Obituaries

Woodrow Skelding, (85) of Sun City, Arizona, passed away on January 25, 2023. Woodrow, fondly known as Woody, was born to Woodrow Thomas Skelding and Eleanor Rubasky, on December 1, 1937 in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. Woody is survived by his wife Kathy, three children, Paul Skelding (Tina), Trina Morrison (Steve), and Pam Sullivan (Billy), and grandchildren Justin Kirk (BobbieMae), Skyler Morrison (Alex), Jay, and Philip. Woody served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War and held a lifelong love of ships, planes, trains, and astronomy. He belonged to many clubs in the Sun City area. He will be truly missed. Woody’s family will host a funeral service on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. The service will be at American Lutheran Church in Sun City.

William “Bill” Lee Van Helden Beloved Father and Grandfather William Lee Van Helden passed away peacefully in his sleep and surrounded by his sons on Tuesday, January 24th, 2023 at the age of 90. He was born on February 19th, 1932 in Harvard, Illinois. He graduated from Rockford West High School in 1950 and enlisted in the Navy and discharged in October of 1954. He married Mary Jane Genovese on June 27th, 1953. William is survived by his children, John (Jacquelyn) Van Helden of Aurora, TX, William “Billy” Van Helden of Ozark, MO, and Viki Texiera of Houston, TX. He also has eight grandchildren, Tracy, Nicholas, Jacob, Grace, Whitney, Christian, Darren and Lauren, as well as four great-grandchildren, Peyton, Mason, Amber and Logan. William was a construction superintendent and built high rise buildings in Flint, MI and Peoria, IL. He also built some 200 homes and a university library in California, as well as a senior complex in Scottsdale, AZ. He was an usher in his church and a 4th degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his mother Elah “Betty” and his dad Al, as well as his brother Leroy and his sister Mary Margaret, along with many beloved nieces and nephews and countless friends. Visitation will take place on Monday, January 30th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Menke Funeral Home in Sun City. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 31st at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Sun City. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a church or charity of your choice.

Thomas “Tom” Eugene Smiley, 89, of Sun City, Arizona passed away on January 20, 2023. Tom was born on October 12, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan to Elwin and Bonnie Smiley. Tom was recognized for his warm smile, beautiful blue eyes, and keen sense of humor. Tom graduated from Mackenzie High School in Detroit, Michigan in 1951. He married his sweetheart Mary when he was just 19 years old. Tom served in the US Army from 1956 to 1958 and was stationed in Korea for a portion of his enlistment. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois. Tom enjoyed a career as a network designer with AT&T and was well-recognized within his industry for his skills and expertise. He retired from AT&T after 35 years of service. As a 25-year resident of Arizona, Tom enjoyed living in Sun City West and later, at Royal Oaks Lifecare Community in Sun City. While living in Sun City West, Tom volunteered for Meals on Wheels providing meals to older members of his community. He also volunteered for Sun City West’s PRIDES, a social service organization focused on keeping the community clean and beautiful. Tom and his wife attended the Unitarian Universalist Church and served in various capacities within the church. Tom enjoyed bike riding, woodworking, target shooting, and fixing just about anything around the house. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading the classics. Most of all, Tom loved spending time with his family. Tom and Mary celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary last June. Tom is survived by his wife Mary [nee Woods] of Sun City, Arizona; his daughter, JoAnn [Lee] Hartman of Aurora, Illinois; and son Michael [Norma, nee Gilstrap] Smiley of Heber City, Utah. Tom is also survived by seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Private family funeral arrangements have been made.

Harold Edward King, 85, passed away in his sleep peacefully January 19th, 2023 from natural causes. He was born June 25th, 1937 to Charles and Frances King in Denver CO. He is survived by his children Loretta and Ricky King as well as 3 Grand children and 7 Great Grand children. For those that knew him, remember his mischievous humor, quick smile, sincerity and willingness to help regardless of the situation. Also remember him for the person he was, never wishing ill on anyone, always overlooking the worst of what a person was and instead finding the best. He never yelled, never used the word “hate.” Everyone was equal to him until they proved they were not by their actions. For Dad, respect, integrity, morals and faith were not words, they were a way of life. He lived every day by that code, to be a better husband, father and person while living in God’s WORD every day. He passed that to his children, Grandchildren and theirs. His family came first and foremost, his wife Wanda, the center of his universe. He would and did defend his family without hesitation and with absolute love. He was raised that if you want something, work for it and earn it, he did that his whole life. He wanted his family to be happy and never to do without, he never stopped working for that; he succeeded and we are forever grateful. In simplest of terms and without confusion: Harold King was a good man. A family man without hubris, a son of God, a man who gave more than he took and lastly, simply a good person to all he met. Rest easy Dad, you’re with Mom and God now. We got this. In lieu of flowers, Dad requested donations be made to help women and children dealing with domestic violence, this was very near and dear to both Dad and Mom. You are welcome to pick a charity of your own or donate to www.sojournercenter.org

Paul E. Csuy was born in Antigo, Wisconsin, June 22, 1937 to John and Ann Csuy. He is preceded in death by his wife Ruby, brother Jack and sister Joanne (Fassbender). He is survived by brothers David Csuy (Jeanne), Jim Csuy (Wanda), sisters-in-law Marlene Csuy and Bea Reynolds, several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Paul grew up on a farm and attended Antigo High School. He had the pleasure of playing the base drum in the marching band on Lambeau Field at a Green Bay Packer Game. Upon graduating, he joined the Army as a paratrooper. After leaving the Army, he came to Phoenix, met Ruby through a mutual friend, married and celebrated 63 years together. Paul spent the last 25 working years as a Project Manager at American Express. He was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church serving for over 45 years, primarily in the funeral ministry. Together Paul and Ruby took several vacations including trips to Hawaii, Aruba and the Holy Land. Paul will always be remembered for his humor and his homemade bagels. We will all miss you Paul. A funeral mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 9728 W. Palmeras Dr. Sun City, AZ 85373 on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church.

