Mary Guadalupe Ott (Mia), 84, passed away to meet her loving Lord on November 28, 1998. She was a member of a Tucson pioneer family. Her grandfather, Hylor Ott, was Pima County Sheriff from 1871-72. Ott Street was named after him and the street was once the entrance to the presidio of Tucson. Mia was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico on May 12, 1914. Her father was a 30 year employee of Wells Fargo Transfer Company. At an early age, the family moved to Nogales, Arizona. In 1927, the family moved back to Tucson where the Ott family had lived since 1867. Mia graduated from Tucson High School in 1931 and the University of Arizona in 1935. As a teacher of 42 years in the Tucson Unified School District, she touched the lives of countless young people. Her teaching career took her to Borton Elementary School, Roskruge Junior High School, Tucson High School, Catalina High School and Sahuaro High School, where she retired in 1977 as head of the Modern Languages Department. She enjoyed traveling and studying in Spain, Mexico, Colombia and Japan. During World War II, her summers were spent working for the Southern Pacific Railroad preparing the wiring on outdoor switches. She was an avid gardener and a member of the Tucson Botanical Gardens, the Bonzai Association, the Rose Society, and the Catholic Daughters. She volunteered for years as a Spanish interpreter at the University Medical Center. In her late retirement years, she lived at Campana Del Rio and in her last months at Casa De Compania where the caring administration and staff helped her. Her family wishes to thank all those individuals who provided love and care to Mia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles H. and Maria Ott; her sister-in-law, Betty Ott; and her niece, Elizabeth (Bizi). She is survived by two brothers, Charles H. Ott III, and Frank E. Ott (Eleanor); and five nieces and nephews: Charles 'Chuck' H. Ott IV (Susan), children, Cicely, Quinto and Stephen; Mary Ellen Hardin (Larry), children, Jeremy, Joshua and Jonathan; Frank R. Ott (Kathy), children, Marie and Ross; Tricia Ginter (Pete), children, Kimberly and Seth; and Lisa Avramis (Tom), children, Alethea and Stefan. She is also survived by her relatives from Colima, Mexico-the Ceballos and Oldenbourg families, and Tucson, AZ. Mia will be remembered fondly by many Tucson residents whose lives have been enriched by having known her. A Memorial Mass will be offered at St. Cyril Church, Pima and Swan on Thursday, December 3 at 11:00 a.m. In Memory of Mia, contributions may be made to the Tucson Botanical Gardens, The University of Arizona Hispanic Alumni Association, St. Vincent De Paul Society, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by family owned ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.
MICHAEL DENNIS PIERCE
It was November 28th, 1998, a little after 10:30 a.m. as the family and friends left UMC to head home. As we walked through the parking lot we noticed the weather was overcast, gray and cloudy with scattered raindrops and little breeze except for the long sweeping arms of our Lord as he lifted Michael Dennis Pierce across the desert floor and upwards into His loving arms.
Mike Pierce was a man who had a great zest for life and he accomplished many things during his 51 years. He owned Mike Pierce Insurance Agency; He was a semi-pro baseball player; a 1966 graduate of Rincon High School and attended the UofA. Through his last few years he competed in many body building contests and he won various titles, including the '1998 over-40 Mr. Arizona' which was won after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. In his final fight for life he never quit nor did he complain. A valiant warrior, the brave heart is survived by the family heloved more than anything.
Mike is survived by his wife of 30years, Georgia; their sons, Stephen, Benand Josh; mother, Mary Ruth Williams; sister, Mary Casper; brother-in-law, Charles Casper; niece, Bridget Casper; uncle and aunt, Tom and Meetees Donovan of St.Louis, MO; mother and father-in-law, Evelyn and Bill Sanderson.
For those who wish to pay their respects to Mike, the viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 4 at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801E. Grant Rd. Funeral Service, 1:00 p.m.Saturday, December 5 at Pantano Christian Church, 10355 E. 29th St. at Houghton. Interment will follow at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank Mike's friends for their many cards and prayers. And a special thanks to Lee Johnson whom Mike regarded as a brother and who for five months selflessly and lovingly cared for Mike in his time of illness. Lee we love you and will forever be grateful to you.
