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Virginia Mae Peck was born on September 11, 1933, in Blytheville Arkansas. Virginia came to Arizona when she was 15 years old.
She went home in the arms of our Lord on September 29, 2021. Those there to welcome her include her Parents Martin and Margrita Reagan brother Tom, sister Mary and her little dog Punkin.
She is survived by her loving husband Louis, son Danny, daughter’s Diana and Sharon, grandchildren James, Eddie, Gina, Stephanie, Joshua and Tyler, great grandchildren Kierstin, Jakob and Hunter, great great grand daughter Anayeli.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 9:00 AM at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 North 103rd Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351 with a service to follow at 10:00 AM. A graveside service will be held the same day at 12:30PM at Greenwood Memory Lawn, 719 North 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009 with a luncheon immediately following in Greenwood Memory Lawn's reception room.
The family asks in lieu of flowers ( she hated cut flowers) please make a donation to Best Friends Animal Rescue.
Stephen Welch Carter of Peoria, Arizona passed away age 73 on September 28, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Gertrude Carter and his sister Sharon Tabler. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Buckley Carter, son Stephen James Carter, and brother Paul Carter.
He was a graduate of Boston College and Suffolk Law School and as an attorney practiced law in Massachusetts for many years. He also taught religious education, elementary school and high school. He was a devout Roman Catholic who was very devoted to his faith. He was an avid sports fan and especially loved football and the New England Patriots in particular. He loved classic films, country music and the music of Elvis Presley. He was extremely well read and loved literature, mysteries and was an enormous fan of Sherlock Holmes. He was a lover of animals and supported charities for the humane treatment of animals.
He was a kind hearted very generous man who worked hard for his family and helped many others. He will be deeply missed by those who loved him.
Service arrangements are pending.
Shirley Ruth Worth passed away peacefully, Friday, the 17th of September 2021, in Sun City Arizona.
She leaves behind her sons Mike White, Carl D Worth II, and Ricky Worth. And 11 grand children including, Crystal, Michael, Bri, Shane, Nicholas, Jennifer, Michelle, Isabella, Daniel, Hannah and Colton.
She was preceded by her husband Carl Worth, her daughter Sheere, and her grandson Jesse.
She was born the 17th of November 1939 in Amarillo, Texas. She moved to Arizona in 1969. She raised her children and she started an at home daycare which she did for many years.
Shirley’s hobbies included blowing, bingo, and maintaining the perfect tan.
Shirley will be greatly missed by family and friends. May she find peace being reunited with her late husband and daughter.
Martha Jean Taylor passed away peacefully at home in Sun City, Az on September 17, 2021. She was born to Robert and Opie Hill in Forked Deer, Tennessee on January 3, 1928. She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years Gilbert Taylor who passed away in 2013. She is survived by her son Gilbert Jr. Sun City, AZ, Elizabeth Cheever Cypress, CA, Richard Taylor (Trish), Memphis, TN, Karen Pregler, Cherokee, CA, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-children, 2 great-great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Mom met dad on a blind date and he soon told her ”I'm going to marry you and we are going to have five children.” She thought he was crazy but shortly after, he sent her a telegram saying “What do I have to do, get down one knee?” They were married for 62 years. After they were married they went to Germany, dad enlisted in USAF. She was on the first civilian train to Germany as part of the Marshall Plan. They started their family right away with birth of Gil and Elizabeth. After Germany they moved to Texas where Rick was born. After Texas they were sent back overseas where she was able to share with her kids the historical sights of England and Europe. They returned to the states living in Florida where Karen was born.
Martha was actively involved in the lives of her children as PTA President, Girl Scout and Boy Scout Leader. She was a military wife and enjoyed it to the fullest. She was an expert mover after moving over 30 years during their military career. They finally settled in Sun City AZ, where she entertained friends and family. She never thought the little girl who picked cotton and raised her own food would have experienced so much. She was loved by all. But most of all she was loved by her many grandchildren and great-grandchilden. Getting her family all together was the most important thing to her. She will be greatly missed.
In accordance with her wishes, Martha will be cremated and memorial services will be held at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave. Sun City, AZ on Friday September 24, 2021 at 1pm. Her final resting place will be with her husband Gilbert L. Taylor at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
Helen Marie Thompson of Phoenix, Arizona passed away September 17, 2021, at the age of 93. Helen was born to Clifford and Tora Harrington in McHenry County, North Dakota.