Please join us as we celebrate the life of JoAnne Pompa Sandhagen on Monday, January 23, 2023. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 5641 W. Orangewood Ave. Glendale, AZ Visitation will be 9:00-11:00 Saturday, 1/21/23 at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center Rosary at 9:30 am Service at 10:00 am Internment held at West Resthaven Park 6450 W Norther Ave. Glendale, AZ 11:30 am Reception following Orabella Banquet Hall 6744 W. Glendale Ave. Glendale, Ave 12:30 pm Please RSVP today leecarolyn83@gmail.com or tim.pompa@alum.berkeley.edu

Dean Cooke Robison, age 100, passed away on January 10, 2023. He was born on September 17, 1922, in Aledo, Illinois, the first child of Ray and Hazlitt Cooke Robison. He attended schools in Joy and Aledo. Prior to World War II, he attended the University of Illinois. He served in the European theater as a member of the 415th Infantry Regiment 104th (Timberwolf) Division. He married Helen Harvey of Quincy, Illinois, in Newark, Delaware, on February 25, 1944. They were married for nearly 75 years until her death on January 10, 2019. While working at Deere & Company in Moline, Illinois, he earned a certificate as a certified public accountant. He worked for Deere & Company for 37 years, retiring as General Company Controller in 1984. Dean was a member and past President of the Quad Cities Chapter of the National Association of Accountants (now Institute of Management Accountants) and served as a Director on the Board of the national association. He was a former member of the Rock Island, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, and served as a Director. He was a life member of the Doric Lodge #319, AF&AM, and also the Ancient Scottish Rite, Valley of Moline. He was an affiliate member of Broadway Presbyterian Church and a long-time member of the Rock Island Arsenal Golf Club. Survivors include sons William (Margaret) Robison of Richmond, Virginia and John (Karen) Robison of Northfield, Minnesota, five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Helen, sisters Priscilla and Patricia, brother Paul, and a grandson who died at birth. Services will be handled by Menke Funeral and Cremation Center, Sun City, Arizona, menkefuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to Faith Presbyterian Church, Sun City, Arizona.

Monica Dolle Chiralo Major completed her journey to Our Lord on Jan 6th, 2023, after a lengthy battle with Carcinoid Cancer and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) since 1999. She is the daughter of the late John Arnold Dolle and Lova Lea Reynolds Dolle. She is survived by her husband Arthur Major, daughter Monette Claire Northcutt Johnstone and grandson Maxfield Alexander Johnstone of Seattle, Washington, and sister Merrielea Zabia Dolle of Hawaii; also, stepchildren Jason Major, James Major, and Lisa Krebs and step grandson Roland Krebs. She is the widow of Robert Chiralo, who preceded her in death after 31 years of marriage. She was born in Santa Monica, CA, in 1948 and graduated with a history major from California State University Dominguez Hills and attended Notre Dame Graduate School majoring in theology and eventually settled in Virginia, then later, Arizona. She had hundreds of books, was a voracious reader and was fluent in three languages; was an accomplished flute and guitar player, dancer, singer, and pianist. She taught piano, guitar, and flute lessons to dozens and maintained close friendships with many of her former students and their families. She was a clothing designer, knitter, and seamstress, making many items for friends and family and designed unique patterns and products which she sold under the “Miss Monette” label; and excelled at photography with many framed pictures around her home. Monica had a spirited personality and many fascinating life experiences including a brief time in the USAF, working at the US embassy in Nigeria, and much overseas travel and cruises. She was a dedicated and determined volunteer in the Virginia Republican Party at the county and state levels, always willing to work for the causes she held dear and sponsoring many events which proved vital to her party’s success. She was an enthusiastic and devout communicant of the Roman Catholic church, had an amazing - comprehensive knowledge of scripture, high standards, and always demonstrated Christian values as a role model. She touched a lot of people, both directly and indirectly by thoughtful contributions and personal interactions with many including countless strangers. This was purposeful on her part – in her 60’s she completed two years of Spanish language lessons at a community college just so she could communicate with, and better help, the immigrant community. She was the dearest of friends, a perceptive listener, and a caring and loving advisor who will be sorely missed by many. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 300 N Sheppard St., Richmond, VA 23221. A reception will follow after Mass at 12:30 p.m. at Bliley's - Central, 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond, VA 23230. Interment will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Fairfax Memorial Park, 9900 Braddock Rd., Fairfax, VA 22032. A memorial service will be announced at a later date and time in Sun City, AZ. In lieu of flowers please contribute “In honor of Monica Dolle Major” at https://www.carcinoid.org/about/contributing-to-our-foundation/