RAMIREZ, Arthur O., 68, of Tucson, died November 30, 1998. Survived by wife, Elma; son, Carlos (Alma) Ramirez; daughter, Elodia Velasco, all of Tucson; brothers, John and Joe Ramirez of Modesto, CA, Roger Ramirez of El Paso, TX; and sister, Carmen Hutnut of San Jose, CA. Mr. Ramirez served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Graveside Service, Thursday, 10:00 a.m.Evergreen Cemetery, with Pastor Lupe Rodriguez of Agape Christian Fellowship officiating. Friends may call Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY, N. Oracle & W. Miracle Mile. Memorial contributions may be made to the March of Dimes.
REED, Lois Mary, 78, died November 29, 1998. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
Eveline Siefert, 75, born October 12, 1923, went into the arms of the Lord November 28, 1998. Memories of her beautiful smile and kindness will be a comfort to all who have been blessed to know her. She is survived by her eternally devoted and loving husband of 49 years, Walter Siefert; her two loving and devoted daughters, Mary Napolez of Tucson and Kathy Hurt of Hawaii; her sons-in-law, Frank Napolez and Jon Hurd; her beloved grandchildren, Tanya and Tyler Oliver of Tucson, Brook and Gerald Hurd of Hawaii; and her beautiful great-grandchildren, Evan and Mahealani of Hawaii; her sister, Elsie Reed of OH; her brother, William Hale of FL; her loving nephew, Jay (Betty) Swanner of FL; and many loving supportive friends. We appreciate your prayers and thoughts of love and support. Private family services will be held Thursday, December 3. Memorial announcement will be forthcoming.
THRUSH, Clint W., 42, is with our Lord, November 24, 1998. Survived by his loving wife, Candace; mother, Barbara J.; father, Glenn 'Bill'; half sisters, Ginger (Mike) Thrush-Bircher and Lora (David) Thrush Yank; niece, Anna Mae Yank, numerous cousins and many loving supportive friends. He was employed by Burr-Brown. Memorial Services will be held 4:00 p.m. Thursday, December 3, 1998 at Community Church of the Foothills, 480 E. Ina Road, Scott Bolander officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia Society of America, In memory of Clint Thrush, 2990 E. Northern Ave. Ste. #E100, Phoenix AZ 85028. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, an aftercare provider.
WALKER, Elsie Mae, 83, died November 26th, 1998. Elsie was born in Woodville, KY in 1915, the daughter of Marvin and Ellie Lyons. She came to Tucson over 40 years ago with her late husband, Dalton D. Walker, S/Sgt Sq.A 321st AAFBU. Elsie retired from Hughes Aircraft as an Inspector of Electronics after 20 years of devoted work. Elsie was a world traveler with her longtime companion Dr. William Miletich. She will be deeply missed by her dear cousins, Ora Mae and Jim Strong of Paducah, KY, her dear friends, Merle and Tom Covington and the MacFarland family of Tucson. The Pastor of Bethel Christian Church will hold a service at Woodville Cemetery in Kentucky at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 2nd, 1998. Roth's Funeral Chapel of Paducah, KY. coordinated the service arrangements. Local arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
WALLACE, Stella C., 83, of Tucson, died December 1, 1998. Stella was a veteran of WWII having served in the US Army. She is survived by husband, Robert S. Wallace; daughter, Shirley (Dean) Bindenagel of Tempe; grandsons, Daniel and Scott Bindenagel; sisters, Annette Rzeznik and Helen Herbut both of NH. Memorial Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 4 at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd.
George E. French, 78, of Tucson, died November 30, 1998. Born November 19, 1920 in Detroit, Michigan. George was preceded in death by his wife, Donna. Survived by his son, George C.(Terry); and daughter, Debra (Steve) Wilson and four grandchildren, Kristopher and Kayla French, Brandon and Ben Wilson. He was a Tucson resident since 1943. His family and friends will miss his kind and humorous spirit that has touched us over the years. Informal Services 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 1998 at the family residence, 1550 N. Pantano Rd. Memorial contributions in George's memory may be made to The American Heart Association, 5325 E. Pima, T/A 85712. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
KING, Enriqueta, 70, died December 1, 1998. Beloved wife of John C. King; beloved mother of Nancy (Craig) Barnes and John M. (Diana) King; beloved grandmother of Angela, Danielle, Dustin, and Jessica; sister of Emilia Gomez, Elvira Gutierrez and Eva Barron. Enriqueta was a servant for Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 3rd at Bring's Broadway Chapel. Mass will be offered 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 4th at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 1800 S. Kolb Rd. Burial will be in Our Lady of the Desert Cemetery. Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 3rd at BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
KLEIN-BENT, A. Genevieve, Ph.D., 84, of Tucson, died November 30, 1998. Genevieve taught special education for 25 years in TUSD and was a member of Phi Lamda Theta. Survived by son, William (Suzanne) Klein; daughter, Martha Kay (Gerald) Buckler; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; brother, Kenneth Bates. Funeral Service will be held 11:30 a.m.Sunday, December 6 at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd. Visitation will be for one hour prior to service.