Helen grew up in farms in North Dakota. She wanted to be a nurse but became a wife and mother. She was very proud to have 2 nurses among her grandchildren. She raised her family in North and South Dakota following her husband’s crane operator career.
Ray and Helen moved to Arizona in 1966 for Ray’s health. They were active in the Orangewood Church of the Nazarene in Phoenix and Sun City Church of the Nazarene. Helen was an active participant with the Caravan girls. They would take camping trips and trips to Disneyland.
She was a huge fan of Mickey Mouse and noted that they were born the same year. She rode every single ride at Disneyland. She met Mickey face to face for the first time on her last trip there when she was in her 80s.
After her children were grown and spread out she became a world traveler. She began traveling alone by train and bus and gradually moved to flying. She visited her daughter and son-in-law in Spain and Okinawa.
She moved back to North Dakota settling in Deering where she settled into the community. She drove until she was 91. She and a younger sister followed a band because they loved dancing. They would be the last to leave and were known as the “dancing sisters.”
Helen was preceded in death by her husband Ray in 1980, her son-in-law Ralph Groth in 2018 and a dear friend Vernon Brandt. She is survived by her children, Jane Groth, Lila Smith & Paul, Connie Lunn & James and Barbara Gomez brother Gene Harrington sister Judy Johnson Kinsey, 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Visitation will be 9-10:30 a.m. with funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Thursday September 23, 2021, at the Sun City Church of the Nazarene, 14636 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ. She will be laid to rest at West Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale, AZ.
Sandra B. Hill was born Sandra N. Brown in Marion, Kentucky on September 8, 1938 to Rex and Catherine Brown.
She went to be with the Lord on September 14, 2021, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Sandy, as she was known by her family and friends, enjoyed growing up in rural Marion. Soon after she was graduated from Marion High School, she married Reginald Hill, also of Marion. She moved to Paducah, KY and worked for Southern Bell Telephone company. Shortly thereafter, Sandy, Reginald and their three sons moved to Gary, Indiana. In 1972, Sandy and her young family moved to Arizona where she worked in the banking industry until her retirement in 2000.
Sandy enjoyed the company of her loving extended family and numerous friends. She took delight in Crown King, Flagstaff, The Phoenix Suns, The Arizona Cardinals, all board games and Bunco. Sandy’s love of the Lord is an example for everyone and was profound. Sandy was grateful to do the Lord’s work through the many charitable organizations of her church, Bellevue Heights Baptist Church, Sun City, Arizona. She loved her church and faithfully served in many of its ministries.
The absolute pride and joy of Sandy’s life was her three “Boys.” She took great pleasure talking about her sons’ advances and successes. Along with her sons, Sandy was blessed with 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
She is survived by her sons, Anthony Hill (Marion, KY) and Glenn Hill (Marion, KY) and Mark Hill (Phoenix, AZ); 4 of her 5 grandchildren; a sister Shirley A. Martin of Coraopolis, PA and a brother William Wayne Brown (Yvonne) of Portland, OR; and many nieces and nephews.
Sandy is preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Catherine Brown; a granddaughter, Brylee Hill; two brothers, John Robert Brown and Walton Brown; and by a sister, Bettie (Brown) Fuller.
A private family service was held at Menke Funeral Home (Sun City, AZ) on September 17th 2021. The public memorial service for Sandy will be held at Bellevue Baptist Church (Sun City, AZ) at a date and time to be announced. Expressions of sympathy may be made through donations to Rainbow Acres Camp and The Hart Pantry (www.hartpantry.org). Donations to Rainbow Acres may be made through the Bellevue Heights Baptist Church.
“I have fought a good fight; I have finished the course. I have kept the faith!”
Louis A. Hornback, Jr. was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 7, 2021, after a short illness. Louis was born on March 14, 1953, to the late Louis A. Hornback Sr. and Juanita Hornback in Princess Anne County, VA. He was the older of two siblings. Louis graduated from Deep Creek High School in 1971. He was one of the first African Americans to integrate Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, Va. Through his tireless and dedicated work, he was inducted as member of the National Honor Society, Scholastic Team, Debate Team and voted most likely to succeed. After his graduation, Louis attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute for a few years before joining the US Navy in 1975. Louis worked as a Nuclear Engineer while in the Navy and spent years on the USS Enterprise and the USS Samuel Gompers exploring the world. Following the Navy, Louis was employed at Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant and was a loyal employee for over 26 years. After retirement Louis returned to work for PG&E Humboldt Bay from 2009-2014.
