SMAIL, Ralph William, 86, of Tucson, was called home Monday, March 16, 1998. Mr. Smail is survived by his wife of 50 years, Flora Belle; daughters, Estella Jane (Ned) Brown, Violet May (Richard) Reaser, both of Ohio, Carolyn June Bediant of Florida, Geraldine Marie Averill of CA; son, Richard Messenger of Tucson; sister, Lila Dean Shorts of Tucson; 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Smail was a WWII veteran. Funeral Services, 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 1998 at SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY CHAPEL, 5401 S. Park Ave. with Reverend Edwin Parcil officiating. Burial with military honors to follow in South Lawn Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends on Friday, March 20 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY. Arrangements by SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY.
TOLAR, George Baylis, 90, passed away march 12, 1998. A resident of Tucson for the past 64 years. A career military man serving in the USAF for over 20 years. He touched many while serving the Lord. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Grace and his second wife, Maggie. He is survived by two sisters, Patty Pohl of California and Florence Green of Florida; brother, William Tolar of Ohio; many nieces and nephews. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 19, 1998 with Visitation one hour prior to Funeral Service at Hudgel's SWAN FUNERAL HOME, 22nd and Swan. With Chaplain Richard Sprowl officiating. Interment will follow at South Lawn Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations be made to the Gospel Rescue Mission.
VARGAS, Felix 84, of Ontario died January 7, 1998. He was born June 20, 1913 in Yorktown, Texas and lived in Ontario 33 years. Retired in 1978, he was a truck driver for Lou Miller's for 14 years. He was a member of First Assembly of God, Ontario and served as church gardener. Mr. Vargas was survived by his wife, Beatrice; his children, Alfred Vargas, Israel Vargas, Felix Vargas Jr, Stella Lopez, Mary Helen Coronado, Lorrain Vargas, Anna Duran, Della Pesquiera, Rosemary Vargas, Angie Chavez, Linda Rocha, Anna Sorensen, Gloria Chavez, Moreena Chavez, Bea Lumbardi, Inez Pimentel, Daniel Chavez; 49 grandchildren; more than 60 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
WALLACE, Joeann, 62, of Tucson, died March 16, 1998. Joeann is survived by husband, Frederick Wallace of Tucson; daughters, Sandra Anderson of Tucson, Kathleen Wallace of CT; sons, Jon Wallace of CT, Steven Wallace of Hawaii. Memorial Service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Rincon Congregational Church with Rev. James Lumsden officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Tucson Medical Center Hospice. Arrangements by VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 2545 N. Tucson Blvd. 327-6341.
Mildred Irene (nee) O'Donald Webb, 85, of Tucson, passed away March 15, 1998. Born in Lakeview, Hall County, Texas, September 12, 1912, she was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, L.D. Webb in 1981. In 1921, she traveled by covered wagon to homestead outside of Canyon, Texas and was raised and educated there. At age 18 she attended West Texas State Teacher's College. In 1937 she was married and relocated to Ash Fork, AZ and in 1947 settled in Tucson where they lived on a farm on East River Road for many years while raising their family. She is survived by her children, Lew Webb (Pat), Mike Webb (Mary), Alice Vorholzer (Bob), Marie Larson (Rick), all of Tucson, Don Webb (Maren) of Happy Jack, AZ and Doug Webb (Jan) of Ann Arbor, MI. She will also be dearly missed by 20 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson; her sister, Marie Breithing (Eston) of Tulia, TX; her brother, Cecil O'Donald of Canyon, TX and also numerous nieces and nephews and other family. Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 20 at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY CHAPEL, 5801 E. Grant Rd. Donations may be made in her memory to Community Food Bank, P.O. Box 26727, Tucson 85726 or to Send a Kid to Camp, c/o the Arizona Daily Star, P.O. Box 16141, Tucson, AZ 85732.
COLE, Dorothy ”Dotti” Mae, 65, went to the Lord, March 15, 1998. Survived by her husband, Mark F. Cole Jr.; daughter, Kathryn (William) Russell; son, Michael Cole; mother, Elma Schick; grandchildren, Krista, Andrew, and Kathryn Russell; brother, Gerald Schick; sister, Lynda Wells. Preceded in death by her father, Richard Schick. Dotti was a member of El Camino Baptist Church, where Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, 1998. Rev.Russell Marshall officiating. At Dotti's request in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the El Camino Baptist Church, 7777 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85710, Women's Ministries for Scholarships, Books or Supplies. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.
Haven (Hamilton) Force was released from her battle against cancer on March 12, 1998. She was preceded in death by her mother, Beryl Hamilton and her father, John Hamilton, both of Tucson. She is survived by her husband, Richard; her daughter, Raynin; and her son, Skylar, all of Tucson. A Tucson resident since 1950, Haven attended Sam Hughes Elementary School, Mansfeld Junior High School and graduated in the class of 1966 from Tucson High School. Haven received her B.A. from Prescott College, her M.A. and course work for her Ph.D. in Oriental Studies from the University of Arizona. At the time of her death she was employed as a sixth grade teacher at Mansfeld Middle School in the Tucson Unified School District.