MARTIN, Donald M., 68, a retired middle school English teacher, died November 30, 1998. He was born in Tucson and was a graduate of the University of Arizona and a Korean War veteran. He was an avid reader and writer, and devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren and students, with whom he shared his love of books and learning. Survivors include his wife, Patricia; sons, Eric, Greg (Cathy), and Keith; daughter, Nora Martin Vetto (Thomas); grandchildren, Mark and Anne Vetto and Heidi and Hannah Martin. Services are private.
DORA B. OBREGON, 73, of Tucson, passed away December 02, 1998. Preceded in death by daughters, Maria Ellen Obregon and Rosalinda O. Verdugo. Survived by husband, Miguel L. Obregon; daughters, Carolina (Jesus, Sr.) Garcia, Maria Ellen (Jose) Baca, Yolanda (Ralph) Obregon, Margaret Obregon, Pearl Obregon, Rosemarie (Duane) Florance and Anita Acosta; sons, Mike, Jr. (Lupe), Albert (Yrma), Alfonso (Frances) and David Obregon. Also survived by 40 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Visitation will beheld on Friday, December 04, 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 on Saturday, December 05, 1998, 9:00 a.m. at Santa Cruz Church, 1220 S. 6th Ave. Interment will be private. Arrangements by CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, INC.
Spiro E. Papanikolas, 71, of Tucson, passed away Tuesday, December 1, 1998. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, August 24, 1927, to Mike and Georgia Papanikolas. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; daughter, Mary (Boyd) Drachman; sons, Skip, Gus (Janice) and Nick Papanikolas; grandchildren, Stephen, Nick and Sutton Papanikolas, Jason and Derek Kimball, Jeremy, Meisha and Spiro 'Sam' Papanikolas, Phillip, Samuel, William, Genevieve Drachman, Nicole Papanikolas. He is also survived by his brother, Nick E. (Helen) Papanikolas; sisters, Bertha Cononelos, Ida Collard and Willa Dean (William) Cocorinis and his sister-in-laws, Mrs. John and Mrs. Gus Papanikolas. Many loving nieces and nephews also survive Spiro. Spiro was a 32nd degree Mason, a Navy veteran of the Second World War and a senior member of the Tucson Conquistadores. He was also a founding member of little league football in Tucson. Spiro, along with his brothers (John, Nick and Gus) developed El Con Shopping Center, 49ers Golf and Country Club and 49er Country Club Estates. Spiro was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He spent many hours enjoying his horses and hunting dogs. Friends may call at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge on Friday, December 4, 1998 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a Trisagion Service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 5, 1998 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 1145 E. Fort Lowell Road. Interment will follow at East Lawn Palms Cemetery, 5801 E. Grant Road. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Casa de los Ninos.
Theresa Marie Picchioni - Passed away on December 2, 1998 in Tucson, AZ. after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Theresa was born in Roundup, MT. on October 12, 1926. She is survived by Albert Picchioni, her loving and devoted husband of 45 years; daughter, Mary Jane (Tim); sons, Joe (Kim) and Geno (Darlene); grandson, Garret; granddaughter, Whitney. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Annie; mother, Mary Scott, father, Walter Scott; sister, Molly Novasio; brothers, Bill and Jack Scott. Theresa graduated from Roundup High School and attended the Collage of Great Falls. During WW II she served as an operator-telegrapher in Montana for the Chicago, Milwaukee Railroad. In later years, she was appointed and then elected to two terms as Clerk of the District Court of Musselshell County in Montana. Theresa will be terribly missed by her family and relatives and everyone who knew and loved her. The family wishes to thank the nurses and nurses' aids at Carondelet Hospice Services and St.Joseph's Hospital for the excellent, compassionate care that was given to our beloved wife and mother. Friends may call at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY CHAPEL, 5801 E Grant Rd., Saturday, December 5, 1998 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1800 N Camino Pio Decimo St., Sunday, December 6, at 2:00 p.m. Interment to follow at East Lawn Palms Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the 'Annie Picchioni Memorial Fund' to benefit students at Soleng Tom Elementary School (TUSD), for educational enrichment activities. Donations may be sent to Soleng Tom Elementary School, 10520 E Camino Quince, Tucson, AZ 85748.
