Search for an obituary by name and/or lastname
Ray Lauren Miller, 83, passed from this life to Glory on Saturday, January 15, 2022, in Sun City, Arizona.
He was born in Detroit, MI, on July 30, 1938, to Pauline Lavina Maud Watterworth and Andy Ray Miller. As a boy, he knew he wanted to serve the Lord and began preaching at age 15.
In 1958, he married Joy Anne Kikhoefel at the Strathmore Church of Christ in Detroit. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Henderson, Tennessee, so Ray could attend Freed-Hardeman College. He graduated with an associate degree plus one year of Advanced Bible Studies in 1960.
After college, Ray and Joy moved to Canada, where for 23 years he preached at a number of congregations in Ontario and Quebec, while raising a family of 5 children. He was Dean of Students at Great Lakes Christian College in Beamsville, Ontario, from 1974 to 1977. In 1982, they moved back to Michigan, where Ray preached at the Parkside Church of Christ in Dearborn Heights. After Joy’s passing, Ray married Stanna Bowman in 1988, and a year later they moved to Peoria, AZ where he has preached at the West Olive Church of Christ for 32 years.
Ray conducted more than 50 meetings in the United States and Canada, spoke at lectureships, taught numerous Bible classes, and served as Editor of the Gospel Herald. A hallmark of Ray’s service to the Lord was his reputation for maintaining harmony in the congregation while preaching the truth. He was a spiritual giant, preaching with prayer, encouragement, calmness, directness, and the power of God’s Holy Word. When he wasn’t studying the Word, Ray loved to golf, and he loved the Detroit Red Wings.
He is survived by his loving and faithful wife, Stanna, his children Laurie Whitfield (Wayne), David Miller (Audrey), Wendy Grizzell (Wayne), Holly Anderson (Craig), Andy Miller, Becky Lieberman (Dan), Matt Bowman (Samantha), and Abby Bowman, his grandchildren Lacey, Sarah, Amy, Katie, Adam, Jennifer, Shawn, Tyler, Lauren, Luke, Samuel, Bennett, Elinor, Camden, Hudson, Grant, Max, Sam, Grace, Kohen, Chloe, Henry, Isaac, and Jack, as well as several great-grandchildren.
“The Lord says, ‘This is My agreement with these people: My Spirit and My words that I give you will never leave you or your children or your grandchildren, now and forever.’” Isaiah 59:21
The Reverend Doctor David W. Helmke went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 14, 2022, prior to his 77th birthday. He was born in Wausau, Wisconsin in 1945 to Wilmer and Elta Helmke and was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Thomas. He grew up in Milwaukee where he graduated from Custer High School.
Upon graduation, Dave went to work for Ozark Air Lines. He loved working on and being around aircraft. After President Kennedy’s assassination, he enlisted in the Air Force and eventually became a crew chief on F-4C fighter jets during a tour in Vietnam.
After his return from Vietnam, Dave was stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ, where he met the love of his life, Lynn Derby. They married in February of 1968, four days after his honorable discharge from the service. Their son, Matthew, arrived in 1970.
When arthritis ended Dave’s aircraft mechanic dreams, he attended the University of Arizona, where his love for education began. It was here, prior to graduation, that he accepted Christ and began another life-long journey.
Dave attended International Bible College in San Antonio, TX, where he became committed to ministry and missions. After graduation, the family moved to Phoenix. It was here where he became a Board Certified Chaplain and Fellow of the College of Chaplains with the Association of Professional Chaplains and was ordained with the Assemblies of God. He worked as a chaplain, first in nursing homes, and then for more than 20 years in prisons for the Arizona State Department of Corrections. He was eventually a senior chaplain for the Phoenix region. He also pastored several churches, including in New River and Gila Bend, Arizona and Cable, Wisconsin.
Dave’s interest in education and learning never waned. He earned a Masters of Theology degree from Fuller Theological Seminary as well as both a Masters of Ministry and a Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Education from Covington Theological Seminary. He taught several classes at Western Bible College in Phoenix. He was always a voracious reader, especially topics like theology and church history, and maintained this interest until the very end, even as his health declined.
Dave enjoyed various arts and crafts, ham radio, watching documentaries, and a good, gentle tease.
Dave is survived by his forever-loving wife of 53 years, Lynn; his son, Matthew (Sandra); his four grandchildren, Sage, Sedona, Philip, and Evan; sisters-in-law MaryAnn Helmke and Violet Derby; nieces, Caroline Hafling (Deane), Laura Piland (Frankie), Ellen Lukert (Jared); nephew, Eric Helmke, and by Heather Helmke.
