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Vickie Stilwell, 77, of Peoria, AZ passed away on March 26, 2022. She is the daughter of Kenneth Ackman and Wilhemenia Alberts and was born in Willow Lake, SD on February 4, 1945. Vickie was the youngest of 9 children and grew up in Hayti, South Dakota. She graduated from Hayti High School in 1963 and, after graduating, moved to California.
Vickie moved to AZ in 1993 and was most recently an Administrative Assistant at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ. She really enjoyed reading and studying law. So much so that she earned a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies in August 2013. She was also an avid supporter of the ASPCA absolutely loved her Pugs. Over the years she had three: Pugger, Susie and Kizzie.
She is survived by her two sons, Sean (Samantha) Stilwell and Jason Stilwell. She is also survived by a brother Jim Ackman and sisters Nancy Sharp, Janet Mayne, and Sally Ackman. Vickie is also survived by 7 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and 4 brothers.
Vickie was truly loved by her family and all that knew her, and she will be deeply missed.
A celebration of life will be held at Menke Funeral Home in Sun City, AZ at 10:00 a.m. on April 12, 2022 located at 12420 N. 103rd Avenue. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Vickie’s life. Flowers may be sent to Menke Funeral Home.
Vickie will be interred at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City, AZ.
In honor of James W. Tatton born April 11, 1939. Jim went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 26, 2022.
We grieve our loss yet no words can express the peace in our hearts as Jim is reunited with his wife of nearly 58 years. Peggy and Jim both are rejoicing in the Lord's ultimate healing.
Greeted by his beloved parents, Daniel and Evelyn Tatton, his infant brother David, his brother Robert Tatton, his precious granddaughter Christyan Michelle and longtime friend Homer Byrd.
"For where your treasure is there will your heart be also." Matt 6:21 KJV
Treasure: To regard or treat as precious, to cherish. Jim treasured his children Lori (John) Livigni, Mark (Shannon) Simmons, Lisa (Carl) Hughes, Jodi (Tim) Stem, and Bob (Kris) Simmons. He greatly enriched each of our lives.
Jim had the unique ability to make anyone in his presence feel like they were the only person in the room. He will be remembered as a generous man often offering to pay for a pizza, buy you an ice cream or lend his gas card to fill up your tank. He always made time for the important things in life; teaching us to swim, ski, hunt, fish or simply sharing his latest yard sale find.
He enjoyed telling jokes, sharing stories and scheming his next prank. Jim's faithful prayers and constant covering modeled what was important to him.
Jim treasured his 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren – praying for them daily. Whether in person, a video call, phone call or sending treasures in the mail, He always made sure they knew "Papa Loves You!" He never minded the extra noise or mess…just so happy to have them around. Patiently letting them walk beside him as they "helped Papa walk with his stroller"-walker. Always an open lap to crawl up on, he loved the snuggles they exchanged. Jim allowed time to stand still so he could give them his full attention.
Jim treasured his family – his sister-in-law Betty (Robert) Tatton and each niece and nephew. "A dear brother" to his sister Trudy (James) Chapman-Radley whom he loved deeply. Their faithful prayers covered one another- near or far. "His strength and protection gave strength", a blessing she later returned. Among Jim's greatest friends was his lifelong friend Tim Mihalic whom he enjoyed many memories with, spanning from grade school to the present.
Jim's career as a contractor/cost estimator in the mechanical insulation industry spanned 35 yrs. Throughout his career, Jim was affiliated with Insulators Local 84 where he served as longtime chairman of the apprenticeship committee. Jim proudly served as the past president of both the Master Insulators Association and Central States Insulation Contractors Association. Jim was also a member of the Builders Exchange of Akron, SANEO and the National Insulation Association.
Jim was a proud charter and "lifetime member" of Portage Summit Field and Stream Club. His love for hunting, fishing, the friendships, and memories for families was dear to his heart.
Jims legacy will be a life of Integrity, Honesty, Laughter and Unrelenting Love. Faith, love, family and friends – these were Jim’s treasures. He will forever be treasured in our hearts. "God Bless You" as we celebrate Jim's life.