Louis was a God-fearing man with Christ at the center of his life. His family joined Sunrise Mountain Baptist Church, now The Way Fellowship Church, in Peoria, AZ, back in 1992. There, Louis was ordained as a Deacon and served as a beloved Sunday School Teacher. Over the years, Louis took on several additional roles in service to the Lord, his church, and his community.
While in the Navy, Louis traveled to Fiji where he met Laura and in 1984, on Valentine’s Day in a small court ceremony, he married his soulmate. Louis and Laura were married for 40 years and from this union they were blessed with 6 children. Louis was a fun loving father and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Louis spoke softly and made his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren feel special. One of his childhood hobbies was building model airplanes which he shared with his children. Louis loved working with the elderly and making sure they had the proper care. He was a kind gentle hearted man, with a humble spirit and a loving man of God. When he laughed, the world seemed to light up with joy and when he talked his hands seemed to form words and speak with him. If you knew Louis, you knew he was a die-hard Arizona Cardinals fan and season ticket holder since 1993 even following his team to London to watch them play the L.A. Rams. Louis enjoyed life to the fullest and was always ready for a new adventure. He loved to travel the world with Laura and enjoyed spending time with his Fijian and Virginia family. Louis will be especially remembered for his endless devotion to God, his children, wife, and family.
Louis was predeceased in death by his father, Louis A. Hornback Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Laura Hornback, 4 daughters, Irene Legarda (Beto) Janice Snodgrass (Mitchell) Talei and Tiffany Hornback, 2 sons; Rodney and Robert Hornback, his mother Juanita Hornback McAllister (David) his sister Anita Holley (Michael), niece Michelle (James), nephews Michael (Laurie) and Mondre; 13 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren and a host of Aunts, cousins, and Fijian family.
Jeanne Brubaker, 98, of Sun City, Arizona, passed away on September 7, 2021, at home. She had been a patient at Banner hospital in early August after breaking her hip. Her niece Barb Dallara from Philadelphia was by her side.
Jeanne was born in Latrobe, PA to Joseph Clark Mickey and Hattie May Weimer. She grew up in Western Pennsylvania. She attended Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio and graduated with a degree in teaching. She taught Spanish in the Avonworth School District, near Pittsburgh, PA, for many years. She was a dedicated teacher and an avid sports fan.
She met her husband, Ray, “Bru”, while at Otterbein College. They got married on Dec. 20, 1942 in Joplin, MO while Bru was serving in the Army. They settled in Crafton, PA in 1945 and started a family. After moving to Avalon, PA, Jeanne got a job teaching Spanish at Avonworth until she retired in 1985.
Jeanne and Bru loved family get togethers at holidays and special occasions. They vacationed at the shore in Seaside Heights, NJ for many years joining her sisters and their families. They had a love for travel and saw most of the United States along with several countries overseas. Sunday car rides were also a family tradition when the children were younger. Jeanne took up golf later in life and had fun playing with family and friends on some of their trips. She and Bru joined the Lakes Club in Sun City where they made many friends and joined their golf group. Jeanne volunteered for more than 30 years at Boswell Hospital as a telephone reassurance operator and waiting room hostess.
Jeanne was predeceased by her husband, Bru, in 2008, a son, Rick, in 1976, and her brothers and sisters: Ethel, Florence, George, Sara Mae, Joseph Clark Jr, Enid, Gladys, Walter and Wesley. She is survived by her son Jim (Linda), Chazy, NY and their sons: Brian (Alece), Milroy, PA, Matt (Heather), Syracuse, NY and great grandchildren, Siri and Will, Syracuse, NY. Many nieces and nephews have been a large part of Jeanne’s life and have many wonderful memories of her to cherish.
In accordance with Jeanne’s wishes, she will be cremated and memorial services will be held at a later date in Sun City and Pittsburgh at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made to Sunshine Service Inc., 9980 W. Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, AZ 85351.
Curtis was born in Ovalo, Texas, on August 14, 1921, to Curtis and Jewell Hancock. He graduated from Stanton High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served in World War II. During the War, he traveled through Egypt, North Africa, Italy, France, Tripoli, and he was part of 5 invasions and 10 campaigns.