A family memorial was held at the Wittmann Assembly of God with interment at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
George Willis Soyster, age 95, of Peoria, AZ, passed away Thursday morning, January 13, 2022. He was born November 1, 1926, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the son of Clarence and Pearle Soyster.
George left behind his wife of 74 years, Eleanor M. Soyster; two daughters, Marta L. Wile and Janell M. Soyster and one son Mark B. Soyster and wife Debbie Soyster; three granddaughters, Lacie Saltzman and Husband Jake Saltzman, Chelsea Corder and Husband Ryan Corder, Ashleigh Schoolcraft and Husband Darien Schoolcraft, five wonderful great grandchildren Andrew Gregory, Sofia Saltzman, Madison Saltzman, Brendan Schoolcraft, and Coen Schoolcraft.
Dad was an adventurist, sometimes he chose it and at other times it was chosen by fate. He fought in the United States Navy during the Pacific war at the age of 17. He was blown off his ship by a Kamikaze, swam to the nearest island and fought with a group of marines for three months while listed as MIA. After his Honorable discharge in 1946, he found his soulmate Eleanor Molino (Soyster) and married in 1948. Two years later he was accepted into college and earned his college degree in Civil and Structural Engineering.
After several years of moving with jobs, George and Eleanor arrived in Phoenix, Arizona in June of 1961. In 1963, he and Eleanor embarked on their lifetime adventure with three kids in tow and headed to Saudi Arabia where he worked and retired after twenty-three years developing and designing Saudi Arabia’s Highway infrastructure. He was a member of Saint Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church and was the past Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He was an amazing man who overcame many life obstacles. He was always willing to help others in need. He was a kind loving husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and friend. He will be sadly missed.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 9728 W Palmeras Dr., Sun City, AZ 85373.
Private Burial services will take place at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
Josephine “Jo” Jones was born in Providence, R.I. on November 12, 1928, to Salvatore and Guisepina Cipressi. She is survived by husband Donald G. Jones; sons Donald M. (Mer) and Charles J. (Pam).
Jo worked at Smitty’s Bakery. She volunteered at Wings of Peace, an organization that serves the homeless and needy with food and clothing. Jo and her husband played Santa and Mrs. Clause at Wings of Peace.
A Mass will be held at St. Joachim & St. Anne Church at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2022.
Margaret L. (Peggy) Hanna passed into the hands of God on January 6, 2022.
In accordance with her wishes, there will not be a viewing or Memorial Service.
Margaret was born on May 6, 1949 in Chicora, Pennsylvania to Henry and Gladys Lattanzi. The family moved to Hegewisch, Illinois in 1959. Margaret attended Henry Clay Elementary School and graduated from Chicago Vocational High School in 1967.
She attended keypunch school and spent several years working as a keypunch operator. The family moved from Oakley, California to Surprise, Arizona in 1998. Margaret went to work at Paradise Education Center as an after-school day care worker and was asked to start a reading education tutoring program which became very successful. In 2002 she decided to become a full-time day care provider working primarily with Military families stationed at Luke Air Force Base. She retired in July of 2016.
Margaret is survived by her husband Michael Hanna, two sons Erik Hanna and Adam Hanna, daughter-in-law Janette Kratina, and three grandchildren: Hunter Hanna, Henry Hanna, and Autumn Hanna.
Born to Victor and Loretta Grillet in Philadelphia Pennsylvania on August 30th, 1922. She passed away on Jan 5th, 2022 at home, surrounded by her loving family. Her faith was a huge part of who she was and it was anchored in the Catholic Church. She found comfort in saying the Rosary overnight.
99 years and 4 months on this earth. She lived a full rewarding life. Anna (known as Nancy or Nana to her friends and family) was truly beloved!
Nancy spent many happy years with her husband George, A highly decorated World War ll veteran assigned to Luke AFB during the latter part of his military career. They enjoyed traveling and making friends all over the world together and has many full passports to prove it.
Of all her many accomplishments, Nancy was most proud of her 5 children, 17 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren all of whom she adored and visited often.
Nancy was an avid golfing and big sports fan. The Redskins, the Diamond Backs and ND all lost a devoted fan.
Nancy also enjoyed her many years spent working for the Dysart school district and the friends she made there.
Nancy’s real passion was for dance and spending time with her large spread out family. She loved Swing and Jazz the most. To see her dance was to watch grace in action.
She kept her mind young and stayed connected with her family and friends by playing Words with Friends, doing crossword puzzles and video poker.
She was predeceased by her husband George, her daughter Diane and her son Robert.