Floyd Emmett Reddy Jr. of Sun City, AZ, formerly of Janesville, passed away Thursday March 24th at home. Floyd was born July 1, 1938, in Beloit, WI, the son of Floyd E. Reddy Sr. and Geraldine (Wald) Reddy. In 1956 he graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, WI. After graduation he was hired as a Tradesmen Assistant at the Beloit Corporation. In 1957 Floyd served in the Army for one year in A5 Army 3rd BN 3rd RGT Company A as a Training Center Engineer. During that year he was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, MO, plus Fort Chaffee and Fort Smith, AR. In 1958 he transferred to the Reserves where he served at Fort McCoy, Tomah, WI one week a month. He received Honorable Discharge in 1963 as Sergeant. He met Jeannette Twila Bell at a Methodist Youth and Christian Youth conference gathering. The couple wed on December 5, 1959, at Cargill United Methodist Church in Janesville, WI. Floyd and Jaye were blessed with three children.
Floyd was employed at Beloit Corporation for 43 years, working his way up to Erecting Engineer. He was assigned 12 new paper machine installations as lead erecting engineer: in Neenah, WI, Huntsville, AL, Ontario, Canada, Plymouth, NC, Dublin, GA, Columbus, MS, Naheola, AL, Palatka, FL, Grenada, MS, Quinnesec, MI, Courtland, AL, and two paper machines in Cedar Rapids, IA named Prairie Rose and Prairie Gold. He also assisted with over 250 rebuilds and was renowned for his precision. Retiring briefly in 2000 after Beloit Corporation filed bankruptcy, Floyd was hired on by Paperchine, Inc. He worked six more years as a paper machine rebuild consultant, finally retiring in 2006. Floyd was inducted into the Beloit Corporation Quarter Century Club. He would attend several of these annual banquets, recognized for his longevity in the paper making business. He became a forty-year member, from 1981 to 2021.
Floyd was also a member of the Janesville Elks Club for 37 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, bowling with the family, and entertaining in their home.
Floyd and Jaye moved from Janesville, WI in 2000, relocating to Sun City, AZ to be close to Jaye’s parents, Frank & Bernadine Bell. Here they would live out their retirement years, returning to Janesville every summer until no longer able to travel. During their time in Sun City, Floyd attended church and actively served on the Board of Trustees of First United Methodist Church, Sun City, AZ from 2003 until he became an Honorary Trustee in 2021. While a Trustee he directed several large projects for the congregation, including resurfacing the parking lot, purchasing a bus, upgrading the boiler system and sanctuary lighting, installing AV monitors and two large sanctuary screens, as well as assisting with other smaller projects. He acquisitioned vehicles and homes donated to First Methodist Church. Floyd also oversaw grounds and buildings for their condo association for several years. He enjoyed his membership with the Sun City Country Club, joining in 2000. He was elected Treasurer to the Board of Governors in 2011, Vice President in 2012, and President in 2013. In 2011 he was the Sun City CC Men’s Golf Match Play Champion. In his retirement years he was generous with his time, talents and treasures.
He is survived by his wife Jaye, sharing 62 years of marriage together. He is also survived by two sons: Wade (Liz) Reddy of Monticello, IA and Kyle (Lori) Reddy of Janesville, WI; three grandchildren: Jessica (Patrick) Lai of Louisville, KY, Joseph Reddy (friend Raquel Pejchl) of Muscatine, IA, and Jacob Reddy (friend Emma Schroeder) of Janesville; one sister, Sandra (Laverne) Hays of Orfordville, and one brother, Larry Reddy of Darien.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Gail Reddy; Jaye’s parents; and sisters-in-law Barbara Bell, Gloria Roehl, Grace France and Karen Reddy.
A funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 9849 N 105th Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351, Thursday April 7th, 2022, at 3:00 PM with Reverend Louie Lyon presiding. Reception following in the church. A memorial service will be held at Cargill United Methodist Church, 2000 Wesley Avenue, Janesville, WI 53545, on Saturday, May 7th, 2022, at 2:30 PM with Reverend Steve Scott presiding. Burial will be at a later date.
Gary E. Shipley, 78, of Glendale, AZ, passed away on March 21, 2022, at Arrowhead Hospital. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 2nd at 11 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale, AZ, with his burial service occurring in Doniphan, NE, at a later date.
Gary was born November 14, 1943, in the Prisoner of War Camp in Florence, AZ, to Eugene (Gene) and Mary (Parker) Shipley. He was baptized into the Lutheran Church on April 1, 1951.
Gary attended rural grade school in the Valentine, NE, area. He attended high school for two years at Northwestern Lutheran Academy in Mobridge, SD, before returning to Valentine High School and graduating in 1961. After high school graduation, he attended Chadron State College in Nebraska. He was a proud Eagle alumni.
