NICOLAUS, Mary, 81, died June 12, 1998. She is survived by her children, Jacqui Raymond, Judy Gilbert and Bill (Leslie) Nicolaus; brother, Jack (Bonnie) Gerard; sister, Irma Hill; six grandchildren, Jeff (Tina) Durham, Valerie (Dave) Pfeffer, Lori (Reggie) Daigle, Kimberly (Don) Rhodus, Robert Nicolaus and Scott (Alis) Nicolaus and four great-grandchildren, Michael and Robert Durham, Chantille Fair-Pfeffer and Shailyn Daigle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry 'Nick' Nicolaus, grandson, Brian Durham and great-granddaughter Morgan Rhodus. Friends may call from 12:30 p.m until service time 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 1998 at EAST LAWN PALMS CHAPEL, 5801 E. Grant Rd.
OATES, Walter Wilson, born May 31, 1913 in Throckmorton, TX, came to Tucson in 1940 and broke down on his way to California with two cars and a trailer. He stayed at Benson Hwy and South 6th Avenue. After a few weeks a gentleman named Evo DeConcini inquired whether he planned to remain there. Being told 'Yes' it looked like a good place to sell cars, Mr. DeConcini stated he owned the property and would Walter like to pay rent. Walter said no, he'd just move across the street and was told that was fine by Mr. DeConcini because I own that property too! Wherein in 1940 Walter Oates bought the property on a handshake from Mr. DeConcini and at the day of his death was Tucson's oldest active used car dealer. After surviving the depression, building a still operating motel and running a used car lot, Mr. Oates owned various car lots on South 6th Avenue. He was from that lost generation who started with $1.25 upon arriving in Tucson, hitchhiked to Texas and tow barred cars to Tucson and believed in hard work, being honest and treating people fairly. He also believed in assuming responsibility for himself and his family. An article in the Tucson Daily Citizen told of the day a young transient came into his home with a knife and a threat and was quickly dispatched with a baseball bat by the 73 year old Walter Oates and hauled away in an ambulance. Even though no charges were filed, the police confiscated the baseball bat and refused to return it. Though upset about the loss of the baseball bat he was somewhat pacified when it was replaced the following day by his grandson. Due to his wise investments and hard work he could have lived any place in Tucson but chose to stay on 6th Avenue and continue as a car dealer. This is the Walter Oates his family loves and will miss. On the day of his death at the age of 85 he was digging fence post holes on his car lot with a shovel and suffered a fatal heart attack. Everyone knew this is the way Walter would say farewell to this life – working. He is survived by his loving family, Walt Dean (Deanni) Palser; grandson, Walter (Tammy) Palser and Bret (Jennifer) Palser. He now joins his wife, Ruby Oates who died a year ago HR after their marriage of 57 years. Friends may call 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, June 15, 1998 at EAST LAWN PALMS CHAPEL, 5801 E. Grant Rd. Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, 1998 at EAST LAWN PALMS CHAPEL, with Pastor Louis Johnson officiating. Burial to follow at South Lawn Cemetery, 5401 S. Park Avenue.
STAFFICKER, Mary S., age 78, of Tucson, AZ, died Wednesday, June 10, 1998. Beloved wife and mother who knew how to make a house a home. Survived by loving husband, Charles and devoted daughter, Carol (Tsn.) and sister, Margaret Lohnes of Springfield, Ohio. Services will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the Salvation Army or charity of your choice in memory of Mary. Arrangements by family owned ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave. (at Magee).
BROWN, Viola, age 67 years of Tucson, passed June 13, 1998. She is survived by husband, Paul D. Brown, Tucson; children, Paul F. (Tonie) Brown Jr., Alpine, AZ. and Melvin A. Brown, Tucson. Funeral Service, Thursday, June 18, 1998 at 9:00 a.m. SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY CHAPEL, with Rev. Duane Schrock officiating. Visitation one hour prior to service. Interment to follow National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 No. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, Arizona. Arrangements by SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY, 5401 S. Park Ave.
CARROLL, Robert E., age 66, passed away June 14, 1998 from heart failure. He was a Tucson resident since 1946 and a AFL-CIO Elevator Union Business agent for 20 years. Bob is survived by a brother, Walter Carroll and his wife Pinxy; a sister, Audrey Carbienner, both from Pittsburgh, PA and another sister, Shirley Hanson of Tucson. As requested no services.
Gregory L. Diekmann, 74, of Tucson, died June 9, 1998 in Albuquerque, NM. Survivors include his 'Precious June' Rapp, his brothers, Robert, Earl, Elmer and Lambert, and his sister, Gwendolym, plus many loving relatives and friends. Friends may call at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd., Tuesday, June 16, 1998 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at EAST LAWN PALMS CHAPEL, Wednesday, June 17, 1998 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at East Lawn Palms Cemetery with Military Honors by Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
GORMLEY, Donald M., 75, of Tucson, died June 12, 1998. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ragnhild; daughter, Alysha Collins; two grandsons, Forest Hallum and Jon Collins; great-grandson, Syrus Hallum, all of Tucson; brother, James Gormley of California. Arrangements are pending with HEATHER MORTUARY, 1040 N. Columbus Blvd.