Haven, a brave, loving, generous person, a dedicated wife and supportive parent, will be missed not only by her family and close friends but also by all who knew her even briefly.
A Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Catalina United Methodist Church (2700 E. Speedway), where she had been a member since a teen.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Catalina United Methodist Youth Musical Ministry Fund, c/o Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85716.
Arrangements by family owned ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd. (at Speedway).
LEYBA, Eli C., age 89, a 51 year resident of Arizona. Passed away March 15, 1998. Born May 30, 1908 in Trampas, New Mexico. Survived by his wife, Prudencia; sons, Eli (Nellie) Leyba, Gilberto (Olivia) Leyba and Juan (Rachael) Leyba; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pre-deceased by his daughter, Ruth Abels and her husband, John. A Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 18, 1998 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY CHAPEL, 5401 S. Park Ave. Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, at SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY CHAPEL. Burial will follow at South Lawn Cemetery.
MCKNIGHT, James Robert, died at home, the afternoon of March 13, 1998. He was born August 17, 1926 in Wilmington, Ohio to James L. and Helen McKnight. He joined the U.S. Navy serving during World War II, and was stationed on the USS Midway, and at other bases. He remained a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve (USNR) for several years. James was an active Licensed Amateur Radio Operator for about 45 years, and his interest in flying led him to become a Licensed Private Pilot. He is survived by his wife, Benoni L. McKnight; sons, Eric D. of Victorville, CA, Robert J. of Tucson; a daughter, Janet H. McKnight; and one granddaughter, Sarah R. McKnight of Phoenix, AZ; he leaves two sisters, Wanda E. Lewis and Jennie L. Bundy; brothers, Arthur L. and Patric W. McKnight of CA; also Michael K. of Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, and will remain in our memory always. Visitation will be at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave. at Magee, Tucson on Thursday, March 19 at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Memorial Service will be held at Vista de la Montana United Methodist Church, 3001 E. Mira Vista Lane, Catalina, AZ on Friday, March 20 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Church Memorial Fund, Vista de la Montana United Methodist Church, 3001 E. Mira Vista Lane, Tucson, AZ 85739.
MOTZKIN, Harry M., 77, of Tucson, finished his earthly journey, March 14, 1998. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary; his eight children, Bob (Fran) of Golden, CO, Ed (Joyce), Charlene (Alex) Carrillo, Gregory, Bryan (Debbie), Michael (Ginny), Mary Ann (David) Keller, Belinda (Bob) Brauer, all of Tucson; 29 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews and friends. The celebration of his life will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 1800 S. Kolb Rd. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Our Mother of Sorrows Church, Bishop Manuel Moreno will officiate along with Msgr. Thomas Cahalane and a host of priests from throughout the Diocese of Tucson. Interment will be in Holy Hope Cemetery. Assisting the family in this celebration of his life is Bring's Funeral Home, Evergreen Mortuary and Cemetery, SCI Tucson Funeral Group, Holy Hope Cemetery and Valley Funeral Home. The Motzkin family expresses their sincerest appreciation for the many prayer and acts of kindness that have been extended to them and to Tucson Medical Center's Emergency Dept., Intensive Care Unit and Hospital Auxiliary for the loving care they received during this difficult time. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Julie Motzkin Cystic Fibrosis Memorial Fund in care of The Old Pueblo Civitan Foundation, P.O. Box 57249, Tucson, Az 85732-7249. For more information you may call Greg Motzkin at VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 2545 N.Tucson Blvd. (1 1/2 blocks N. of Grant Rd.) 327-6341.
ROBBINS, Etta, 79, died on March 15, 1998 at St. Joseph's Hospice. Born in Jasper, AL., she and her family came to Tucson 21 years ago. Mrs. Robbins is survived by her daughter, Debra Robbins; son, Neal (Carol) Robbins; grandchildren, Jason and Lexie Baker, Jason, Corrie, Adam Robbins; three sisters; and two brothers. Funeral Services will take place in Alabama. Memorial donations may be made in her name to Casa de Los Ninos. Local arrangements by family owned ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd. (at Speedway).