Gary married Barbara Riese in Valentine, NE, on May 28, 1965. They spent the first year of their marriage in El Paso, TX, before relocating to Grand Island, NE, where Gary was employed at the Cornhusker Ordnance Plant and attended Kearney State College obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in January of 1968. Gary and Barb moved to Columbus in 1968 and made that community their home for the next 26 years. Gary worked at Dale Electronics and Behlen Manufacturing. While in Columbus, Gary was very active in the community. He participated and held leadership positions in organizations such as Toastmasters, Platte Valley Playhouse Community Theatre, City of Columbus Planning Commission, Dale Credit Union, Junior Achievement, and Trinity Lutheran Church. He played, coached, and umpired softball and was a member of several bowling leagues.
In 1994, Gary and Barb moved to Glendale, AZ. While in Arizona, Gary was active in Toastmasters and the Salt River Gadabouts Camping Group. Gary retired from his job as a laboratory auditor for the State of Arizona in 2013. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale, AZ.
After their retirements, Gary and Barb enjoyed traveling. Together they visited the 48 contiguous states. Gary loved life and never turned down an invitation to gather with friends or family.
Gary is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara Shipley; his three daughters Rhonda (Steve Schroeder) McBride, Pam (Joe) Dobrovolny, and Jennifer (Alan) Roland; his six grandchildren, Michelle Dobrovolny, Jacob (Hannah) Dobrovolny, Zachary (Dana) Dobrovolny, Parker (Ivon Medrano) Shipley-Roland, Tara McBride, and Lindsay McBride; great grandson Brecken Dobrovolny; his sister Marilyn (Ken) Stephens; his brother-in-law Larry Riese; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Robert.
The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to: St. John’s Lutheran Church (Glendale, AZ) Endowment Fund.
Paul F. (Frank) Clark of Sun City, AZ died on Sunday, March 20, 2022.
He was born January 6, 1941, in Chatham, Illinois, the son of Paul and Irene Brawner Clark. He married Mary Milner on May 25, 1963, at St. Joseph’s Church in Chatham. Frank attended Chatham elementary schools and graduated from Glenwood High School in Chatham. He was a Jet Aircraft Technician in the Organizational Maintenance Section of the 183rd Tactical Fighter Group, Illinois Air National Guard. He retired in September 1993 at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant after more than 30 years of service. In 1996 he started working as Maintenance Engineer at the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse and retired from there in 2001. He was a member of the St. Joseph’s the Worker Catholic Church in Chatham and a member of St. Clement's of Rome Catholic Church in Sun City, and St. Clement's of Rome Men's Club and past member of the Chatham American Legion Post 759. He enjoyed fishing, playing golf, gardening, woodworking, jewelry making and spending time with his Grandchildren. He and his wife Mary spent the winters in Sun City, Arizona. They moved from Chatham to Sun City, AZ in July of 2018. He enjoyed having family and friends come to visit Sun City and enjoyed the warmth and beauty of the southwest. Surviving is his wife Mary of Sun City, AZ, two sons: Michael Clark of Hastings, Minnesota and Gregory (Nikki) Clark of Bakersfield, California, daughter, Melissa Clark of Springfield, Illinois, one sister, Maxine (Thomas) Lederbrand of Pawnee and brother-in-law Frank Pierce of Virden, Illinois. Surviving are four grandchildren; Alex and Ben Hibbert and Nathan Clark of Bakersfield, California and Veronica Inglis of Momence, Illinois. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. His mother, father and brothers in law Gilbert Ellis, George Lindsay, sisters Sharon Pierce, Margaret Lindsay and Evelyn Ellis preceded him in death.
A mass will be held at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, 15800 N. Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351, Tuesday March 29, 2022 at 10:00 AM.
A mass will be held at St. Joseph's the Worker Catholic Church, 700 E Spruce St, Chatham, IL 62629, on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 9:00 AM with a service to follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Rd, Springfield, IL 62707, at 12:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to, St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, 15800 N. Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351 St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 700 E Spruce St, Chatham, IL 62629, and Hospice of the Valley.
William John Zielinski III, 70, became our Angel on Sunday, March 20, 2022. He left peacefully, in the bravest way with the love of his life by his side.
Billy, as most called him, was hardworking, kind, and always groovy. His heart was the purest, most unselfish heart we’ve ever known. He would make you laugh at the most unexpected times and his smile was always genuine and true. He loved his family fiercely and did anything to keep them happy and safe.