Nancy will be honored at a funeral Mass at 10AM on January 25th at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church 15800 N. Del Webb Blvd, Sun City Arizona.
In lieu of flowers please donate to
St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.
Evelyn Joyce Sternquist
February 14, 1933 ~ January 4, 2022
Mom was the sixth of nine children born to Joseph and Irene Brucken. With the exception of her baby sister, Jeanette, and her sister Dorothy’s husband, Neil, all her siblings: Bob (Lorraine), Joe (Sharon), Dink (Jeanne), Corky (Bill), Dorothy (Neil), Tommy (Lula Belle), have gone ahead of her.
After a very brief courtship, Dad, the hulking, magnificent man, who swept her off her feet in a matter of minutes, waited as long as he could, and then, against her father’s wishes, they tied the knot. People said they were too young, but God knew better. They enjoyed many blessings in their nearly 72 years together; some of the days were challenging but God was the glue that held them together, and mom would be one of the first to tell you that God blessed her more than she deserved, and family was one of her greatest blessings.
God blessed their marriage with five children: Arvid (Jacque), Rondi (Dennis), Shawn (Harry), Kraig (Nora), and Vicki (Jeff). And those marriages were blessed with 16 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. And with all those blessings, as my mom would say, “Minga Dinga!”
Mom’s life was also blessed with a boatload of nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She had a way of showing lots of love to lots of people.
We will miss Mom dearly, but we take great comfort in knowing we WILL be reunited with her because of her and our faith in the Savior. She is finally whole, but the hole she left in our hearts will remain until that reunion.
So, Mom, until that day, we don’t say ‘Goodbye,’ we only say, “God be with us till we meet again.”
With all our love, all our lives,
Your Arvid,
Arvid, Rondi, Shawn, Kraig, and Vicki
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, 11831 N. Seminary Drive, Mequon, WI 53092.
William (Bill) Turley and Julie Turley
Julie passed away January 4, 2022, and William on January 15, 2022.
Julie was born 1942 in Conneaut, Ohio. She was a graduate of Kent State and her first career was teaching. Julie loved cooking, genealogy, history, and reading.
William (Bill) Turley was born April 1941 in DeKalb, Illinois. Bill served his country in the US Navy and worked in hospitals repairing their equipment. Bill also ran a business selling quality homemade knifes to hunters. Bill loved the outdoors, guns, hunting, and country music.
Bill and Julie met in Southern California and were married in 1980. They were an inseparable pair who loved to travel, but especially loved America, Arizona, Ireland, and each other.
Bill is survived by Veronica Brown, Megan Brown, Samantha Balcon, and Taylor Brown.
A celebration of life for both Bill and Julie will be at Menke Funeral Home on April 16th at 1pm with an onsite reception immediately following.
Dr. Wanda Taylor of Phoenix, Arizona passed away January 3, 2022.
Dr. Wanda Taylor was born fourth of seven children to Roy and Allene Taylor (deceased); brother, Roy Sylvester Taylor (deceased), Marlen Eugene Taylor (deceased), Elwood Taylor (deceased), sister, Anna Jones (deceased); and Norma Jean Jefferson.
Dr. Wanda Taylor Immediate Family: Husbands: Edward Black (deceased) and Braxton Tyrone Henderson; children and grandchildren: Son, Edward (Eddie) Black Jr. with wife, Nita Black; and grandchildren Rylan Black and his wife Riley Black and Channing Black. Daughter, Sheryl Denise Lawary and Granddaughter, Celeste Lawary; and son, Andre Tyrone Black (deceased); Sandra Rollins and her daughters Leslie Rollins, Toni Riley, Sharmaine Riley, and Shanice Riley; and Shanice’s children Nevaeh (Dr. Wanda’s God daughter), Debrea Colter, and Zaniyah Riley.
Other Immediate Family: Brother Sylvester and Barbara (both deceased) and their children: Champ Taylor and Denise Taylor Handy and their children. Sister Anna (deceased) and her children and grandchildren; and Sister Norma and her children and grandchildren. Aunts and Uncles: Earline Walker (deceased); Aunt Marie Griggs (deceased) and her children; Aunt Willetta Womack and her children; and Uncle Elwood Cox (deceased) and his children.
Dr. Wanda Taylor was born April 30, 1946, in Mounds, Illinois. When her mother Allene passed away when she was five years old, she moved to E. St. Louis, Illinois, where she lived the next five years of life with her Aunt Marie and until she was 18, she lived with her Auntie Earline. She was married to Edward Black (her high school sweetheart) and they raised their three children, Eddie, Sheryl and Andre while most in the military – Edward Black was in the US Navy for 18 years.
