Obituaries

But the greatest of these is love. On the sixth day in the year of our Lord 2023, Alex A. Tolmachoff left peaceful sleep and joined his wife, Norma, in Heaven's warm embrace. While we mourn our loss of a father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend, we also celebrate his 88 years on this earth. Many remember him as a highway patrolman and judge, yet we know with certainty our lives were touched more by his character than by the vocations he chose. He blessed us with wise counsel and a firm hand, with warm laughter and unwavering integrity. Though he was a leader, he lived with a servant's heart, never hesitating to help those in need. He walked through adversity with faith and quiet strength. To our good fortune, he graced us with patience, respect, and above all - love. Alex, "Collie," Dad, Grandpa, "PoPo," left an indelible imprint on our hearts. A service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 830 East Plaza Circle, Litchfield Park, AZ at 11:00 AM, Saturday 14 January. Reception immediately after.

Elaine passed away on January 4th at 71 years of age. She was born on August 20, 1951 to the late John & Ann (Shubin) Conovaloff. Elaine leaves behind; brother Andrew & his wife Tanya (Vakhlakova), & his son, Lucifer Yahweh Orloff, brother, Jack & his wife Linda, their daughter Holly, sister Kathy & her husband Bill Baghdanov along with their children; Dave & his wife Amanda, their children Everlyn & Adaline, Christina, & Anne & her husband Louis. Elaine attended Pendergast Elementary School, Tolleson Union HS & ASU. Private family services were held.

 Dale Martin Hasha passed away on January 3, 2023 at Fairmont Village in Peoria, Arizona after battling Parkinsons Disease and Dementia.  Dale was born on October 12, 1954 at San Diego, California to Cecil R. and Betty M Hasha. Dale married Rebecca McMillen on August 11, 2001 in San Diego, California. He is survived by his wife Rebecca; his sister Dawn Hasha of San Diego, California, brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Suzy Hasha of Canton, Georgia and sister, Darlene Hasha Mechling of North Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also survived by his stepson Jonathan Howard of Yutan, Nebraska, niece Sarah Priem of Canton, Georgia and nephews Dennis Kundinger Jr of Canton, Georgia, Dustin Mechling of North Las Vegas, Nevada and Dan Mechling of Pocatello, Idaho.  A Memorial Service will be held 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona with Deacon Roy Drapeau. Menke Funeral & Cremation Center of Sun City, Arizona have been entrusted with the arrangements.

On January 2, 2023, a beloved wife, Mother, and Great Grandmother, Phyllis Jean Smith passed away. Phyllis was born in Chicago, IL on October 3, 1945 to Walter and Edna Kohlhoff. She attended Luther North High School. She met the love of her life and best friend, Stephen Smith, during this time. She worked many jobs in her life, most notably, as Bank Vice President of Heritage/Firstar Bank in Bolingbrook, IL, where she and Stephen raised their 3 sons. Phyllis loved life, traveling, gardening, crafting, but most of all, her family. She was a loving person and had such a positive influence on everyone who knew her. One of her favorite songs was Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop.” This was evident most every day because it was what we heard over the sound of the Corvette’s side pipes as she pulled into the garage after a hard day’s work. Over the years, the family enjoyed many vacations, a summer home filled with days of waterskiing and great food, as well as overseas trips. She is survived by her husband of 58 years- Stephen, her 3 sons, Eric, Ryan and Paul as well as their 7 grandchildren: Kyle, Brady, Brenna, Clayton, William, Tyler, Kayla, and one great grandchild, Charleigh.

