Obituaries

Beverly Burnett – Rounds, 79, passed away in Surprise, Arizona on November 12th, 2022. Beverly was born April 25th, 1943, in Osceola, Iowa the daughter of Basil and Juanita Willett and lived in Murray, Iowa during the majority of her childhood years. After graduation she moved to Nevada, Iowa where she raised her family and worked for Iowa State University in Ames from 1969 until 1986. As an academic advisor in the College of Engineering, she dedicated herself to helping students. She cherished the years at ISU and the many lifelong friends that she made and stayed in touch with throughout her life. After moving to Arizona in 1987, she married her husband Jerald (Jerry) Rounds and enjoyed living in the desert southwest making new friends and memories. While Jerry was working for Arizona State as a professor of construction management, Bev stayed busy in commercial and residential real estate. This led to positions in development and management of senior care facilities where she became President and COO of Campus Health group. Over the years she and Jerry took several wonderful trips that included Scotland, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. In 2004 she planned a trip to take both her sons’ families to Kauai for a family vacation that was a trip of lifetime for the family and for her as a grandmother of 5 grandchildren, who meant so much to her. She loved being a part of her grandchildren’s lives and was always interested in what they were doing from their many sports to their many other interests, including their education. Beverly was truly the center of her family and kept everyone connected as distance spread the family to different states over the years. Preceding Beverly in death were her parents Basil and Juanita Willett. Those left to cherish Beverly’s memory are her husband Jerry Rounds, Surprise, AZ, sons Scott (Alicia) Cedar Rapids, IA and Jeff (Tasha) Goodyear, AZ, her grandchildren Sasha (Ted), Travis, Courtney (Denver), Cassidy, Connor, her brother Darwin (Cheryl), nieces Lisa and Darla and their families. She will be remembered for her wonderful smile, easy conversation and incredible generosity in helping others. No words can express our sorrow in her passing but the memories she left us were of a life well lived by a truly great lady. The family invites you to make any donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (Desert Southwest chapter. Alz.org/dsw) in which Beverly was active for many years throughout her career. A celebration of her extraordinary life will be held soon for close friends and family. Please visit www.menkefuneralhome.com to share memories and leave condolences.

Joseph Francis Boris Sr. was born on a farm near Fosters, Michigan, on February 7, 1924, to Frank and Alice Barczk Borowski. Within months after graduation from Burton High School in Roseville, Michigan in 1941, he enlisted in the US Navy in 1942. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Joseph was joined in marriage to Virginia Fehrenback on October 16, 1944. To this union were born ten children, eight sons and two daughters. After his discharge, he completed his education, graduating from the University of Illinois with a Mechanical Engineering degree. He was a member of the track team at UI and was an avid tennis player – a sport, among others, that he continued until he was eighty-five years old. He retired after twenty-five years at General Motors Tech Center in Warren, Michigan and made his home in Arizona and Canadian Lakes, Michigan. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Registered Professional Engineers of America, the American Legion, the NRA, and various other organizations. He loved to dance with his second wife, Eyvonne and belonged to several dance clubs in his later years. He went to heaven on November 10, 2022. Preceding him in death was his wife of sixty-four years, Virginia and sons Michael and Gerald. He is survived by Joseph Jr. (Patricia), Thomas, Paul (Sherri), Linda Hall (Jim), Daniel (Madonna), John, Philip, and Deborah Fackrell (Richard) along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be laid to rest at St. Michael’s cemetery in Remus, Michigan. There will be a celebration of life at a future date.

James (Jim) Hill passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 6th, 2022. He was born in East Orange, NJ in 1934. Jim is predeceased by his parents, Howard M. Hill, Elizabeth J. Hill, his sister Nancy E. Hill (Enger) and his wife of 54 years Margaret L. Hill (Scotton). Jim leaves behind 3 children, David Hill (Tracie) of Mount Laurel, NJ, Susan Morrill (Joe) of Caledonia, NY and Linda Beedle (Don) of Norman, OK, as well as 9 grandchildren, Chris, Rebecca, Tim, Danny, Jake, Kevin, Jessica, Kendra and Andrew and 10 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a special friend, Candace Martin of Sun City, AZ. Jim was a graduate of Drew University in Madison, NJ and spent his entire career working in different roles for the Prudential Insurance Company. He was a member of Cincinnati Lodge #3, F&AM in Morristown, NJ, an avid supporter of the Order of DeMolay and the International Order of Rainbow for Girls. He was also very active with the Phoenix Power Squadron, a unit of the United States Power Squadrons, providing boating safety education in the Phoenix, AZ area. Services to be held at 11am on November 18th, 2022, at the Faith Presbyterian Church, 16000 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ 85351. Interment to follow immediately after at Sunland Memorial Park, 15826 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ 85351. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: American Macular Degeneration Foundation P.O. Box 515 Northampton, MA 01061-0515 The Seeing Eye P.O. Box 375 Morristown, NJ 07963-0375 Or any vision-care charity of your choice.