TAYLOR, John E., 93, died November 23, 1998. Survived by his children, Harvey Taylor, Catherine Box, Carol Hubbard and Mary Lou Armstrong; 14 grandchildren. Friends may call 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 4, 1998 until service time at 11:00 a.m. at EAST LAWN PALMS CHAPEL, 5801 E. Grant Rd. Burial to follow at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.
BEHNKE, George Thomas, 64, died December 3, 1998. Father of Elizabeth (Mark) Hill; grandfather of Amanda Grace Hill; former husband of Carolmae (Gilbert) Glazier. Preceded in death by son, Walter Brooks Behnke. Mr. Behnke was was a member of The American Chemical Society and Sigma XI. Received Bachelors and Ph.D from Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Received his Masters in Toxicology from U of A. He was a kind and brilliant man who touched many lives. Memorial Service 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 5th at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, 3809 E. Third with Pastor Stuart Taylor officiating. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
BIGGIE, Harold H. To honor the memory of Harold, who died on October 30, 1998, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 5th, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, 1375 S. Camino Seco (just south of 22nd Street). The family requests his friends, neighbors and acquaintances to attend. Sincere appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and contributions to Carondelet Hospice Foundation.
BURLEW, Sean C., 27, died November29, 1998. Arrangements by BRING'S MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 236 S. Scott.
COMTE, Ernest S., 89, died November 29, 1998. Survived by his wife, Florence; son, John M. and his wife, Denise Comte; nieces, Pam Comte and Sue Barkmeier; nephew, Marcel Comte; sister-in-law, Clara and her husband, Bob Murray. Ernest was a resident of Tucson for the past 40 years, a veteran of USN serving during WWII. Friends may call Sunday, December 6, 1998, 2:00 p.m. until service time at 3:00 p.m. at EAST LAWN PALMS CHAPEL, 5801 E. Grant Rd., with Rev. Jerry Hagelin officiating. Burial to follow at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.
George E. French, 78, of Tucson, died November 30, 1998. Born November 19, 1920 in Detroit, Michigan. George was preceded in death by his wife, Donna. Survived by his son, George C.(Terry); and daughter, Debra (Steve) Wilson and four grandchildren, Kristopher and Kayla French, Brandon and Ben Wilson. He was a Tucson resident since 1943. His family and friends will miss his kind and humorous spirit that has touched us over the years. Informal Services 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 1998 at the family residence, 1550 N. Pantano Rd. Memorial contributions in George's memory may be made to The American Heart Association, 5325 E. Pima, T/A 85712. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
GODFREY, May Patterson, passed away to meet her loving Lord on December 3, 1998. Born in South Boston, VA on May 3, 1907, and moved to Tucson in 1961. She touched the lives of untold numbers of people through a life of constant prayer, giving and living for Jesus. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Elliott Godfrey, and is survived by her two sisters, Geneva Patterson and Nancye B. Patterson; her son, Bob Godfrey; daughter, Nancy (Dan) Lupo; two grandchildren, Dan (Kim) Lupo, Jr., Elisa (Jim) Beede and one great-granddaughter, Sarah Lupo. Memorial Services will be held at Grace Chapel, 6180 E. Pima, Tucson, on Tuesday, December 8th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donations may be made to either Grace Chapel or Jim Brunner Ministries, 6018 E. Seneca, Tucson, AZ. Arrangements by family owned ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES.
Helen Hughey Harnett - Born 16 April 1924, passed on to the loving arms of our Lord on 2 December 1998. Helen is survived by her husband of 26 years, James E. 'Jim' Harnett; sister, Kathlyn (Ted) Schoettger; brother, Horace (Marguerite) Hughey, Jr.; stepchildren, Peggy Madrid (Frank) Reyero, Mardell Lynn Sherman, Kurt C. (Dee) Harnett and James Michael Harnett; nephews, Michael (Sherrill) Hughey and Patrick (Tina) Hughey. Helen recently retired from Long Realty Company after 34 years in the Real Estate business. She came to Tucson in 1955 with Hughes Aircraft Company and was married to her predeceased husband, Gene Timoney at that time. She was an elegant lady full of compassion for all persons she knew or met. She will be missed. Memorial Services will be held at BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, on Saturday 5 December 1998, 2:00 p.m. with John Aker of Christ Community Church officiating. Donations in her honor may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Arrangements by Bring's Broadway Chapel, 6910 E. Broadway.