He was the most wonderful husband to his wife of 46 years, Linda. They built a beautiful life together and had two daughters, Heidi and Brittany. He adored his dog and grand dogs, Bruno, Henry Budd, and Nellie Girl. He loved taking Linda out on dates in the Camaro, playing horseshoes with the boys and his sister Mary, shuffleboard at the American Legion, car shows on the weekends, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills.
They say that a broken heart is a heart that’s been loved. We take comfort in this, knowing that this hurt is only because there was so much love shared with the most wonderful man we’ve ever known.
A celebration of Billy’s life will be held at Menke Funeral Home on Friday, April 22, 2022 at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, friends may contact the Zielinski family regarding a Billy Zielinski Memorial Horseshoe Pit.
Alyce Lind, 88, of Sun City, AZ passed away on March 17, 2022. She was born in Chicago on August 8, 1933. Alyce was a housewife, secretary at Essig Motors in Washington, IL, and a librarian for a grade school in Arcola, IL. Alyce and her husband, Ronald, retired to Sun City, AZ in 1997. She was a member of the bocce club and a member of the Chicago Cook County Club. She enjoyed the weather (not so much the summer), the mountains, and eating out at the many restaurants in the Phoenix area.
She is survived by her sons, Charles (Bonnie) Lind, James (Nikki) Lind, grandchildren Eric (Angela) Lind, Jason (Sylvia) Lind, Wesley (Nichole) Lind, Jennifer (Kyle) Von Holten, Melissa (Patrick) Callahan, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, infant son Robert, and her husband Ronald.
A private Mass for family will be said at St. Clement of Rome Parish, Sun City AZ at 10:00 a.m. on April 21st with interment at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Cancer Research.
Gage Anthony William Neal-Belunas was born on August 10th, 2001. He was born at Arrowhead Hospital in Glendale, AZ. He was the first-born child to his mother, Charlene. He was taken from us on Thursday, March 17th, 2022, at the age of 20. He is survived by his parents, Charlene and Matthew Belunas and his little sister, Hanna; Grandmothers, Faith and Carolyn; half siblings, Madison and Havyn; Uncle Chris; cousins Kylie and Alyssa; Aunt Shauna; cousins Michael and EmmaLee; Aunt Stephanie; cousins Samuel and Dayna; Uncle Ty; Aunt Sara, Uncle Randy; cousin Preston; and our close family friends, Kent and Joanne, Jeana, Chris, Joey and Belle, and Dequandre. He is predeceased by his Uncle Scott.
My precious baby boy was taken from me. I'm devastated, confused, sad, angry, and have no idea what to do or how to move forward. I don't know how to speak out loud about something I can't understand, fathom or believe. Saying Gage was special to me is an understatement. We had a unique bond that can never be replaced. We have so many special memories and experiences together.
Gage cared about his family, friends and even strangers. He once asked me to buy another kid shoes because he was being picked on because they were not a brand name. He stuck up for kids being picked on, at school and in soccer. He was an amazing teammate and it shined through with all the awards he was given throughout the years he played. Multiple times he was awarded the game ball at tournaments for being a standout player and teammate. He loved sports and seemed to have a natural athletic ability. Soccer was his favorite. One of my most favorite things to do was to watch him play. He played hard, he played well, and he wouldn’t just take the shot because he could, he shared those moments with his teammates. He was taught very early on by a coach to make the right decision for his team. To help his team grow and be better players. He tried so many different sports and stuck with them for a while before he tried something new. Soccer for him was year-round since the age of four.
Gage loved sports! He also loved to root for the rivals of the teams I liked. He was a Dodgers and Lakers fan growing up. Quite honestly, it made it more fun. We went to A LOT of baseball games and spent a lot of them with Mama and Papa R, along with Jeana, Chris and Joey. For his 10th birthday, we all worked together to save points to get tickets into the Diamondbacks pool at the stadium during a game. I created clues to lead him to different fun events and gifts throughout the day. The last surprise led him to the bleachers by the pool where we told him he got to go in. He was ecstatic! We were fortunate enough to all be allowed in and spend his birthday together. They even brought out a fresh cookie with a candle, sang happy birthday, and put him up on the big screen.
Gage loved and looked out for animals. In middle school, he once called me because he saw a man abusing puppies in his yard and asked me to help. He grew up with two dogs and one was his that he chose. He made sure the dogs were treated fairly. If one got a treat, he made sure they both got a treat. If one got some belly rubs, they both had to have belly rubs. He loved them both.