Marie Ellen Bebee passed away on November 4, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. She was born in Traverse City, Michigan to Nick and Phoebe Wiecheck. Marie was office Manager for the Washington Elementary School District for many years. She is survived by her son William Barrett and daughter in law Katie Barrett.Services were provided by Menke Funeral and Cremation Center in Sun City, Arizona.

Freida Painter danced her way out Friday November 4th 2022 just 23 days short of her 101st B-Day. Freidas’ zest for life was there to the end. She is survived by her Daughter Lisa Painter Buckley and her Husband Bob Buckley. Her Granddaughter Dusty Rooker and her Husband Geoff Rooker, her grandson Colie Wdowiak, grand daughter Alex Buckley and Grandson Kade Buckley, great grandson Jake Rooker and great Grand Daughter Shea Rooker. She is preceded in death by her son Ronald Painter. Freida took on life with a passion whether playing Golf - where she logged 9 holes in one or dancing (the cha-cha, jitter bug…..) and the list goes on. Gammy we will miss you. Burial services will be private per Freidas’ request.

Dave D. Tolmachoff of Glendale, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2022. Dave was born December 16, 1933 in Glendale, AZ. He lived his entire life in Glendale, a true native. Dave graduated from Glendale High School in 1953. He entered the army in 1956 and served three years. Stationed in Puerto Rico, he always said he enjoyed the time he served there. Dave's favorite past time was watching horse racing. His favorite movies included Sea Biscuit and Secretariat. In 1960 he married Julie Bukroff, who preceded him in death August 1970. In 1971 he married MaryAnn Bechkoff, who also preceded him in death in January 2012. He was also preceded in death by his sons David and Danny. Dave is survived by his daughter Nina (Don) Pavoggi, his granddaughters Natasha (Mathew) Pignataro and Holly (Curtis) Meyer, and great granddaughters Raynee Tolmachoff and Gianna Pignataro. Funeral services will be held Wednesday November 9th, 10:00AM at Menke Funeral Home. Internment will follow at the Russian Molokan Cemetery. A special thank you to Ellie at Arrowhead Symphony Assisted Living and Hospice of the Valley. Condolences may be shared at www.Menkefuneralhome.com.

John Comitz, age 88, died November 2, 2022 in Sun City West, Arizona. He was born in Chicago, IL on September 12, 1934 to John Cozzatorto and Helen Antonucci. He attended Steinmetz High School in Chicago. He later attended barber school and opened his own barber shop called John’s Cut Rite in Schiller Park, Il which he operated for over 15 years. He later moved to Glendale, Arizona working for the Peoria, Arizona School District, and eventually worked as a Maintenance Supervisor at Sanderson Ford in Glendale, Arizona until his retirement in 1998. John had a love for golf, which began with his job as a caddie at Medinah Country Club when he was 10 years old. He was an avid golfer until physical ailments ultimately took him off the course. He also enjoyed fishing with his work buddies. John was incredibly handy, and could fix or build just about anything. Later in life John enjoyed watching Arizona Diamondback and Arizona Cardinal games, but his heart always pulled for his beloved Chicago teams. John enjoyed working in his backyard, often meticulously caring for his many fruit trees. In 1991, John married Suzanne Terracina, his loving and dedicated spouse of 31 years. John and Suzanne loved to take cruises together. Over the years they took cruises all over the world, including trips through the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific and Mexico. John is survived by his wife Suzanne Comitz,, his children and step-children and their spouses: Rory and Terri Comitz, Kelly and Rich Aylward, Randy Ciangi and Diane Moore, Steve and Theresa Ciangi, Joe and Kim Terracina, Vince and Barbara Terracina, Angela and Chris Guzniczak. He was affectionately called Grandpa John by his grandchildren: Elizabeth, Katherine and Olivia Terracina, Cecilia, Grace, Nicholas and Camille Terracina, Anna and Peter Guzniczak, Lyndsay and Brooke Comitz, Michael Cummings, April Lynn and Danielle Marie; Great-grandchildren Skylie and Shane , Nico, Luciana and Luca, Amber and Jax, Ryder, Maddox and Deegan. He is also survived by his sisters Jeannette Saia and Carol Bocian, and many nieces and nephews, and lifetime friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Frank and Bob Comitz, and his granddaughter Angel Cheshier. A funeral service will be held from 10am on November 18th, 2022, at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church located at 17111 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, AZ 85374 with a reception at the church hall to follow afterwards.