Glenn was born in Valley Springs, South Dakota to Gullick Rye and Emma (Thompson) Rye on February 9, 1927. He attended school in Hills, Minnesota. He graduated from Augustana College and obtained a Master’s Degree from Loma Linda University. Glenn served in the Army and was a veteran of World War II. In recognition of his service, Honor Flight sent Glenn and daughter, Ramona, to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Glenn worked as a school teacher in Minnesota, Arizona and Colorado. He also owned real estate brokerage companies in California and Colorado. Glenn was the chairman of the Loveland, Colorado Planning Commission. He cofounded and was chairman of the City of Loveland Housing Authority. Glenn conceived of and received much recognition for H.O.U.S.E., Home Ownership Using Sweat Equity. Under Glenn’s leadership, the Housing Authority provided housing for families left homeless after the 1976 Big Thompson Flood. Glenn was the 1979 Loveland Realtor of the Year and was a member of Rotary. Glenn is preceded in death by his daughter, Angela Ann Rye (1955-1968), his parents, and sisters and brothers, Gullick Rye, Emma Rye, Norris Rye, Opal Nelson, Eldora Bakk, Beverly Nerison, Raymond Rye and Vivian Helgeson, and son-in-law, Scott Perkins. Glenn married Donna Entenman on August 19, 1954 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Glenn is survived by former wife, Donna, son Randy Rye (Ellen Laubhan), son Dan Rye (Brigid Devney-Rye), son Greg Rye (Lisa Rye) and daughter Ramona Perkins (Rye). Glenn is also survived by grandchildren: Court Rye, Cassia Hanton, Summer Rye, Sam Rye and Ben Rye and great-grandchildren: Kalen and Dylan Hanton. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills, Minnesota. Burial will follow at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery. Arrangements are by Hartquist Funeral Home. Glenn was dearly loved by his family and extended family. He made friends easily and was especially caring of those who needed encouragement. He had a bright mind, wonderful sense of humor and excellent memory. He was the repository of family history and enjoyed being the storyteller at family gatherings. The family of Glenn Rye wishes to extend sincere thanks to his caregiver, Cecilia Celaya, The Veteran’s Administration and Hospice of the Valley.

Margaret Elisa Robeda was born April 17, 1934 and returned to our Lord December 29, 2022. She is survived by her five children Deborah Menendez, Joseph Esposito, Robert Esposito (Patti), Thomas Esposito (Cathy), and Gregory Esposito. She is also survived by her four grandchildren: Christine Deaton (Tim), Joseph Esposito (Nicci), Stacie Hardy (Aaron), Brittany Machado (Rafael), and eight great grandchildren: Luke, Nick, Lexie, Olivia, Amelia, Chloe, William, and Addison. She is predeceased by her husband Charles Robeda. Margaret was affectionately known as Lisa by family and all of her friends. Lisa loved beautiful things, art, music, fashion, but most of all dance. Her passion for dance led her to be involved in dance training and competitions from a very young age to recent years. She loved her family deeply and her family loved her deeply. Lisa touched so many lives and will be dearly missed.

It is with sadness that we share that Myron Carl "Lindy" Lindahl, age 85, died in his home on December 27, 2022. Father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many, Myron was born to Alvar and Leila Lindahl, in Geneva, Illinois on September 21, 1937. Myron served his country through the US Air Force, and raised three children with wife Kathleen. He received a degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University, and was a lifelong fan of ASU sports. Myron was an avid beekeeper, a skilled woodcarver, a member and supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. Myron was preceded in death by his parents, Alvar W. Lindahl and Leila (Carr) Lindahl, his sister Carolyn (John) Ehrlandson, and his first wife Kathleen and second wife, Janet. Survivors include his children: Laura Sullivan, Chris (Terri) Lindahl, and Andy Lindahl, grandchildren: Andrew and Daniel (Peyton) Sullivan, Jeffrey and Leanne Lindahl, and Olivia Lindahl. A memorial service will be held on January 22, at 2:00 PM, at Grace Bible Church, 19280 N 99th Ave, Sun City, Arizona. Myron’s pastor, Bill Bjork, will officiate. Myron was devoted to his church; if you wish to make a donation in his honor, the family encourages you to consider Grace Bible Church.