He was always on my side. He was kind. He IS loved. He was my biggest fan, and I was his. He put up with a lot of my asks for pictures which was not his favorite thing. He was so handsome we always had cameras in his face. He had a very special relationship with my mom, his grandma. A few months ago, her and I were telling Hanna how much he loved apple sauce because she didn’t want to try it. After hearing her brother loved it so much, she decided to give it a go. She loved it! A few weeks later, Gage helped me move a couch to his grandma’s house and I turned around and he was gone. I walked to the kitchen to find him already on his second cup of applesauce and writing his grandma a note. “Thanks for the apple sauce. I love you,” was left on a paper towel.
I hurt, I hurt like I never have in my life. I don't know how, I don't know why, I don't know who took him from me. I have no answers, only questions. I hope one day very soon someone is punished, even knowing it won't bring him back to me. Gage did not deserve this, no one does. He was still growing and learning and experiencing life. He had such big dreams and plans. He was watching his little sister grow up and teaching her new things. He had such a wonderful smile and a great laugh. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. I know how big Gage's heart was ALWAYS, how much he could love and care about others, how smart he was, how funny and what a big personality he had. He wasn't perfect but he was perfect to me. That is what I will focus on. I will remember and continue to talk about his smile, his laugh, and the wonderful memories we made together. I will make sure that Hanna remembers how much he loved her.
Please know that our family appreciates all the cards, messages and showing of support that have been sent our way. I have received so many messages of love and stories from people that I have never met but who knew and loved Gage. It has been incredible and a testament to what a great person he was. He really touched the lives of so many people and to be able to say he was mine is my greatest accomplishment. Thank you all for everything you have done and continue to do for our family and for Gage during his life and now.
Part of this process for us was to find something that we could do to honor Gage. We found an organization and made a $500 donation in his name. In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that you donate to Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona in Gage's name. If you knew Gage, he had a big heart and cared for other people, even people he did not know. He loved his little sister, and this program helps children who have experienced trauma by giving them an opportunity to express their feelings through art. You can donate in his name either online through the link below or by calling and providing information, including a custom message. Thank you to all who have donated.
Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona
https://freeartsaz.org/donate/
602.258.8100
Elvia Saldaña Dolfini, age 71, of Buckeye, AZ entered into rest peacefully on Thursday, March 17, 2022. She was surrounded by loved ones after a short battle with COVID.
She was born and grew up in Weslaco, Texas on March 15, 1951 to Manuel and Beatris Saldaña. Elvia was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend. She never said no to a last minute vacation, casino trip, an opportunity to dance, make new friends, or enjoy a margarita. Her love for animals was apparent as she often took in stray animals. Elvia will be remembered as a hard working migrant laborer and later in life as an advocate for the migrant community in New York.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 45 years, Donald; her children: Manuel Perez (Jenny), Dina Pinkala (Jay), Melissa Cortez-Brandt (Toby), and Diamond Jones(Michael); her grandchildren: Todd, Paul, Jordan, Hailey, and David; her great grandchild Shelby; her sisters: Minerva Briggs, Maricelda Medina(Bill), Ofilia Cuellar(Rick) and Sandra Mendoza (Johnny); several loving nieces and nephews: Marcos Locke (Sarah, Naomi), Eduardo Medina (Sylvia, Terri, Alyssa, and Eduardo), Michele Medina, Christopher Medina (Annalisia, Isaiah, Noah, and Aleah), Monica Willis (Anthony), Denise Cuellar, Laura Cuellar, Victoria Gomez, JP Mendoza, all from Weslaco, San Antonio, Houston, Ft. Worth, TX and New York.
She is preceded in death by her brother, Jesus, her brother-in-law Barclay Briggs, and her nephews Aaron Locke and Nick Gomez.
In lieu of flowers her family has asked that memorial contributions may be made to their local Humane Society and the Arthritis Foundation on her behalf.
There will be no visitation or services. Arrangements are by Menke Funeral and Cremation Center, 12420 N.103rd Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351. For information or to send a condolence note to the family, visit menkefuneralhome.com.
Rita was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1933 to Frank A. Zolinski and Hedwig Zolinski. The family relocated to Saginaw, Michigan, where Rita graduated from St. Peter and Paul High School. Rita later married Stanley L. Maleski in 1952 and raised four children. Rita worked as a Customer Service Representative for the Yankee retail store. Upon retirement, Rita and Stanley relocated to Sebring until 1990 when she relocated to Sun City, Arizona, upon her husband Staley’s death in 1996.