After returning from the War, he married Josephine (Dody) Houston in 1945. They moved to Lubbock where he attended Texas Tech, graduating as a petroleum geologist. While living in Lubbock, daughter Margie was born.
After graduation he returned to the old fields in Midland, Texas, where son Bill was born. He worked in the oil industry until retirement in 1986 primarily out of the Denver, Colorado area. After retirement, he and Dody became snowbirds, wintering in Peoria, Arizona.
Curtis enjoyed golfing, traveling in his motorhome, fishing, hunting, and flying his plane.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dody, his sister Annie Merrill, and his brother, Andrew Hancock.
He is survived by his two children Margie and William, 5 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 5 step-great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
Curtis Hancock passed away at age 100 at Banner Boswell Hospital in Sun City, Arizona on September 7, 2021.
Connie Jean (Maurer) Wert died peacefully on September 6, 2021, in her home at Freedom Plaza in Peoria, Arizona. Connie was born in Toledo, Ohio on February 1, 1933, to Helen and Hank Maurer. She is survived by her brother Jerry Maurer and two children, daughter Roxanne (Jeff) Buchholz and son Randy Wert and her three grandchildren Christopher Lemle, Justin Wert and Kyle Buchholz. She was preceded in death by her husband Glenn Wert, her sister Judy Hartman and parents Helen and Hank Maurer.
She was married to Glenn Wert on January 17, 1953, in Toledo, Ohio. In addition to their home in Toledo in 1980 they built a lake home in Reading, Michigan. Eventually they spent summers at the lake house and winters in Naples, Florida. In 1994 they relocated to Sun City, Arizona.
Connie was the editor of the 1951 First Lady yearbook from Whitney Vocational High School. She could crochet or knit anything, she sewed matching outfits for the family at Easter, and Barbie and Ken clothes from left over material. She was an awesome party planner and hosted backyard ice skating parties, neighborhood pool parties and always invited anyone that did not have a place to go for holiday parties to join our family. Talented in so many things, she drew up the floor plans for their homes in Toledo and Hillsdale, incorporated physicians into private practice, decorated for every season, painted murals on the wall, made foil dinners on the grill and homemade ice cream, and even made her own birthday and holiday greeting cards!
After retirement, Connie and Glenn traveled the world for over 30 years. They were very involved with church activities at Epiphany Lutheran. In addition, they were avid collectors of glass, candlewick, and pottery for years. They were active in the Camera Guild of Sun City, the National Imperial Glass Collectors Society and the Greater Phoenix Candlewick and Imperial Glass Enthusiast’s along with many other organizations.
After Glenn’s passing Connie reconnected with an old friend Dave Deppen, they traveled the world together for another ten years. Mom was ready to go home and be with Jesus and all those that preceded her. Connie requested that no service be held. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Hospice of the West, 21410 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027.
Betty Faye Pine passed away peacefully on September 3, 2021 at the age of 97.
Born on April 9th, 1924 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Betty was the kind-hearted, sassy, and gentle second child of Harold and Isabel Harvey. Her father was a songwriter and oil man, and her mother, a homemaker.
When asked about her childhood memories in her later years, Betty was reminded of how she loved her mother’s chocolate cake. Betty loved anything chocolate. She also talked about the warm Arizona winds and how they reminded her of the sandstorms in Tulsa, where the sand would sting her legs as she walked home from school.
In high school, Betty and her mother moved to Oklahoma City to live with Isabel’s mother, Grandma Garman. While Grandma Garman was rigid and strict, she was also quite the card player, teaching Betty and her mother to have a lifelong love of the game of Bridge, though she never let them win.
When Betty was 19, she met and fell in love with James L. Brown. They married and made the move to New Mexico, eventually landing in Farmington. Soon came “The Brown Kids,” Leslie, David, Mark, and Teresa, filling the house with laughter, joy, and the occasional rock through a window (DAVID!).
After Betty and Jim divorced, Betty spent some time in Littleton, Colorado, working as a secretary before returning to Farmington, where she met Wilton D. Pine, a city clerk and father to three lovely daughters, Pat, JoAnn, and Betty Jean.
Betty and Wilton had a whirlwind romance and in 1970, three weeks after they began dating, they were married. Wilton was known for his calm presence, a warm heart, his ability to sleep ANYWHERE, and for being a shrewd investor. He loved Betty and made sure she would want for nothing. Wilton was often heard saying, “That’s a good deal,” and the good deals he invested in took care of them for the rest of their lives.