RUBINSTEIN, Irma E., 94, died March 14, 1998. Widow of Reuben R. Rubinstein, attorney at law, deceased resident of Tucson for 40 years. Mrs. Rubinstein was active in various philanthropic organizations including former President of National Council of Jewish Women and the Beacon Foundation for mentally disadvantaged children and adults. She was Tucson Woman of the year. She is survived by two daughters, Lee Title of Lomita, CA and Elaine and son-in-law, Raymond Quick of Tucson; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren also survive. Memorial Service, 12:00 Noon Wednesday, March 18, 1998 at BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL. Donations in Mrs. Rubinstein's Memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
ZALESKI, Ida Mae Potts, 88, died peacefully on Saturday, March 14, 1998 in Tucson amid loving relatives and friends whose lives she had touched. She was born and resided in Newark, NJ, moving to Tucson in 1986 to be with her daughter, Jane Ruth. She was treasured and loved by her family. Ida Mae's life was devoted to her husband and children, and they in turn enriched her and brought her joy. Her caring, generosity, and sense of humor were felt and appreciated by all who knew her. She will be missed. Ida Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Zaleski; her son, Daniel; and her brothers, Clifford, Harold, John and Alexander. Survivors include her daughter, Jane Ruth Comerci and her husband, Dr. George D. Comerci, Sr. of Tucson; her sons, David and his wife Carol of Roosevelt, NJ and Anthony and his wife, Judy of Springfield, IL. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren who will miss her. Funeral Service 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 18, 1998 at BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL. Burial to follow at Our Lady of the Desert Cemetery. Friends may call from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 1998 at BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
BESS, W.W. ”Bill”, Jr., 72, of Tucson, died March 7, 1998. He is survived by sons, rRobert (Cynthia) Bess of Gainesville, Texas and William (Theresa) Bess of Tucson; grandchildren, Ann Marie and James W. Bess, also of Tucson; and brother, Thomas B. Bess of Tulsa, OK. Mr. Bess was a World War II veteran, a Commandant of Oklahoma Military Academy and a Tucson businessman for over 20 years. There will be noservices. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements by HEATHER MORTUARY, 1040 N. Columbus Blvd.
BURTON, Helen A., 79, former Tucson resident, died on Friday, March 13, 1998 in Rockford, IL. married Richard Burton. He died in Tucson in 1974. Survivors include a daughter, Dorothy (Bill) Wisocki, Machesney Park, IL; son, William Maxwell, Waukesha, WI; brother, Vernon Porter and sister, Lois Dale, both of Lamoure, ND; six grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Burton will be created and her cremains buried in South Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements by Fred C. Olson Funeral Chapels, Ltd., North Chapel, 2811 North Main, Rockford, IL.
DURANT, Katharine Louise, 83, died March 14, 1998. Survived by her son, Arthur James ”Jim” Durant; granddaughters, Anna Maria Durant, Jessica Lee Durant, and Shannon Victoria Covey; great-grandchildren, Ruben-James Durant Castillo and Ryan Duran Castillo. Memorial Services will be held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 18, 1998 at Catalina Baptist Church, 1900 N. Country Club. Dr. Loren McBain officiating. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.
DURKEE, Mary Beth, died March 13, 1998. Wife of Jim Durkee; mother of Robert, Joseph, and Edward Durkee; grandmother of Brian and Kimberly; sister of Katie, James, Richard, and John Collins. Mass will be offered 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, 1998 at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 1800 S. Kolb Rd. Burial will be at Our Lady of the Desert Cemetery. Friends may call from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, March 16, 1998 with a Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m. at BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
GRAY, Howard E. ”Pete”, age 53, a 43-year resident of Tucson, passed away on the morning of March 14, 1998 at his home, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Cecilia; sons, Henry (Mia), Pete (Tami); two grandchildren, Ethan and Colton; three sisters, Mary Ellen, Betty Jane, and Thelma; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Rita Federico; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tom (Cindy) Federico, David (Cruz) Federico, Tony Tillson, Dee (Harry) Hansen; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. A Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., Wednesday, March 18, 1998 at SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY, 5401 S. Park Ave. A Graveside Service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at South Lawn Cemetery. Father Gilbert Padilla officiating. ”We will Love and Miss you.”
JURKO, Albert J., 73, of Tucson, died March 14, 1998. Survived by his wife, Theresa M. Jurko; daughter, Judy Lee (Gene) Brook of Prescott Valley; son, Dennis James (Terri) Jurko of Reno, NV; five granddaughters; two great-granddaughters; sister, Gladys Eldredge of Tucson; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by son, Darren James Jurko February 13, 1998. Memorial Service 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY. Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions in the name of Albert J. Jurko can be given to a charity of one's choice.
LEON, Paul L., 66, of Tucson, passed away March 14, 1998. Survived by brothers, Julian, Henry, Alazar, Rudy, and Alex. Also survived by many beloved nephews, nieces, and friends. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 1998 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, South Chapel, 240 S. Stone Ave., with Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral. Mass will be offered on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave. Interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Mr. Leon was employed by Hughes Aircraft for 39 years and retired in 1991. He was also a proud member of the union. He graduated from Tucson High and also served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged after four years of service. Paul will be most remembered and loved for his kindness and generosity by his family and friends. Special thanks to the VA hospice for the care that was give during his illness. Donations may be made to the Cathedral maintenance fund. Arrangements by CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, INC.
LEPPER, Leona P., age 96 years, three months, of Marana, mother of Roy E. Estes of Marana, Robert A. Estes of Cameron Park, CA, Joseph R. Coffey of Phoenix, Evelyn Steffes of Sunnyvale, CA, Charlene Stephenson of San Jose, CA, and Armina Bentley of Lakewood, CO; grandmother of 35; great-grandmother of 53; and great-great-grandmother of 15, passed away March 13, 1998. Preceded in death by husband, Leonard L. Lepper; infant daughter, Patsy Coffey; daughter, Elsie Baker; and son, Eugene H. Estes. Service Monday, 4:30 p.m., EVERGREEN MORTUARY, with Bishop Thomas E. Fallows, Marana Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints conducting. Private interment Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY, N. Oracle & W. Miracle Mile.