After relocating to Arizona, Rita met and married Dunrick Haahr until his death in 2008. Rita was a member of St. Joachim and St. Anne Catholic Church where she was active in their sodality and Rosary groups. She also served in the Ushering Ministry at the church for 20 years.
Rita is survived by a brother Richard Zolinski and sisters Anne Milman and Audrey Witucki. She is also survived by her daughter Gloria Dana, son-in-law Thomas Dana and daughter -in-law Karen Maleski. Rita also is survived by 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Rita was truly loved by her family and all that knew her, and will be deeply missed.
Debbie Jo (Ryg) Shore, 65, of Sun City, AZ, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2022.
Debbie was born on December 31, 1956, to Everett & Helen (Smith) Ryg in Sandwich, IL.
She was a graduate of Serena High School in 1975. She married Allen Shore on June 18, 1994, at the Divernon Sportsmans Club. Debbie worked for the Illinois Dept. of Revenue, and retired from ISU School of Medicine in Springfield.
Debbie was a longtime treasurer of the Divernon Sportsmans Club. She attended Divernon Methodist Church. After moving from Divernon to Sun City, AZ in 2018, Debbie and Al attended the First United Methodist Church of Sun City.
She enjoyed traveling and playing an assortment of games with family and friends, namely a dice game called Purudo. Debbie was also known as the fun grandma, with an alien in her bathroom. Debbie was an avid Cubs fan, go Cubs!
Survivors include her husband Allen Shore of Sun City, AZ. Her 2 sons Troy (Wendy) Christopherson of Geneseo, IL, Nathan (Terr) Christopherson of Moline, IL; sister Lynn (John) Wright of Surrey, England, brother Larry (Kathy) Ryg of Sheridan, IL; step-sons David (Sheila) Shore, Michael Shore both of Springfield, IL; her beloved grandchildren Joei Christopherson, Nik, Kyle, Kassi, and Mason Shore.
Cremation rights were entrusted to Menke Funeral & Cremation Center. A private inurnment will be held at a later date at Divernon Brush Creek Cemetery.
Evelyn H. Warnke, 93, passed away on March 12th from natural causes. She was born in Kulm, North Dakota on December 26th, 1928 and lived in Gillette, Wyoming before moving to Sun City, Arizona to be near family for her final 19 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, George and daughter, Jean. She is survived by a sister, Ruth; a daughter, Devin; a son, Neal; 7 grandkids, 11 great-grandkids and 3 great-great-grandkids.
Grandma Warnke, as her family calls her, loved attending her church, caring for her cats and having an evening beer…or two. Her sense of humor and bold opinions brought life to countless family get-togethers and holidays over the years. She also enjoyed shopping trips and dinners with her next-door neighbor and dear friend, Pat.
Her memorial service will be held on April 9th at 10:30 a.m. at Fountain of Life Lutheran Church: 15630 N Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ, 85351. All who would like to attend are welcome and appreciated.
Elaine Pearl Szalay Cornforth (Owens)
Elaine was born in Blockton, Iowa to Ronald (Buck) and Nina (Walston) Owens. In later life her family moved to Ohio, and there is where she met her first husband, Charles Szalay. Following Charles death in 1996, Elaine moved to Rio Verde, Arizona and that is where she met her second Husband, Robert Cornforth. In 2011, they moved to their current address here in Sun City, Arizona. They are members of the Sun City West Christian Church in Sun City West.
She departed her earthly body and her soul and spirit returned to rejoice in the presence of her beloved Jesus Christ. She leaves behind her husband Bob, her son Mark and his wife Darbara Szalay, her grandson Tad Szalay, granddaughter Grace Szalay, stepdaughter Cindy (Cornforth) Hanks, stepson Wesley Hanks, and step grandchildren, Andrew and Kaylen Hanks. and 3 great grandchildren. Olive 5, Henry 3, and Raphael 1.
A celebration of her life will be celebrated at 9506 W. Cedar Hill Cir. N., Sun City on Wednesday March 16, 2022, between 2 and 5 PM.
Marvin John Davies, age 86, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2022, in Sun City, AZ.
He was born in Herkimer, NY, on March 17, 1935, the son of Richard Davies and Gladys Pugh Davies. He graduated from Remsen Central High School in 1952.
Marv served his country as a Navy Seabee from 1954-1958. Upon returning to Remsen, Marv drove trucks for Mohawk Farms and Holland Patent Farmers Co-Op, picking up farmer’s milk in bulk. He then delivered ice cream on Long Island for Dairylea out of Utica, NY. Marv retired from the Oneida County Highway Department (Barneveld Garage).