Betty and Wilton loved to travel, touring the country in their RV or taking cruises to see the glaciers in Alaska. Even after Wilton passed, Betty continued traveling with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
After all of their travels and snowbirding, Betty and Wilton settled in Peoria, Arizona, spending the rest of their lives in the Arizona sunshine. Recently, when Betty was asked what her favorite record was, she wrote, “I wish I was in Peoria,” and remarked, “Now I’m here!”
Betty was known for her wit, dry sense of humor, and her generosity. She was always thinking of others, and often went out of her way to care for those who needed a helping hand. Betty was famous for making you stop the car to give money to the less fortunate. Everyone who knew Betty had a unique story about how she helped them or others.
Betty was also a prolific artist, creating crocheted dish towels, yarnwork, vases, greeting cards, calligraphy, and paintings, many of which are displayed in the homes of her family and friends.
When she wasn’t working on her arts and crafts, Betty was a regular at Bingo nights, an avid dominoes player (she taught many of her grandchildren to play, but never let them win), was always working on a puzzle, and played quite a few hands of cards. She enjoyed the quality time spent with her family and friends over these (mostly) friendly games and activities.
Betty is survived by her children, Leslie, David, Mark, Teresa and their families; her stepchildren Pat, JoAnn, and Betty Jean and their families. Her final days were spent thinking about her beloved family. She kept trying to leave the care center in an attempt to get back to her children, no doubt thinking David and Mark were up to something again.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held later this fall.
Richard died suddenly on September 2, 2021 after celebrating his 90th birthday a month earlier.
“Dick” was thoughtful, loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He dedicated his life to serving others wherever he happened to be throughout his personal and professional life. Dick appreciated each individual for who they were and felt privileged to share his gifts and experience with others. He enjoyed working alongside others for the common good including mentoring many professionally and through leadership roles within his church and a variety of community service organizations across his lifetime.
Richard was born in Buffalo, New York, July 29 1931 to Arthur Frederick John Herrmann and Ella Louise Bauman. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia, a daughter and four sons, their partners, children and grandchildren.
Richard was a graduate of Ithaca College in physiotherapy and attained an MBA in hospital administration from Cornell Graduate School of Business. Dick was employed as an administrator successively by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center of New York City, St. Vincent’s Hospital of Richmond (Staten Island, N.Y.), and Mercy Medical Center of Rockville Center, NY. In his role as a hospital administrator Dick was appointed to a number of New York State and National Advisory Boards and leadership councils including the American Hospital Association, the New York State Catholic Healthcare Council and two Governor’s Hospital Review and Planning Councils. He retired in 1993 and lived in Staunton, VA prior to moving to Sun City, AZ twenty years ago. Dick also became involved at the volunteer level in the western Minnesota where he and Pat summered at the family lake house following his retirement.
Dick’s volunteer activities were numerous and he frequently accepted leadership roles within the organizations he joined, sharing his approachable personality, calm manner and many talents freely with groups including Boy Scouts of America, YMCA, Wagner College (Staten Island), Church Councils of ELCA of the Lutheran Church, local School Boards, Mid town Hospital Chaplaincy Program, several Hospice organizations, Lions, Western Minnesota Steam Threshers, West Valley Lutheran Thrift Store and most recently Board Chairman of Royal Oaks Continuing Care Community.
The family appreciates the many kind messages of sympathy and support we have received from those who knew and loved Dick. A Celebration of Life for Dick will be scheduled and announced at a later date.
Charlotte Louise (McFall) Mallon, age 104, of Sun City, died at home August 29, 2021.
Charlotte was born on May 14, 1917 in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the eldest of three daughters of Charles William McFall and Lila Mae Colwell.
When she was six, they moved to a farm in Kent County, Michigan, where she graduated in 1934 from Byron Center High School, and in 1938 from Blodgett Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
While working as a nurse in Detroit, she resigned December 7, 1941 to enter the Army Nurse Corps, February 2,1942. She served in the Pacific Theater until her separation of service February 1, 1946. She was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Air Transport Command Presidential Unit Citation.