After raising her children, Dr. Wanda Taylor went to college and earned all of her degrees at the University of Phoenix, landing with a Doctorate of Management (In Organizational Leadership) Degree. She received this degree because of her passion to give back to her community, which she completed her life’s journey giving back to Arizona Communities, assisting clients with numerous support: College Tutoring, disability claims, DES claims, unemployment claims, employment applications and resume’s cover letters, job search and job interviews; she also taught self-esteem, job readiness, and college readiness workshops through partnerships with numerous other non-profit organizations. Her goal was to transform ordinary people into leaders of Arizona communities.
Dr. Wanda’s giving back to the community was done through her businesses Mentoring All Americans For Leadership Inc. and Mentoring For Leadership LLC.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Dr. Wanda’s birthday, April 30, 2022, at Ed and Nita's home: 36609 N. 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85086.
Roger Merlin Dinger of Surprise, Arizona unexpectedly passed away at home on January 2, 2022 at the age of 76. Roger is survived by his wife of 52 years, Toyoko, and his children, Maria Lucille Palu (Maveni Palu), and Taiga Dinger, as well as his granddaughters: Olivia and Oreina Palu.
Roger was born in Pennsylvania on November 17, 1945 to Ralph Merlin and Vada Lucille Dinger. When Roger turned 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) from his hometown of Dayton, Pennsylvania so that he could see the world and then eventually meet and marry Toyoko, the love of his life, in Hokkaido, Japan. Together, Roger and Toyoko shared many adventures and travels while raising their family and always making time to fish, golf, or garden, their favorite shared hobbies. During his military career, Roger traveled and was stationed in several countries throughout Europe and Asia, making life-long friendships and collecting cherished memories while adding to his coin collection.
Roger retired from the USAF after 32 years of service, achieving the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant and as a Vietnam War Veteran. He continued to complete a college degree and began his civilian career in University Place, Washington with Toyoko and Taiga, where he bought and enjoyed beautifying his first home during his spare time. Once Roger completely retired from working, he and Toyoko moved to Surprise, Arizona to welcome more sunshine and time for family and hobbies during their senior years. Roger loved being outdoors, where he spent most of his later years woodworking, landscaping, and fishing. Roger will be truly missed for his boisterous wit and unabashed charisma and always remembered for his service to his country and sacrifices for his family.
William Grado, Jr.
August 5, 1966 - January 2, 2022
Beloved Son, brother, Father, and grandfather born August 5, 1966 in Wilcox, Az to William Grado, Sr. And Evangeline Moreno. William went to be with the lord on January 2, 2022 at the age of 55.
He is survived by his Father, William Grado, Sr., Step-mother Mickey Grado, Sisters Debora Grado, Marcie Grado, Cynthia Vega, Irene Munson, Nina Ward, Tasha Munson and brothers Mark Smith, Mark Moreno and Eric Czerwinski. Step-brother and sister Robert and Rebecca Wagner.
His surviving children Amanda M. Grado, Catrina E. Grado, Danielle M. Grado, Adrian N. Grado, Angelica R. Grado-Logue, Ezekiel K. Grado, Zowie F. Grado, Jade A. Grado and Josiah C. Grado. William also has 20 grandchildren. William had lots of nieces and nephews as well as great nephews and nieces. William loved his family passionately.
Junior aka Nune was a character at heart. He loved to imitate the voice of the "God Father". His favorite hobbies were fishing and camping. He loved music and loved to dance. One of his favorite places to be was the beach where He will soon be set free. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
On behalf of the Grado family we want to extend our sincere gratitude for all of your thoughts and prayers
Raymond Peter Enriques Sr., 83, of Goodyear, Arizona passed away 1/2/22. Raymond was born in New Orleans, LA and resided in Slidell, LA for 41 years. He is survived by his wife Edna (married 55 years); daughter April Guy, sons Raymond (Karen), Peter and Raymond Enriques Jr.; grandchildren Ricky Bradburry and Ashley Bradburry, and great-granddaughter Hazel Reyes. Private family arrangements were made.
Melvin (Mel) Mathew Schilcher Sr. of Surprise, Arizona, passed away at Avenir Memory Care on Saturday, January 1st, 2022 at the age of 90 years old. Melvin was born in Aniwa, Wisconsin on July 18th, 1931 where he was raised by his father and mother, Edward C. Schilcher and Emma Cora Barth and was one of six children. He later moved to Milwaukee where he met the love of his life Marilyn Schilcher. Together they raised six children.