Ruby was born in Andersonville, Tennessee, January 18, 1928 to Louis Alcain Reynolds and Lelia Mae Jones Reynolds. She is preceded in death by her brothers Conda Lee Reynolds, William Carl Reynolds, Louis Clyde Reynolds, and sister Barbara Ruth Kinsky. She is survived by her husband Paul Csuy, sisters-in-law Bea Reynolds and Marlene Csuy, brothers-in law David Csuy (Jeannie), Jim Csuy (Wanda), several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Ruby came to Phoenix with family when she was a young girl. She finished her last year of High School here in Phoenix. She went on to work for an insurance company, working in several departments, until she retired. She met her future husband Paul through a mutual friend, and that led to a marriage of 63 years. After Paul was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church, Ruby became even more involved with meetings, dinners, activities etc. One major trip they took was to the Holy Land. This also included riding a camel. Ruby will always be remembered for her generosity and concern for others. We will all miss you Ruby. 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.

Richard “Barry” Strachan passed away in Peoria, AZ on October 31, 2022. He was born near Philadelphia, PA in 1941. He is pre-deceased by his parents David J. Strachan, Marion Kerr Strachan, and brother David J. Strachan Jr. Barry was raised in Media, PA, and during his junior year, he moved with his parents to Union Lake, MI where he graduated from Walled Lake Central High School. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in metallurgy at Michigan Tech University in Marquette, MI. He pursued his master’s degree at Lawrence Technology University in Human Relations. Richard served in the US Air Force in intelligence during the Vietnam War working in Taiwan where he decoded Chinese radio chatter while tracking enemy aircraft. After the fall of Vietnam, he obtained an honorable discharge from the USAF on April 7, 1972. He came home to his son, James Monroe Strachan, born in 1962, and worked at US Steel in Chicago. Later he worked for Williams International in Walled Lake, MI for 21 years in a variety of jobs relating to the Cruise Missile engine. He finished his career with over five years at Daimler-Chrysler traveling to Brazil, and Central Europe helping with production difficulties there. Barry enjoyed his travels with Chrysler as well as playing golf with his wife Dianne Panarites Strachan at Twin Beach Country Club and Westbrook Village in Peoria, AZ where they retired 20 years ago. A member of the Shriners both in Detroit and Phoenix, he strongly supported Shriners Hospital for Children. He will be missed by his friends and family. He is survived by his son James, and wife of 46 years, Dianne. His ashes will be buried in Milford, MI with his family.

On the evening of October 28, 2022, Diane Elaine (Schwartz) Evans was received at last into the arms of Jesus. Her 75 years on this Earth were gift to all who were privileged to know her. While she battled Alzheimer's bravely for the last 14 years, that will not be her legacy. Her legacy is love. As her children our greatest gift is the love story she shares with her husband David, her beloved for 53 years. They met in 1968 when they were both young and working at the convalescent hospital in Lodi California. They married June 22, 1969, with little money and no prospects but they had each other and that was all they needed. Theirs is a love story for the ages. Despite the struggles and challenges that 53 years and 3 children can bring, they always remained devoted to each other, supporting one another through better and worse. Many remark on the incredible devotion that our father, Dave, had for Diane as Alzheimer's slowly took her, but he would tell us that Mom gave him all her best years, how could he do any less for her now when she needed him most? Their love for each other is a beacon of hope for all who witnessed it. As their children, we hope to be so blessed as to have even a glimpse of that kind of love. Our Mother, Diane, was without a doubt our hero, best friend, and greatest cheerleader. She was devoted to us while still being her own person and taught us that you can do everything you dream. She sewed our clothes, canned every food imaginable, she was an awesome cook, PTA president, room mom, and homework checker. She read us books, played games, and the memories of our family vacations keep us laughing until our sides ache. She went back to school to become a nurse while we were young and her example of sacrifice and dedication inspire us still. She was healer both at home and to all she came in contact with. When we each married she loved our spouses in equal measure. Always supportive and always wanting our happiness. But we believe the job she loved best of all was being a Nana. Known to her 4 beautiful grandchildren as "Nana Tickle", she was larger than life and always ready with love and hugs. She made songs for her grand babies, crocheted blankets, and would do anything for them. They were her brightest jewels in a very crowded crown. The love she had for her family seemed without bounds. It began of course at first with her parents Jeanette Emhoff and John Henry Schwartz. She loved her parents with all her heart and we know that they ushered her into the gates of heaven. Her beloved brothers and their families meant the world to her and even in her last days their names brought a smile to her lips. She loved her inlaws just as much and the Evans family felt as close as if she had been with them her whole life. She was always the life of the family gatherings with her silliness, fun, and laughter. As her children we also know that our mother's greatest legacy of love lies with her Lord and Savior Jesus. Our mother loved the Lord with all her heart, with all her mind, and with all her strength. It is this love that gave her the courage to fight as long as she did. We take some comfort in the knowledge that she is now singing the Hallelujah chorus with the angels and helping to prepare our homes. For now we grieve with weight of a great love lost.