She married Edward J. Mallon of New York City and officer in the United States Merchant Marine in Mobile, Alabama, July 14, 1946. They settled in Edison, New Jersey and raised their five sons. After Captain Mallon's death in February, 1984, Charlotte moved to Washington State, then to Sun City, Arizona in 1986, where she was residing at the time of her death.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two sisters. She is survived by her sons Michael (Christine) of Washington State, John of Virginia, Kevin of California, Edward (Joan) of Colorado, and Timothy of California, two grandchildren and their spouses, three great-grandchildren and seven nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be September 8 from 10-12 at Menke Funeral Home, Sun City, interment will be at 1 PM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona and a memorial service September 9 at 1 PM at All Saints of the Desert Episcopal Church, Sun City.
Wayne L. Preston passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 29, 2021, in Phoenix Arizona at the Mayo Clinic.
Wayne was born to Howard and Virginia Preston in Waltham, MA in November 1941. They moved to San Francisco, CA so his father could work as a welding apprentice. Even at a young age, Wayne had memories of bomber planes flying past the apartment homes they lived in at the time. In 1945, his father was drafted and his family moved to Maine to live with his grandmother and grandfather while his father served in WWII. When his father returned, they settled on a farm in North Monmouth, Maine. Wayne and his siblings grew up raising chickens and farming. On his 18th birthday he drove to Augusta, ME, registered for the draft and joined the U.S. Army. Wayne served honorably as a Military Policeman from 1960 – 1963.
Wayne began his career in the U.S. Border Patrol in Rio Grande City, TX in April of 1965. In September of that same year, he met Rosa Maria Hernandez. When recalling the meeting, he described her as the most beautiful girl he had ever met. Rosa would make Wayne the happiest man alive by becoming his wife in May of 1966.
Wayne’s career in the U.S. Border Patrol spanned over 29 years. His distinguished career took him and his family from the Southern Border, to the Northern Border and back again. He reached the pinnacle of his career in 1984 when he was promoted to Chief Patrol Agent of the Swanton, VT sector at only 42 years old. In 1990, looking to retire in a warmer climate, they returned to Yuma, AZ where Wayne served as Chief Patrol Agent until his retirement in 1994 at 52 years old. In total, Wayne’s exemplary career of government service and military service spanned over 32 years.
In retirement, Wayne and Rosa loved to hike and travel and just spend time together. Their most favorite thing to do was to celebrate and visit their kids and grandkids. They traveled all over the country and attended countless grandkids activities, games, graduations and awards ceremonies. When they were needed, they were there. No question, they just did for others without asking for anything in return. They spent a majority of their retirement in Puyallup WA and eventually settled in Goodyear, AZ to be near family.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife Rosa. In their 27 years of retirement, Wayne and Rosa never spent a day apart. They did everything together and loved each other deeply. He is also survived by their children Wayne (Rocky), Bill (Janalyn) and Cathy (Dan). Their grandkids, Briahna, Dallas, Mya, Landis, Megan and McKenzi, as well as his siblings Sandra, Dennis and Debbie. He is predeceased by his mother Virginia and father Howard.
Wayne will be fondly remembered by his family as the most loving husband. “My rock” as his wife Rosa would say. He was the biggest supporter and most proud of his children and grandchildren. He was such a gentle man, with a beautiful genuine laugh, who loved NFL and College Football, to read, go to Starbucks, look at new cars, listen to old country music and rock and roll. He was a man of few words, but when he had something to say, most people benefited when they listened. He was humble to the core. An incredible leader and a great man. But what he is known for most of all by those who knew him best, is how much he loved to love his family.
Visitation is Friday, September 17 at 1:00 p.m. at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351 followed by the memorial service at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made in memory of Wayne L. Preston to Mayo Clinic for medical research. Donations can be made online at: https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donatemc and complete the online form.
- Under “Designate my gift to...”, please select “Medical Research” from the provided list.
- Under “Gift Options” please select “Make this donation a tribute” and indicate the gift is in memory of Wayne L. Preston.
Eva Lee Smith, age 74, went to be with our Lord on August 28, 2021. This woman of faith loved her family, loved taking care of people, and loved cooking. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, MacArthur; daughters Michelle Rogers, Evelyn Smith, Denise (Al) Stevenson, Tina Smith, and Kimberly Deller; sons MacArthur Smith, Jr. and Anthony Smith; sisters Lela Amstead and WillyLee Govan; 24 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren.
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OUR LOCATION
Menke Funeral & Cremation Center
12420 N 103rd Ave.
Sun City, AZ 85351
Phone: (623) 979-6451