John Richard Goward Jr., age 15, died June 12, 1998 in Robles, AZ. John was born July 13, 1982. He was a student at Marana High School. He leaves to cherish his memory his mother and father, John and Cindy Goward; sisters, Tonya and Jillian. We love you so much. Memorial Services held June 17 at Freedoms Gate Ministries, 6055 N. Silverbell Rd., 11:00 a.m.
LUTZ, Annabell, born October 24, 1926 in Ft. Morgan, Colorado, passed away on June 6, 1998.
LUTZ, W. C. 'Bud' born September 8, 1915 in Loma, Colorado, passed away June 7, 1998.
Bud was a veteran of WWII. He and Annabell traveled extensively, enjoyed the outdoors together and had been married for 53 years. Bud and Annabell have been residents of Oracle since 1957. They are survived by daughter, Georjean Vogt; son, Larry Lutz; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Family Care on La Cholla. Private memorial is planned.
ROMERO, Victor Lopez, 70, died June 12, 1998. in the TMC Hospice Unit. Surrounded by family, a brief service at bedside was held immediately. No further services are planned. Survived by wife Ada; daughter Lisa Kubilus; son Brian and stepson John Hay; brother Alex Romero; 6 grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Preceding Victor in death were his parents Leonor and Fernando Romero, sisters Dora Terrazas and Lydia Abril. Arrangements by Desert Rose. Victor will be missed by all who knew him.
SCHNEIDER, Cornelia Emily. On June 13, 1998, after 32 years apart, Cornelia 'Connie' Schneider joined her husband, Wallie, in Heaven. One of nine children, she is survived by siblings, Josephine, Theresa, Edward, Antoine and Leo. Her children, Joanne Wilson and husband, Prentiss and Charles Schneider and wife, Diane mourn her leaving, but rejoice in her unity with their father. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, John, Laura, Lynda, Chip, Leslie, Tracey, Heather and Craig and her 17 great-grandchildren. Connie was a lovely person and was very committed to her family. She loved everyone in her own special way. She has touched our hearts with her kind and gentle ways and will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. Friends may call at St. Odilia Catholic Church, 7570 N. Paseo Del Norte, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 1998 with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 1998 at St. Odilia Catholic Church. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave. (at Magee).
Mary Elizabeth Sexton, Age 81, returned to Our Lord on June 14, 1998 after a long illness. She is survived by her caregiver and loving husband of 57 years, Neil Sexton; their three children, Peggy Sexton-Isaac of Tucson, Kathleen Sexton of Tucson and Neal Sexton of New Jersey. Mary also leaves four grandchildren, Meaghan (Joe) Arvizu and Heather Isaac of Tucson and Kristine and Tom Sexton of New Jersey; one great-grandson, the apple of 'Grandma Mary's' eye, Nakae Arvizu; special in-laws, Margaret O'Neil, James Sexton and Rose Mary Martin. Mary's two brothers Phil and Eugene predeceased her. Mary was born July 29, 1916 in New York City to Henry and Catherine Martin. She was graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School and married Neil in 1941. Through the years they lived in New York City and Teaneck, NJ, she worked as a bookkeeper and homemaker, retiring from Prentice-Hall in 1975. Mary and Neil moved to Tucson in 1975 and became active in many local activities including the Golden Age Club and TMC Auxiliary. She also worked at Blenman School cafeteria and became a member of St. Cyril's Church. Mary enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with her friends and family. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting afghans for her family and was known as a wonderful cook, especially her cakes! May all who knew Mary find solace in knowing she had found life in death. Friends may call at ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd. (at Speedway) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 1998. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 1998 at St. Cyril's Church, 4725 E. Pima, entombment will follow at Holy Hope Mausoleum.
STAFFICKER, Mary S., age 78, of Tucson, AZ, died Wednesday, June 10, 1998. Beloved wife and mother who knew how to make a house a home. Survived by loving husband, Charles and devoted daughter, Carol (Tsn.) and sister, Margaret Lohnes of Springfield, Ohio. Services will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the Salvation Army or charity of your choice in memory of Mary. Arrangements by family owned ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave. (at Magee).
SUTHERLAND, Blanche, 88, of Tucson, died Sunday, June 14th, 1998. She was preceded in death by her husband, Neil; and daughter, Janice Edwards. She is survived by her children, Mary Lee Etchols, Alice, Ward, Carol Rae, Neil Sutherland, II; 21 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, 1998 at St. Cyril's Catholic Church, 4725 E. Pima St. Interment will follow at East Lawn Palms Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc., 2221 N. Rosemont Blvd., Tucson 85712. Arrangements by HEATHER MORTUARY, a certified after-care provider.