James “Jim” William Feeney was born a first generation Irish-American on January 15, 1934. His mother, Helena and father, John, were the parents of six boys (James, Patrick, Michael, Tommie (D), John (D), and Toby (D)) and two girls (Mary (D) and Bernadette (D)). James grew up in Roxbury and shined shoes with his brothers on the Boston Common for spending money. In high school, James loved woodworking. After high school, James spent time in the US Army in Texas (where he learned to call girls pretty in Spanish). After the army, he got a job in the warehouse at Boston Children’s Hospital, where he worked for the next 51 years. James took great pride in his work, waking up very early to listen to the news on the radio, drink coffee and travel there by “T.” A true Bostonian, James was a model of an honest, hard-working, straight shooter who demonstrated unfailing loyalty to all he loved. Of course, he was also a big Red Sox fan. James valued family above all else. An ordinary man who made life extraordinary for everyone he met. He was a caretaker of his mother, brother John and sister Mary, and an amazing father to two girls, Julie and Margo. James supported the girls’ every endeavor, even if it took him way out of his comfort zone. James traveled to Japan to visit Julie (where he only ate ice cream). James took the girls to cheer at the Boston Marathon and was proud when his daughters became runners. Margo, in particular, he cheered on as she became a great runner and charity fundraiser for Team Fox in his honor. A great sport, James was known to lead family dance parties and even don an occasional wig. He was also a proud uncle to Daniel and Rebecca and loved his sister-in-law Cynthia and her husband Bruce and his numerous nieces and nephews. An everyday hero, James remarkably saved our family and two others from a fire when he woke everyone up to flee to safety. Later in life, James showed leadership in the Big and Loud program at Banner Health where he faithfully completed all his voice exercises (with great excitement!) and at Benevilla in the adult day program where he helped other seniors feel included. In the end, James’ life was really a great love story. He met his wife, Francine, while at work. Ever crafty, he hid his age (8 years older!) so that she would date him. With his bright blue eyes, dark hair, lanky 6 foot frame and beautiful smile, he was hard to resist. Together for over 50 years, this unlikely couple of an Irish Catholic from Roxbury and a Jewish American from Maine got married and grew together as a family. James and Francine raised Julie and Margo to go to college and go on adventures, to strive to make life better for those around them and to value family above all else. James was very taken by his grandson Finn and son-in-law Anthony. He and Finn spent their moments reading books about trucks, singing songs and enjoying each other’s company to the fullest. James passed away peacefully after a battle with Parkinson’s disease, surrounded by the love of his family, while they sang the family theme song “You are my sunshine.” True to who he was until the very end, James waited until the whole family was together to leave us. He will be with us always in our hearts. We know that he will live on in everyone he knew because he was so loved. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Benevilla (Mary's Place) 623-584-4999 and spend time with the people you consider your family. Information about a celebration of life in the Boston area will be forthcoming.

