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Laura Louise Munson, age 66, passed away on September 12, 2022. Full obituary to come.
Debra St. John (Debbie/Grammy) passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 10, 2022.
She was born on July 8, 1951, to Dave and Beverly Hawks in Casper, Wyoming. She was the oldest of three Children. Debbie moved from Casper prior to the arrival of her first grandson and has been a resident of Sun City, Arizona for ten years.
Debbie was a graduate of Natrona County High school, Casper, WY in 1969. She was a stay at home mom, helped in her kids and grandkids' elementary schools and was the team baseball mom for her boys.
Debbie enjoyed sunrise walks with her dog Mousse, spending time with her family, attending events in her neighborhood, Disney movies, sunflowers, butterflies, hummingbirds, Native American culture, baking and was a very talented artist. She will be remembered most by her contagious laugh, selfless service to her family and community and her love for children.
She is survived by her two sons, Tommy and Andy St. John. She is also survived by her three grandchildren: Haley, Jackson and Lincoln; her siblings: Dave Hawks and Linda Mundell; many nieces and nephews and their extended family members who she loved dearly.
She was predeceased by her parents; Dave and Beverly and son, David St. John.
Her service will be held at Copper Hills Church 27035 N Black Rock Blvd. Peoria, AZ 85383 on Thursday, September 22nd at 4PM. As a celebration of her love for Art and Disney we encourage those attending her service to wear their favorite Disney shirt or bright colors. Reception directly following at a family member's home. Address and map to be distributed at the service. The family will also be sharing information at a later date for a celebration of life for Debbie in Casper, Wyoming on her birthday July 8, 2023.
The last few years, Debbie spent her days working part time at her grandsons' Elementary school West Wing, her love for the children of her community shine brightly every day at West Wing.
In Lieu of flowers, and because of Miss Debbie's love for Art and her West Wing school family, please consider donating to the Art program at West Wing through the following link https://westwingptsa.memberhub.com/store/items/773314.
Margaret Fuller, 91, Glendale, Arizona passed away peacefully at home on September 8, 2022, surrounded by her family and friends. Marge was a beloved wife, married to her husband Bob for 63 years until he went to heaven in 2013. She was an amazing mother to her daughter Karen & held a special place in her heart for her many “fur” babies. Margaret was born on November 3, 1930, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as Margaret McAuley where she resided until she met Robert on Wasaga Beach in Canada and they married two years later on 12/24/1949. Bob and Marge lived in Ohio and Michigan before settling in Arizona in 1965. Margaret had a long, great career in the insurance business at several agencies including the Oliver Pilcher Insurance Agency (now Willis). After retiring in the late 1980’s, Marge and Bob resided in their home in Sun City and enjoyed many years of travel across the country visiting family in their motorhome. Her favorite place to be was on Lake Erie in Conneaut, Ohio.
Margaret is survived by her daughter Karen, and numerous nieces and nephews including Nancy Ulrich and family, many Fullers and their families, and her McAuley nieces and nephews. A private Celebration of Life will be held at her home on September 24th from 2 to 7 pm.
On Monday September 5, 2022 Allen Lee Tury passed away peacefully at the age of 78. He survived by his wife Laura, sons Allen Jr. and William (Michelle), his sister Nellie, and nephew Robin . Survived also by his grandchildren Haley, James and five great grand children.
He enjoyed hiking, photography and tutoring math. After retiring, he enjoyed spending time with family, volunteering his time at American Legion Post 1, and at the Grand Archaeological Park giving guided tours.
He will be missed and remembered for his Intelligence, kindness, and sense of humor.
Services will be held Friday, September 30th at 11:00 sharp at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona 21029 N Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix.
Janice Ruth Constantine, 93 years old, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 4, 2022. Janice was a resident of Sun City, AZ the past 25 years, having been in Arizona the last 45 years.