Melvin worked as a truck driver and enjoyed much of his time at Shawano Lake, with his family. He was a devoted loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was always making us laugh!
Mel overcame many obstacles in life, as he was one of the strongest men we knew. In the late 1980’s Melvin and Marilyn decided to retire to Sun City, Arizona where later four of their children would move too.
Melvin is lovingly remembered by his wife of 71 years and three children, Marlin G. Schilcher (Darcie), Monty J. Schilcher, and Michelle A. Schilcher- Weber (Edward); he also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Melvin is proceeded by his parents and five siblings, Marlyn Schilcher (Marilyn), LaVerne Schilcher-Rygiewicz (John), Emerson Schilcher (Phyllis), Lyle Schilcher (Margaret), Murl Schilcher-Lorrig (Ray); along with his three sons Melvin M. Schilcher Jr, Mark E. Schilcher, and Michael A. Schilcher and his beloved dog Cookie.
Although, Mel has left us, he will be truly missed and will be forever in our hearts.
On January 1, 2022, at 9:15 PM Reginald Reed of Peoria Arizona passed away, he was 60 years old. Reggie or Bubba as he was called by his family and friends is survived by his father Emmitt Reed of Diana Texas. His wife Yvette Reed his children Yliana Yolanda and Michael Reed and his siblings; Loletha Reed, Bruce Reed, Gary Reed. Synthia Reed and his Bonus brother and sister Stewart Anderson and Chanta Anderson. He was preceded in death by his mother Darcie Reed his paternal grandparents Clifford and Mary Reed and his maternal grandparents Pete and Addie Mae Halloway.
Reggie was born on August 21st. 1961 in Diana Texas in Upshur County. He graduated from Florence High School in 1978 and went on to central Arizona College where he achieved his Associates Degree in Metallurgy and also where he continued as he did in high school to love and play his favorite sports; basketball and baseball.
Reggie and Yvette dated for 2 years and married on August 2nd 1986. They were married 35 years. They have 3 Beautiful children; Yliana Melissa, Yolanda Renee and Michael Alexander Reed. Their children brought 5 Amazing Gifts into their lives; Lucas Drake (14), Mariah Torres (11), Giovanni Torres (10), Aiden Robertson (6), and Mackenzie Reed (21 months).
After Reggie retired from the City of Phoenix in 2012 he became an excellent cook and could be found each morning cooking some of his specialties especially on the weekends when the grand babies would visit. They loved his perfectly fried bacon and his pancakes with perfect eggs. His grandchildren loved his spaghetti and so that was on the menu often. In the much earlier years, he could be found on the basketball court, taking part in the sport that he loved the most Basketball.
Reggie was a proud jack of all trades. He took great pride and found much enjoyment when he could bring anything broken back into good repair. If you wanted to make him smile at other times you could just hand him his newspaper that he would read from front to back, daily, as he finished the crossword puzzle in no more than 5 minutes. If it was afternoon turn on any Western and in the evening after a good meal, turn on Family Feud and Jeopardy; whereby the way he answered most all the questions correctly, every night. You’ll never be lost with Reggie; he loved reading maps and could tell you quite a bit about all countries and their history and Geography.
Helping his friends and family and a good game of Spades, 500 rummy and of course dominoes was part of what he considered a great day. Please do not touch his things as he would never think of doing this onto you and all in all life was good. Reggie was loved by many and respected by all. How could any of us help but miss him deeply every day. Rest in well deserved peace My Love.
Sally Cecilia Ruane, 90, formerly of Pittston, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 1, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Eve Bellanca, of Inkerman, Pennsylvania, her husband, Tony, son, Joseph, and sister Connie.
Sally enjoyed gardening, cooking, coffee, spoiling her pet dogs and caring for her finches and parakeets. Visits with her family brought her the most joy. She was a very special person to all that knew her.
Sally is survived by her children, Tony and his wife, Liz of Tampa, Florida; Mike and his wife Ruth of Mesa, Arizona; Diane and her husband Eugene of El Segundo, California; Noel and his fiancée Cindy of Buckeye, Arizona and Susan (Sue Ann) and her husband Scott of Sun City, Arizona. She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Sally was loved dearly by her family and will be greatly missed, but the family is comforted by knowing she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and is home with him, surrounded by His abundant love.
A memorial service will be held at Brown Road Baptist Church, 4801 East Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona on February 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
More Content
OUR LOCATION
Menke Funeral & Cremation Center
12420 N 103rd Ave.
Sun City, AZ 85351
Phone: (623) 979-6451