He married Jeanette Murray on July 28, 1956, in Remsen, NY. After retirement, Marv and Jan moved to Lawrence, KS to be near their grandchildren, Jaclyn and Dane, and later moved to Sun City, AZ. Marv was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and The University of Kansas Men’s Basketball team.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jeanette, and his brother Robert Davies.
Marv is survived by his daughters Anne (Ray) Williams, Sun City, AZ and Donna McCullough, Lawrence, KS; son John (Jen), Lawrence, KS; granddaughter Jaclyn (Alex) McCullough Jeschke, Leawood, KS; grandson Dane (Savana) McCullough, Lawrence, KS; great-granddaughter Lily Jeanette Jeschke, Leawood, KS; and sister Carol Drews, Palmyra, NY.
Burial services will be held at a later date in Fairchild Cemetery in Remsen, NY. If anyone has stories or messages to share with the family, cards can be sent to Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Valley, in memory of Marvin & Jeanette Davies
Walter Jay went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on March 9, 2022, surrounded by loving family members. His family thought he was recovering from his battle with Covid in January, however, that was not God’s plan. He enjoyed all 93 years. A celebration of his life will be held July 9th at 1:00 pm at the North Manchester United Methodist Church, with a gathering immediately following in the Fellowship Hall. He will be missed by many people in the numerous areas he influenced, but by no one more than his wife Mary Jenet, whom he met at the Indiana State Fair in 1949, introduced by Eric Holm, a member of the State 4-H staff. They married on November 10th, 1950, while both were students at Purdue University.
Walter was born on August 11, 1928, on his grandparents’ farm near Claypool, Indiana. Walt was a graduate of Chester High School in 1946 and attended Manchester College for 2½ years, during which time he served a term as FFA State President. He finished his undergraduate degree at Purdue University, where he earned his BS in Agriculture Education in 1951. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity as well as several honoraries.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army two weeks after he graduated from Purdue. After basic training, he served his country at Ft. Leonard Wood Army Base in Missouri for two years during the Korean War as a Medical Laboratory Technician. Mary Jenet joined him at Ft. Leonard Wood where their first child, Kathryn Marie, was born. After his discharge, Walt and Mary Jenet returned to Indiana.
Walt taught vocational agriculture at Laketon High School and had a successful agriculture and FFA Program.Walt appreciated the learning value of youth activities such as FFA, judging teams, field trips and 4-H club projects. He encouraged student participation in these activities throughout his career.
Walt was a sales representative for two years with Ralston Purina in northwest Indiana. He returned to North Manchester where he began farming. He taught vocational agriculture and science classes at Lagro High School and then moved to the newly opened Northfield Junior and Senior High School. While at Northfield, he served as the Indiana State President of the Vocational Agriculture Teachers’ Association. He received his master’s degree from Ball State University in educational administration and also guidance and counseling. Walt took additional graduate courses such as school finance, school law, curriculum development, and school administration at Purdue graduate school. He also received a superintendent’s license at this time. All of this while raising a family, teaching, and farming.
Walt worked with a committee on the establishment of the Upper Wabash Vocational School (currently Heartland Career Center). This was the first vocational school of its kind in Indiana. It included the Metropolitan School Districts (Northfield, and Southwood), Manchester, and Peru schools. There were ten separate programs the first year. Walt was selected as its first director. They identified the courses they wanted to offer, such as welding, auto mechanics, food service, printing, secretarial, and others. Experts in their field were identified that were willing to teach these courses, who then needed teacher education and certification. The development of curriculum was one of many challenges that was met the first year.
After several years of great success, Walt became Assistant State Director of the Department of Public Instruction, Division of Vocational Education, in Indianapolis. While there, he assisted in developing vocational schools across the entire state. Another proud accomplishment is that he served on the planning committee for the creation of the Indiana FFA Leadership Center at Trafalger, Indiana, where he participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.
He then became the State Director of the Indiana Rehabilitation Services, which provides education and training for people with physical, mental, and visual handicaps to prepare them with satisfying skills for employment. Walt represented Indiana as a consultant to the Rehabilitation Department of Rio Grande Do Sul which is in the southernmost state of Brazil, South America.His final position was the Executive Director of the Indiana State Advisory Council for Vocational Education from 1977 until he retired in 1989.