She was born November 21, 1928, to Lucy and Harry Scott of Wintersville, OH. She attended Jefferson Union High School in Richmond in May 1946 as valedictorian. Janice then attended The Capital School of Beauty Culture, Columbus, Ohio, graduating in January 1947. She worked as a beautician for 8 years at the Hub in Steubenville, Ohio.
Janice and her husband, Joe, were involved in many entrepreneurial endeavors from owning and operating a pizza shop and restaurant, concession stands at the county and state fairs in Indiana, to an antique business. She was also an accountant for the State of Indiana till 1978, when they moved to Arizona.
Once in Arizona she worked for the City of Phoenix until her retirement in 1994 as an accountant for the Water Dept.
Janice enjoyed her family and friends, especially the friends she made China Painting. As a porcelain artist, Janice painted many plates, vases, coffee and tea sets, along with many Christmas ornaments. She and her friends traveled to many China shows around the USA. She was a member of the Fairway China Painting Club in Sun City, AZ, the World Organization of China Painters, the International Porcelain Artists, as well as the AZ Central China Painters Association.
Janice is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Constantine, daughter Barbara Constantine Baker, sister Audrey Scott Long, and parents Lucy and Harry Scott. She is survived by her daughter Sandra, son Richard, and daughter Renetta (Tootie) Christopher (Pete). She leaves five grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.
Services will be held at St. Helens Catholic Church, 5510 W. Cholla Ave., Glendale, AZ on Monday, September 12, 2022, at 10 a.m. with a reception immediately following. Visitation will take place at St. Helens from 9 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. Interment will be at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix, AZ at 2 p.m.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Solace Hospice, 16841 N. 31st Avenue, Suite 161, Phoenix, AZ 85053 or to Fairway China Painting, 10600 W. Peoria Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351.
Judith "Judy" Gwen Crowson, age 94, passed away peacefully at 6:15 AM on August 29, 2022, at Life Care Center in Longmont, Colorado.
Born Gwa De Chi on August 8, 1928, in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Judy displayed an adventurous and rebellious spirit even as a child. When unsatisfied with meals prepared at home by her mother, Judy would wander the streets around their home in search of snacks that she would buy from local food carts. This resilient spirit would serve her well in later years when, as a teenager, Judy contracted and barely survived a year and-a-half bout with malaria during World War II.
In her mid-twenties, Judy met and fell in love with Frank Crowson, a U.S. Army soldier serving in Taiwan, while on duty with a Military Assistance Advisory Group. Following her marriage to Frank in July of 1956, they both began a wild and wonderful journey through life that started with a transoceanic voyage aboard a U.S. Naval ship from her home in Taiwan to the west coast of the United States.
A brief stay in San Francisco followed, and Judy was happy exploring the sprawling neighborhood of Chinatown, thinking this was to be her new home. However, after retrieving their vehicle from shipment, an ensuing cross-country trek relocated Judy to the east coast, where she and Frank lived with his mother in Maryland for a period, before purchasing their first home, adjacent to Fort Belvoir, in Alexandria, Virginia.
While living in this home, two rambunctious sons were born to Judy and Frank. The first was Robert in 1961, followed by Edward in 1964. Judy came to excel as a wife, mother, homemaker, and caretaker to Frank's elderly mother. Over the next 10-plus years, Judy and the family moved multiple times, establishing homes in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New Jersey and finally in Maryland, while supporting Frank's career after his retirement from the Army.
Each move was welcomed by Judy and viewed as a new adventure. Her easy-going personality always enabled her to make new friends and on occasion, avoid a traffic ticket. She also enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and was an accomplished and acclaimed cook and baker. Judy was known for cooking elaborate multi-course meals when hosting parties, and baking a wide assortment of goods for church and political events. When friends planned gatherings, they often asked if Judy would prepare specific dishes or baked items to bring with her, which were always favorites.