Robert (Bob) David Terrio passed on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 in Surprise, AZ. after a three year battle with cancer. Bob leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Judith E (Kummer). Bob was born in Bridgeport, CT to John and Frances Terrio on April 2, 1946. He also leaves behind two sons, Brian D Terrio of Phoenix, AZ and Peter D Terrio of Spring Park, MN. Four grandsons and a grand daughter which brought him great joy! Bob was raised in Millis, MA along with three brothers who he leaves behind: Gregory (Donna) Terrio, Elizabeth, CO; Paul (Joyce) Terrio, Norfolk, MA; Michael (Diane), Bellingham, MA. Plus, many nieces and nephews. Bob’s career in high tech sales/service had him traveling within the US and around the world. In retirement Bob became a dedicated volunteer sheriff within the Sun City Sheriff’s Department. Working closely with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department. cultivated a great amount of satisfaction helping others.  “Dear Bob, one year has passed. I will always miss you. I will always carry your heart within my heart.  Love, Judy “

Thomas Charles Bruner, a retired Data Security Analyst, passed away on 10/24/22 at Boswell Hospital. He had been in failing health for years and died of complications with cancer. He was an active member of St. Clement’s of Rome, past Grand Knight of the K of C, and the Sun City Elks Lodge. He has finally joined his love Mary C. Bruner. He is survived by his children and respective spouses Michael and Tanya Bruner, Elizabeth and Jesse Grimm, Barbara and Gregory Selendic, William and Cheryl Bruner, and Christopher and Kelle Bruner. Surviving him also are fourteen grandchildren, David, Mark, Elana, Heather, Brandon, Michelle, Wayne, Nikki, Zak, Tommy, Danielle, Matt, Allie and Katie. He has left behind 21 great grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who always had a smile on his face and will be missed every day.

Martha “Marti” Lee Edman McMahon passed away on October 24, 2022 in Sun City, AZ. She was born on May 16, 1928 the daughter of Glen Taylor Edman and Ruby Ellen Witters Edman Ridgeway. Martha was married to William (Bill) McMahon (deceased). They have two daughters, Sandra Lee and Kimberly Ann. She and her loving companion, Maurice DeMeyer (who passed away in 2002), had relocated to Arizona in 1994. Daughter, Sandee (Kip) Gale, Sun City, AZ. Granddaughter, Gina (Jesse) Toy, Peoria, AZ. Great Grandaughters, Alivia (Will) Toy, Tempe, AZ and Hannah (Mathaus) Wegert, Tempe, AZ. Grandaughter, Leigh (Ben) Laplow Clermont, FL. Great Grandson, Ethan (Kaitlyn) Laplow, Jacksonville, FL and Great Grandaughter, Emma (Dominic) Vasquez, Clermont, FL. Grandson, Wesley Gale of Charleston, IL. Daughter, Kim (Jerry) Janes, Oswego, IL. Martha had one sister, Virginia Henderson (deceased). She has two half-brothers, Dave and Walt Edman, McKinney, TX. Her niece, Jini (Rick) Watson, Charleston, IL: Great nephew, Nathan (Sarah) Watson, their sons, Frank and Emmett, Urbana, IL; Great niece, Holly (Dave) Cook, Charleston, IL. Nephew Joey (Kathy) Preston, Greenup, IL; Nephew Jim Preston (deceased) and his wife Mary Jean, Scio, OR. Martha was co-owner of Sturdi-Built Farm and Commercial Building Company and later owned Martha McMahon Action Realty and Appraising. She appraised for 21 years and was a broker of real estate for 34 years. After relocating to Sun City, AZ she was affiliated as a broker with Ken Meade Real Estate. She was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and instructed real estate at Lake Land College. Martha served on the State of Illinois School Vocational Evaluation Team, Lake Land College Vocational Education Council, Charleston High School Advisory Counsel. She was also a “grey lady” with the American Red Cross and First Aid Instructor. Martha was a 50 year member of Sopha C Chapter Order of the Eastern Star #102, Ninety-Nine International Organization of Women Pilots, VFW Auxiliary, National Associate of Realtors and gradate with GRI; NAR Flying Institute, Past President of Charleston Business and Professional Women’s and Zonta International Organization of Business Women, Daughters of American Revolution, and Charleston Women of The Elks. Her hobbies included: potter’s wheel clay, card/stamp club, oil and alcohol painting. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends and hosting meals at her residence. Per her request, Martha will be cremated. She will be honored at a quarterly memorial service at Royal Oaks, Sun City, AZ on December 6, 2022. Honorary Pallbearers are: Kip (Leon) Gale, Jerry Janes, Rick Watson, George Edwards & Eric Owen.