Susan L. Traficanti, 60, a longtime resident of Tucson went peacefully to join the Lord on June 13, 1998 after a long struggle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Robert; daughter, Pamela Traficanti; sons, Michael (Robin) and Nicholas Todd (Elizabeth); brother, Todd H. (Fran) Langley; uncle, Jack Sanborn, and numerous nieces and nephews including Kathryn Traficanti. Mrs. Traficanti came to Tucson at the age of three and was a graduate of Tucson High School. She was a member of Pima County Medial Secretaries Society for forty years. Susan was number one host mom for close to 100 Up With People students from 1976 until 1996. She was also on the Host Family Advisory Committee. Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. June 20, 1998 at St. Cyril's Catholic Church, 4725 E. Pima. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society, Southwest Division, Inc., 1636 N. Swan Road, Tucson, AZ. 85712 or Carondelet St. Joseph's Hospice, 350 N. Wilmot, Tucson, AZ 85711. Arrangements by HEATHER MORTUARY, 1040 N. Columbus Blvd.
ANDERSON, Patricia Avice (Mooney), passed away at home on Saturday, June 13, 1998. She was born in Chorley Wood, Hertfordshire, England, February 28, 1926 of parents, James David Mooney (General Motors) and Leonore Jane Watson. Patricia attended Battle Abbey in Sussex, England, Ramona Convent in Alhambra, California; and was an Art graduate of Stanford University, where she met and wed, Frederick Scotford Anderson on January 17, 1953. She was active in art circles in Maryland and the Desert Artisans' Gallery, Tucson and in Tubac. Funeral Mass will be at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 1998 in the chapel at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 5150 N. Valley View Rd. (in the foothills). Arrangements by family owned ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.
BABASA, Maria, 94, of Tucson, passed away June 13, 1998. Preceded in death by husband, Jose A. Babasa and sons, Joe and Raul Babasa. Survived by daughter, Oralia (Tom) Wilson; son, Louis Babasa. Also survived by seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 19, 1998 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, (North Chapel), 204 S. Stone Ave. Services will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. at CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY. Interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, INC.
Lillian Joan Burns, 71, died peacefully in her sleep June12, 1998. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis E. Burns. Survived by four sisters, one brother, two sons, two grandchildren, one great-grandchild, 12 stray cats and a world left better for her presence.Sisters and brothers are Marianna Hager, Sophie Caldwell, Bea Gatrell, Leonard Pizza and Florence Radin. Sons are Lewis 'Mack' and John Burns. Grandchildren are Andrew, Katie and Maria. Lillian is the daughter of Alessandro and Angela Pizza, immigrants from Montella, Italy. She came to Tucson with her parents from Chicago in 1942 and retired from Tucson Unified School District in 1986. Rosary will be recited 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 18, 1998 at BRING'S MEMORIAL CHAPEL. Mass will be offered 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 19th at St. John' s Catholic Church, 602 W. Ajo. Burial in Holy Hope Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 1998 at BRING'S MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 236 S. Scott.
COOK, Donald F., 88, of Tucson, died June 11, 1998. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary; children, Donald (Kathy) Cook, Jerry (Jane) Cook, Tom (Lanea) Cook and Donna (Ed) Wilson; sister, Gertrude Smith; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Private Graveside Services will be held at East Lawn Palms Cemetery. Arrangements by HEATHER MORTUARY, 1040 N. Columbus Blvd.
DAVIEAU, Ralph W., 83, of Tucson, died June 14, 1998. Survived by son, Lyle Davieau of Lacey, WA; daughter, Donna Chatterton of Newington, CT; stepsons, Peter Dorey of Hartford, CT and Paul Dorey of Tucson; sister, Bertha Dinardi of Guilford, NH; grandchildren, Jennifer and Courtney Chatterton, Justin, Crystal and Nathan Davieau and Heather Dorey and one-great-granddaughter. Graveside Services, Thursday, 8:30 a.m. Evergreen Cemetery with Pastor Richard L. Smith, First Congregational United Church of Christ officiating, followed by services of the I.O.O.F. Lodge. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Family Care, 310 S. Williams Blvd., #210, Tucson, AZ 85711. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY, N. Oracle & W. Miracle Mile.
HENDERSON, Stephen D., born June 11, 1998, went to the Arms of Jesus on June 14, 1998. Survivors include his parents, Stephen and Lisa; maternal grandparents, Marlin and Nancy Belperio; paternal grandmother, Rose Fields, plus many other loving relatives. Funeral Service will be held at EASTLAWN PALMS CHAPEL, 5801 E. Grant Rd., Thursday, June 18, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.
HIGHTOWER, Raleigh, 89, of Tucson, passed away June 15, 1998. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; son and daughter-in-law, John and Renee Hightower of Tucson and daughter, Donna Mason of Mesa, AZ; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Raleigh was born in Lometa, TX in 1909 and moved to AZ in 1912. He ranched in northern and southern AZ and worked for the AZ Highway Dept. as an Engineer for 41 years. A Memorial Service will be held at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave. (at Magee) Friday, June 19, 1998 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Family Care, 3443 E. Ft. Lowell, Tucson, AZ 85716.