After living in Mount Airy, Maryland for 34 years, Judy and Frank relocated to Peoria, Arizona in 2013. Frank succumbed to congestive heart failure two and-a-half years later. Judy then relocated to Colorado in 2016, where she enjoyed a return to seasonal weather while living with her son, Edward.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband, Frank. She is survived by her sons Robert, and Edward, who embody her spirit of adventure and resilience, and her niece, Kathryn Mak, and family.
On Sunday August 28th, 2022 Eugene E. Smolinski passed away. He is survived by his loving wife Gloria (Kruczek) of 59 years, sons David (Kimberly), Daniel (Pamela) and daughter Debora (Daniel) and his younger sister Kathleen (Gizzi) and nephews Christopher (Jennifer) Gizzi, and Douglas Gizzi.
Survived also by his grandchildren Brittany, Tiffany, Jonathon, Aaron, Nicholas, Lola and Mack, and by his great grandchildren Luke, Sydney, and Malikai.
Services will be held Friday, September 16th, 2022 at 10am at Sunland Memorial Park, 15826 N. Del Web Blvd, Sun City 85351.
He will be missed and remembered most for his quick wit, his will to accomplish whatever he put his mind to and his love of sports and his family.
On August 24, 2022 at 8:10 am Leon G. Kassmir passed away from unknown causes while at Wellsprings Therapy Center of Gilbert, Arizona.
Leon was born on 6/3/1927 in Pittsburg Pennsylvania to parents Charles and Marcia Kassmir. They moved to Duluth, Minnesota along with his older brother Gerald Kassmir.
Leon was a graduate of Central High School in Duluth and the University of Minnesota Duluth where Leon’s abilities for sports proved to be amazing. As a child he was diagnosed with Polio and doctors didn’t give him a positive outlook for walking, let alone playing and excelling at sports. Leon was an All-Star Football, Basketball, Baseball athlete and he gave his all when playing. Leon’s favorite things to do were fishing and being outdoors playing a sport and golfing.
Leon also served his country joining the Army. He was stationed in the Philippines.
Leon married Jean Langworthy in August 1952. They celebrated 60 years of marriage before Jean passed on September 4th, 2012.
Leon worked for Western Electric/AT&T in Duluth, Oklahoma, Colorado and Seoul Korea, and retired after 32 years and was able to move up in the company to be the CFO. He also went to Seoul, Korea to set up the new facility there. Leon and Jean proceeded to travel and visit family and friends all over the United States.
Leon is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Marcia Kassmir, brother Gerald and sister-in-law Rosemary Kassmir.
Leon is survived and loved deeply by his Daughter Susan (Kassmir) Ripanti and her husband Andrew, Grandson Nicholas Kratzer, Daughter Lori Harrison, Grandson Matthew Harrison, his wife Christine and Great Grandson Eion, and Grandson Christopher Harrison.
Leon loved his family and was the most honest, kind and humble person. He had a heart of gold. He lived a long life and now he can rest in peace knowing that he did everything he could. We will miss you every day.
Love you always Daddy!
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wellsprings Therapy Center in Gilbert, Arizona.
Maria Elena Chagolla, affectionately known as Peewee, was guided on to the next step of her journey at the age of 78, on Sunday, August 21, 2022. Maria Elena passed away surrounded by three generations of family and love at her cherished home, built for her by her loving husband, in Peoria, Arizona.
Maria Elena was Born May 16, 1944, in Santa Rita, New Mexico to Eustacio and Jacinta Placencio and grew up in Bayard, New Mexico with her 10 siblings where she attended Cobre High School until her junior year. She later completed her GED in 1981 and this was one of her proudest self-accomplishments.