He was the recipient of many forms of recognition including Distinguished Hoosier Award by the Governor of Indiana in 1971, Indiana Rehabilitation Service award from Indianapolis Goodwill Industries 1973, Certificate of Appreciation by Indiana Employment and Training Association in 1982, and Distinguished Service to Profession award in 1984. Jim, his son, presented him with a Korea Veteran’s cap for his 90th birthday, which he wore with pride wherever he went. There have been countless people impacted by his work, which he felt was one of his true callings, “to help others improve themselves.”
Walt and Mary Jenet enjoyed their summers at their farm near North Manchester and their winters in Sun City, Arizona. They were active in their church. Walt enjoyed craft activities such as working with leather, ceramics, clay, stained glass, and silver, as well as the computer club and other activities. As his family reflect on his farming career, Walt started farming as a little boy helping his grandpa farm with horses. He used tractors and mechanized equipment on his own farm, leading to the current situation where he greatly admired people who are farming with satellite-controlled equipment that actually makes appropriate decisions “on the go”. If there had been a tractor and wagon backing contest, he would have been the champion, but since there wasn’t one, his family at least were impressed watching him back two loaded wagons, hitched together, up the barn hill into the barn, as it was starting to rain.
Walt and many in the family were fortunate to have visited all the lower 48 states on family vacations. Walt and Mary Jenet made a trip to Hawaii as a gift from their children for their 40th anniversary. They also enjoyed two auto/camping trips to Alaska, one of which was with Sharon and family. While driving around the beautiful USA, Walt would select rocks and special stones; one of his favorites was the Apache tear. His rock collection could fill a museum. He would take rocks home in any spare space in the car, in the trunk, under feet and even in the engine compartment! The family has traveled to most of the Provinces in Canada and to many parts of Mexico. He and Mary Jenet attended the special Chinese New Year’s Celebration in 2000 in Hong Kong (the Year of the Dragon) for their 50th wedding anniversary.
Walt was a respected patriarch of the Penrod family in North Manchester. He was the president of the “Guilford Penrod” family reunion (a noon and afternoon picnic) for at least 25 years off and on, and he was often looked to for leadership, mentoring and guidance. The family appreciates the work Walt did on the 120-page book Penrod Family Tree 2008 that he provided to each family. His book contains historical genealogical family information dating back to John Penrod Sr (1725 – Feb. 6, 1799) and includes data through the year 2008.
Walter loved his family and provided many opportunities to grow and experience new things through vacations, working together on the farm, fixing up rental houses and building the home they have lived in for 40+ years. Walt always looked forward to the many 4th of July celebrations, an extended gathering over several days, held at Sharon and Bob’s home for over 30 years that included his whole family. He really enjoyed the four special anniversary events, His 25th anniversary party at Hollyhock Hills, one for his 50th wedding anniversary at Holden Beach, as well a 60th anniversary party at his farm and another surprise 65th anniversary party during a reunion at Sharon’s. Walt cherished spending time with his family and it was a highlight of his life. He loved seeing and visiting with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and seeing how they were growing and talking with them about activities they were involved in. The young ones really enjoyed tractor rides with their “Papa” or “Grandpa”. Walt always treasured the pictures: individual ones, family ones, entire family group ones and snapshots of activities at the reunions as well as other pictures that he received throughout the years.
Walter is survived by his loving wife of 71+ years, Mary Jenet (Elder) Penrod, five children, twelve grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren:
Kathryn Marie Penrod Curtis (Otis), of Brookings, South Dakota
Sergei (Kinsley)
Maria (Addison, Andre)
Sharon Louise Johnson (Bob), of Plain City, Ohio
Benjamin
Daniel and Amy Johnson (Ian, Natalie)
Rebecca
David
Amy and Shawn Swaagman (Theodore, Peregrin)
Susan Diane O’Rourke (Dennis), of Spartanburg, South Carolina
Colleen and Paul Marshal (Anthony, Zaria, Shiann)
Jessica and Ryan Ertle (Elodie, Addilyn, Isaac, Everett)
Kyle
Marilyn Penrod Murphy (Kurt), of Sun City, Arizona
Walter James “Jim” Penrod (Laura) of McLeansville, North Carolina
Walter “Jared”
James
And many beloved nieces and nephews.
Walter Jay was preceded in death by his parents Walter J. and Beulah Marie (Cauffman) Penrod, brother John Lee Penrod and wife Alyce Jean Parker Penrod, sister Helen Marie Penrod Morton, and husband Chauncey “Vic” Morton.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local FFA chapter.
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