He served as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Transport Command during WWII in the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign. Mr. Gehlert flew as a Flight Engineer for 43 years. He was also a private pilot and instructor on small aircraft for approximately 40 years. He moved to Tucson from West Park, NY in 1978 and retired from TWA in 1983. Friends may call from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 1997 at CARRILLO’S TUCSON MORTUARY, (Center Chapel, 240 S. Stone Ave. with Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be offered at St. Peter and Paul Church, 1946 E. Lee St. Friday, March 20, 1998. Interment will follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions may be made to ERAU Prescott Golden Eagles Flight Team, Annual Scholarship Fund, c/o Professor Fred Cone, ERAU 3200 Willow Creek RD, Prescott, AZ 86301.
HINOJOSA, Lillie Edna, Born July 5, 1906 in Hot Springs, AK, passed away March 17, 1998 at a local hospital. She was predeceased in death by sister, Daisy Olinsky; one brother, Teddy Kilgore and a nephew, Jeff McCormack. Survivors include her husband, Alfred Hinojosa; two sons, Robert (Pat) McIntosh and his wife, Judy of Singer Island, FL and Joseph Hinojosa of SanFrancisco; three daughters, Billie Jane McIntosh of Royal, AK, Diana Armour and her husband, Les Armour of West Palm Beach, FL and Sonoita, AZ and Barbara Ann Powell of Royal, AK; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rose Bud Rudolph of Phoenix, AZ and Dorothy Schell and her husband, Ray Schell of Ash Fork, AZ. Friends may call at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd. Thursday, March 19, 1998 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at EAST LAWN PALMS CHAPEL, Friday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.
KNAPP, David L., 39, passed away March 17, 1998. Survived by mother, Stella (Pops) Eldridge; brothers and sisters, Donald Knapp, Debra (Doug) Sauer, Richard (Kelly) Eldridge, Gary (Anne) Eldridge, Buddy Knapp; seven nieces and nephews. Memorial Service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 20, 1998 at HUDGEL’S SWAN FUNERAL HOME, 22nd and Swan, with Rev. Maurice Stebbins officiating. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Humane Society of Tucson, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716
PAYNE, Joe W., 78, Lt. Col. USAF, ret. pilot of Tucson, died March 14, 1998. Survived by his wife, Dorothy of 53 years; daughters, Stasia Burt of Portland, Oregon and Lana Shiel of Tucson; grandson, Jason Burt; granddaughters, Ashley Burt and Jane Katterman; great-grandson, Blake Katterman; brother, Frank Payne and sister, Juanita Hebert of Vidor, TX and sister, Marie Miller of Groves, TX plus four nieces and four nephews. Memorial Services will be held at WOLFREY PEACE CHAPEL, 5225 E. Speedway on March 20, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to TMC Hospice, 5301 E. Grant 85712
PLICATO, William L., 73, died March 17, 1998. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Norma R. Plicato; daughters, Annette Plicato, Dianne Zincke; granddaughter, Erika (David) Caton; great-grandson, William Caton.William was Electronics Engineer with Bell Aerospace Textron, a company he assisted in establishing in Tucson in 1960. He retired with 37 years of service as Director of Marketing. He was a 1944 graduate of the Army-Air Force Electronics School at Yale University and a veteran of WWII. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Buffalo in 1950. Friends may call 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Friday, March 20, 1998 at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd. Funeral Mass will be held 12:00 noon Friday at St. Pius X Church, 1800 N. Camino Pio Decimo. Burial to follow at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.