Maria Elena met the love of her life while visiting family in Arizona and fell deeply in love after a whirlwind but long-distance relationship. Maria Elena was married on June 27, 1964, to Norbert Chagolla (Sr.) at her childhood parish Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Bayard, New Mexico and moved to Arizona immediately after to build a life and family in Peoria. Maria Elena was an at-home mother and homemaker for the primary years of her thirteen children’s lives. After her youngest had started in school, Maria Elena ventured out into the workforce, first employed at a consignment furniture store, and then finding her preferred vocation in the culinary field with her true talent and joy being found in all forms of baking. She was employed by Peoria School District as a baker, while also working from home as a free-lance wedding cake baker/decorator. Later she was an in-home childcare provider where she was able to care for her own grandchildren as well as others, she became known as Nana to all the children she helped to care for and loved them all just as her own. A long-time parishioner of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Maria Elena also served as sacristy volunteer, pre-cana class instructor, eucharistic minister, and catechism instructor over her years of involvement in the church. It was in her catechism instructor role that she truly exhibited her love for teaching God’s way to children, taking particular care and attention to planning Christmas plays where she directed, choreographed and both designed & sewed students’ costumes. Maria Elena was consistently involved in church groups and volunteer opportunities becoming family and friend to all she met. She held the role of leader of the daily rosary prayer group at the weekday Masses for many years. Maria Elena leaves a long legacy of loving acts as a faithful servant of the Lord.
Maria Elena had many hobbies that brought her joy, which included solving jigsaw puzzles, baking delicious cakes and breads, sewing clothes for her children, and crocheting various gifts for her family, eager to patiently teach these talents to anyone that showed an interest.
Maria Elena’s most treasured subject was talking about her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She would beam with pride telling both her newfound and long-established friends about their lives and accomplishments.
Maria Elena is survived by her husband of 58 years, Norbert Chagolla Sr., her thirteen children: Catalina Chagolla, Norbert Chagolla Jr., Paul and (Monica) Chagolla, Eugene and (Veronica) Chagolla, Bernadette Allen, (Fred) and Loretta Browning, (Francisco) and Alejandra Cota, (Augustine) and Cynthia Gonzales, (Felix) and Carmen Sanchez, Carlos and (Jessica) Chagolla, Donna Chin, (Ruben) and Veronica Carroll, (Angel) and Yvonne Torres, her 42 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, siblings: Lupe Molina, Bernardo Placencio, Nick Placencio, Soccoro Placencio, and sister-niece Doris Marin.
Maria Elena is pre-deceased by her parents Eustacio and Jacinta Placencio, siblings: Ruth Polanco, Rosenda Armendariz, Epifania Ybarra, Natalia Rolf, Lorenza Placencio, and Eustacio Placencio Jr., and by 2 great-grandchildren.
Visitation for Maria Elena will be on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Menke Funeral Home Sun City, AZ; Mass to be held Wednesday, August 31, 2022, 10:00am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church Peoria, AZ with interment to follow at 11:30am, West Resthaven Cemetery 6450 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ.
Kip F MacKenzie passed from pancreatic cancer on August 21, 2022. A long and beautiful journey through life that was cut too short. He was an avid fisherman, athlete, and adventurer. Kip was born in Michigan in 1947. After graduating from West Bloomfield High School, he served in the Navy. After his service, he lived with his mother and brothers in Montana and then made his permanent home in Arizona.
He preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn "Honey" MacKenzie, father, Alfiero “Fred” Stella, adopted father, Harris "Bud" MacKenzie, and half-brother, Mark Stella.
He is survived by his only child, Mary (Adam) Schuster, and Grandsons, Benjamin and Jack. Brothers, Fred (Teresa) Stella, Casey MacKenzie, Jamie “Jack” MacKenzie (Nora), nieces Madison and Margaret.
He found a long and successful career working for Sun Health and Banner Health for over 40 years.
Kip surrounded himself with wonderful friends, (MANY of them ladies) that he held so dear to his heart. Too many to mention but not one forgotten.