Our mother, Mary Ann Hellman, was born in 1931. This means she came of age in the 50’s with all that entails. Being a homemaker: handmaking Halloween costumes, sewing our clothes, kicking us outside and saying “drink from the hose” when we were clamoring that we were thirsty. She took up ceramics in her late twenties and held classes in our home – had her own kiln. Her children put flyers out door-to-door. Remember the great big ashtrays? And the Santa Claus mugs? There were couples card playing nights where both sets of children were banished to the back bedrooms. And bowling leagues. The Legion of Mary. The church choir. Girl Scout leader – those waste baskets made of empty ice cream cartons with rolled up magazine pages. She learned to play the guitar – in the 60’s of course. She took in various wayward teens short and long term. She once noticed that what, at first glance she thought was a light from a fireplace, was actually the house beginning to burn. She and my father woke the family and got them out. In the late 60’s she went back to school – with her best friend and her daughter. They all became registered nurses. Of course, then all neighborhood kids showed up for her to treat their “boo-boos.” This same time frame saw her marriage end. At some point an old flame got in touch. They stared dating again. Fell in love and married. They both had 6 children from their previous marriage with each partner having a child that predeceased them. The kicker is that 4 out of the 6 children had the same names!! Mary Ann and Bill Hellman were married for 30+ years. She was a “Nother Mother” to his children and he was a “Nother Father” to her children. With Bill she became a football and basketball fan; they were part of a camping club “The Cornballs” – hence there’s a picture of her dressed as a chicken. She was a very good dancer and a great cook (so was Bill). Always creative, she took up various crafts – making gorgeous wreaths, eggshell ornaments, crocheting blankets and scarves. She took up painting and made lovely paintings. She renewed her nursing license at 70 and aced the tests. She was a clothes horse and jewelry fiend. She enjoyed her clothes and her jewelry and always got her hair and nails done. In her late 80’s she joined the coloring club fad for her creative outlet and took up reading detective murders and playing Mahjong on the computer. She liked storms, sunsets, birds, flowers, squirrels and best of all – hummingbirds. She leaves behind her sister, Betty Baisley, and numerous nieces & nephews. Her children Rita (Joe), Debbie (Frank), Theresa, Robert, David (Cathey), Debbie (Harold), Chuck (Sharon), Chris (Janet), Therese, Christopher and all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who all honor her and her gentle ways. Her kindness and generosity of spirit will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Hunting for treasure of all kinds was a passion for Robert Schwartz, 76. A valuable collectible spotted at an estate sale, a gold piece found by his metal detector, a profitable day at his flea market stand or his antique store, an ample wild rice harvest, the perfect hand dealt in poker, a large walleye caught to bring home for dinner, a winning lottery ticket, or most importantly the moments he treasured with his family and friends. A kind, ethical, and intelligent man who read countless books and stayed current with all news and politics. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and anything that involved a lake or the woods. A dedicated husband and a loving Dad and Grandpa active in all the milestones of family life. After graduating from Mankato State University, he worked 30 years as a therapist helping those suffering from mental illness and addiction. He took his passion for fishing to a new level becoming a recognized artist carving and designing hundreds of ice spearfishing decoys and is now featured in several decoy books and exhibits. On December 23, he went to heaven to revel in much earned peace and tranquility after years of fending off numerous medical conditions and setbacks. His wife Monica Schwartz misses him dearly. His son Dr. Monte Schwartz and his wife Tisha and daughters Isabella, Anika and Ariana also share in the loss, as does his daughter Bridget Schwartz-Manock and her husband Mark and sons Luke, Matthew and Nicholas. His brothers Charles Schwartz, Michael Schwartz (Lisa) and James Schwartz (Mary Lu) and his sister Mary Ellen Domeier (Robert) all miss him and know he is now happily alongside their parents. Also missing him is his Aunt Marlis, two sisters-in-law Geraldine and Ann, and 45 nieces and nephews. A Mass will be held on Thursday, January 12 at 10:00 am at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Sun City and a reception to follow at the Vistas Golf Course Links Neighborhood Grill in Peoria, Arizona. A Celebration of Life reception is also planned for next June in New Ulm, Minnesota.

Alvin Henry Recla passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at his home at The Montecito Senior Living in Peoria, AZ. He was lovingly cared for by the Montecito assisted living staff and Hospice of the Valley. He was 97. The Rosary and Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Sun Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 beginning at 10:00 AM. A break for a light lunch will be held in the church's main social hall after Mass. Internment will follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona at 2:00pm. Born in Norway, Michigan, Alvin lived a long and fruitful life. His life was defined by hard work and dedication to family. He grew up in Niagara, WI then settled in Milwaukee, WI before moving to Sun City, AZ in 1986. Alvin was an active member of the Sun City community. He was condominium manager for almost two decades, a member of the Sun City Posse for 24 years, and following his love of baseball, he played third base on a Sun City baseball team for a number of years. A lifelong baseball fan of the St Louis Cardinals and then Milwaukee Brewers, he met his future wife, Geraldine, while traveling by train to see the St Louis Cardinals play the Chicago Cubs in Chicago in 1947. Alvin was a veteran of the United States Army serving his country in the European theatre during World War II earning numerous decorations including a Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged in 1945. He was a member of Our Lady of the Sun Catholic Church, El Mirage, AZ. Alvin is survived by his wife of 74 years, Geraldine Marie (Miezio) Recla, his son Wayne of Shawnee, OK, and his daughter, Nancy, Sun City, AZ. Also surviving are his granddaughter Amelia, Norman OK, grandson Landry, Oklahoma City, OK, daughter-in-law, Kami Recla, Raleigh, NC, great-grandchildren, Austin Recla and Lauren Recla as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents O’Henry Recla and Louise Recla, sister June Louise (Recla) Headson and grandson Benjamin Recla. Memorial donations would be preferred in lieu of flowers to Our Lady of the Sun Catholic Church, 12546 West Peoria Ave, El Mirage, AZ, 85335.