The term Gentle Giant comes to mind when thinking of Kip. He was a presence, to be sure, in strength and height (and handsomeness!) He was enormously successful in his work life. He loved fast cars, Detroit Tigers baseball, Red Wings, and the Detroit Lions! Not to mention his favorite hometown Arizona teams. He was a lover of fishing, fitness, and anything outdoors. He fished everywhere from Flathead Lake, Alaska, Lees Ferry, and beyond. His adventurous life led him even to fight a bear, not once but twice! He was also incredibly kind and generous. He would give you the shirt off his back or the Corvette in his driveway. He was fiercely loyal and loved deeply.
The story of his life was filled with many twists and turns. Starting with the remarkable story of reuniting with his brother, Fred (Pug) Stella.
They first met as children. While Kip knew of their true relationship, Pug, who was 7 years his junior, did not. After decades apart, Fred (Pug) tracked him down in 2012. They became fast friends and true brothers. Fred is grateful for their ten years together. And in the last chapter of his life, this forever bachelor received the surprise of his lifetime, a daughter, Mary Schuster. The two of them didn't take long to find a deep connection. You would genuinely believe they've known each other for a lifetime. Their bond was unbreakable, and his heart grew even bigger knowing not only did he have a daughter, but also a son-in-law and two grandsons!
You were a good man, Kip MacKenzie A good, good man. Thanks for bringing your Light to all of us. Rest In Peace.
It is with very heavy heart that we must cancel the Celebration of Life for my amazing father, Kip MacKenzie.
I have unfortunately, just tested positive for COVID, and will not be able to fly into Arizona for the service. I would never want to expose anyone to COVID, therefore, my family and I have no choice but to cancel the service. I am so very sorry.
Thank you for your understanding.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any of the following:
National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
Children ‘s Pediatric Cancer Association
ASPCA
Ruth Marie Thomas passed away peacefully on August 17, 2022. She was born in Duncan, Arizona on November 7, 1928. Graveside services will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on September 2, 2022 beginning promptly at 1:00 pm. She is survived by a large loving family.
Our Dad, John A Wiebe born February 23, 1933 passed away on August 14, 2022 in Glendale AZ. He was 39 ?.
He is proceeded in death by our Mom, Dorothy Piechocki Wiebe, his wife of 52 years.
He is survived by his children Susan and John and his grandchildren, Dionne, Jon (Kara), Brian (Kari), Lisa (Scott), Nicole, Lauren (David), Elise (Michael) and (5) great-grandchildren, Leif, AJ, Phoebe, Zoe and Audri.
Dad was a member of the National Guard and proudly served as a United States Marine during the Korean War. He continued his career as a meat-cutter owning several stores during his lifetime.
He was an Auxiliary River Grove policeman and a lifetime member of the American Legion, holding many duties including Commander.
A gathering to celebrate his life and to thank him for his patriotism and love of family and country will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2022 from 1-4 pm at the Rotary Building in Veterans Acres, 431 Walkup Road in Crystal Lake Illinois.
Charlene was born on November 5, 1936 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Herman and Lucille Wehrman. Charlene graduated from Milwaukee County Hospital School of Nursing in 1957, beginning a long career in nursing. Her diverse jobs overs the years included staff development, teaching and various nursing director’s jobs.
Charlene married Kenneth Wagner on November 23, 1957. Their first son, Mark, was born in 1959 followed by Kurt in 1960. Charlene and Ken lived in Wisconsin, Arkansas, Colorado and Arizona over the years, before finally settling in Peoria about 35 years ago.
Charlene enjoyed various hobbies over the years including antiques and collectibles, through their 13-year ownership of Glendale Square Antiques. She loved to learn other arts and crafts, often gifting family and friends with her creations. Charlene was a voracious reader. She was very generous about giving friends and family her books after she finished them.
Survivors include her husband of 64 years, Kenneth, sons Mark (Becky) of Little Rock, AR and Kurt of Phoenix, and many cousins and friends. She is also survived by one granddog, Bayleigh, and one grandcat, Wylie.
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OUR LOCATION
Menke Funeral & Cremation Center
12420 N 103rd Ave.
Sun City, AZ 85351
Phone: (623) 979-6451