Our beloved Meredith was a light. Rest in peace!

Born in Decatur, Illinois to John W and Lelia I Brooks. He married Linda Rakestraw, March 19, 1960 at Sand Prairie Lutheran Church, in Green Valley, Illinois. Surviving are his wife and children- Karen Brooks Simpkins of O’Fallon, Illinois. Diana Brooks Rose of San Tan, Arizona, and Mark Brooks of Peoria, Arizona. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. He graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. After finishing his college education, he served two years with the United States Army. He then was employed 37 years with the state of Illinois Department of Transportation (division of highways). He was also the full-time organist for approximately 25 years at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Peoria, Illinois. Once retired, he and Linda moved to Sun City, Arizona. Ralph enjoyed the warm climate, and took advantage of many activities. Singing was his passion, and used this talent in many areas. He would sing in the church choir with his wife, and would also find time to sing with the barbershop chorus, and also in quartets. With his lovable personality, and sense of humor, he was frequently asked to be the master of ceremonies for his wife’s activities with the Sun City Poms. He will be missed here on earth, but heaven has a new source of laughter and singing entertainment.

Patrice Anne Stolz was born Patricia Ann Patton in Baltimore County, Maryland to Helen Marie Grondin and James Patton. She grew up in Maryland, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and Washington D.C. She was married to Joseph Leo Betthauser, who was a senior engineer on the Apollo program. She was the widow of Bernard Paul Stolz, a decorated firefighter. Patrice was a devout Catholic and is survived by her three children – Joseph Leo Betthauser Jr., Janice Irene Betthauser (Harmon), and Jon Cal Betthauser. She was blessed with two grandchildren – Joseph Leo Betthauser III and Thomas Jordan Betthauser, who are thriving in North Carolina and California, respectively. Thomas and his wife Erin Kaczkowski are the proud parents of Patrice’s great grandson Daniel Paul Betthauser. Patrice was the loving sister to Susan Jane Bridges, and was very close to Susan’s children Kevin Keith Donnellan and Scott Sedgwick Donnellan, who both reside in California. Patrice worked most of her career as an executive secretary, starting with the Navy Department in Washington D.C., and retiring after working at Luke Air Force Base for the Wing Commanders. She moved to Sun City in 1984 and loved it. One of her great pleasures was visiting the wild landscape of the White Tank Mountains. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas for many years and a regular supporter of the Brophy College Preparatory school in Phoenix. Funeral services will be held at the Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne on January 5th at 10:00 AM, 10625 N. 111th Avenue, Sun City, Arizona, 85351.

Don was born April 22, 1934, and passed on December 14, 2022, in Phoenix, AZ after a brief illness. Don was born and raised in Lima, OH where he graduated from St. Rose Catholic School. After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy at age 19, he met Patricia D. Niemeier and they married April 11, 1959 while he served in the Navy until 1977. After their travels with the Navy, he retired as a Senior Chief with 24 years of service. After the Navy, Don moved his family to Idaho Falls where he continued working at the INEL for contractors, EG & G, and Winco. Don was an avid traveler and lifetime member of the Good Sam RV travel organization. He served as President to the local chapter on two separate occasions. He is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Olivia and his sister Ruth. Don is survived by his wife Patricia and their two sons, Dennis of Phoenix, AZ and Kenneth (spouse Juli) of Waianae, HI. Services with family and friends to be held at a later date.