Obituaries

Harmon Stafford Meeker, Jr. passed away Monday, August 14, 2023 surrounded by his family in Peoria, Arizona. Born in 1930 in New Jersey, he was the son of the late Harmon and Katherine Meeker.  Harmon was a January 1948 graduate of Irvington High School. Immediately after high school he began working at Prudential where he met the love of his life, Dora. That fall, he attended Rutgers College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. At Rutgers, Harmon played football and was a proud member and President of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity.  Upon graduation he married his sweetheart Dora and the two of them embarked on a two year adventure to Newport, Rhode Island where he served active duty in the Navy. After the Navy, Harmon went back to Prudential where he remained until his retirement. Harmon retired as Vice President for Prudential’s Property and Casualty (PRUPAC) division located in Holmdel, New Jersey.  Harmon proudly served his country both as an active duty and reserve Naval Officer, holding the rank of Captain, for twenty years. He proudly served on the USS Kirkpatrick DER 318 as a navigation and gunnery officer and was the official "Captain" of the annual Kirkpatrick Reunions. He was invited and attended an Honor Flight in Washington, D.C. in 2017. Harmon was a proud alumnus of Rutgers University holding season tickets for Rutgers Football for many years and raising tens of thousands of dollars in contributions for the University. He proudly walked in the reunion parades every five years. After retiring, Harmon and Dora moved from New Jersey to the retirement community of Westbrook Village in Peoria, Arizona where they lived for the past 31 years. They met many new friends and were part of many different clubs and activities, including Harmon's beloved golf. They were season ticket holders to the Arizona Cardinals and attended the Super Bowl to watch the Cardinals play. Harmon lived life to the fullest and was especially proud of his six children. Ever the adventurer he took his family of eight on a cross country trip from New Jersey to California in a pop-up camper as well as a three week trip to Europe. Harmon and Dora were always ready for a trip and especially enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Their travels brought them to all 50 states and over 50 countries. His legacy of travel has been passed on to his children and grandchildren. Harmon was very active in St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Sun City and was a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. Harmon is survived by the love of his life and his wife of 71 years Dora Meeker, his daughter Kathleen, sons Richard and his wife Theresa, James and his wife Loretta, John and his wife Pam, daughter Nancy and daughter Jeanne and her husband Bob, grandchildren Angela, Natalie, Jesse, Haley, Jenna, Jacob, Lora and Nathan, and great grandchildren, Gavin, Kevin, Raiden, Brynne, Nina and Naomi. In lieu of flowers donations in Harmon’s memory may be made to: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.

Robert Lewis Lee was 76 years old; he passed away on Aug 12th, 2023. He was born in Greenville, Mississippi. He was the oldest of 5 brothers. Robert lee joined the army June 11th, 1965, and retired after 20 years on August 31,1985. He did a tour of duty in Vietnam where he received the purple heart for his valor in service. He worked as a computer operator after he retired from the military. Robert was proceeded in death by his second wife Anna Sybille Lee who he was married to for 20 years. He enjoyed Motown music and taking strolls. He was an avid bingo player and loved poker, he enjoyed going to casinos and playing his slots. Robert enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is known as their old guy and they loved him so much. Robert is survived by his son Ronnie Lee and daughter Renee Hernandez. He has 4 grandchildren Tatyana Hernandez, Elizabeth Hernandez, Brianna Lee and Devon Lee. He also has 4 great grandchildren Annalina, Bella, Noah and Sunniva. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Beloved Son, Brother, Father, and Old guy. We will always hold you in our hearts. 

Althea (Thea) Rautenberg Smith passed away peacefully on August 8, 2023 after a full and joyous life. Born in Elmhurst, Illinois to Ernest and Althea (Kimberly) Rautenberg on January 1, 1932, she was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.She graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, where she met her husband, Earl R. Smith. Thea attended DePauw University and then transferred to the University of Illinois so she could be with Earl. She joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and was a lifelong member, as well as being a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society (the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society).Earl and Thea were married on November 29, 1952 in Elmhurst, Illinois and celebrated their 70th anniversary last year. Earl worked for The Dow Chemical Company and his job took them to Midland (MI), The Netherlands, Texas, Chile, Brazil and California. While moving around, Thea was able to be a member of many different groups. She was a P.E.O. Sister for 57 years and was also a member of organizations such as the Contemporary Review Club in Midland, the Pebble Creek Art Club, Midland Symphony, Pebble Creek Kare Bears, and many other prestigious groups.She was a lifelong volunteer in schools in order to pass on her love of learning and endowed a scholarship for young women attending college. Thea was a fervent patron of the Arts, but also enjoyed Sports, especially baseball and golf. She became a die-hard fan of whichever MLB team was closest to where she lived. Thea had an eye for color and was a great interior designer. Later in life, she became an accomplished water color painter and, especially, loved painting flowers.Earl and Thea retired in Arizona, where she played golf, painted and went to exercise classes (up until the day before her passing). Thea was a breast cancer survivor, an avid reader and had a strong Christian faith.Survivors include her beloved husband, Earl, of Goodyear, AZ; a son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Beth Smith of South Carolina; and a daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Kurt Faust of Michigan.  She has five grandchildren: Ashley Smith of Missouri; Christian Smith of South Carolina; Daniel (Chessie) Smith of Kentucky; Alex (Ally) Faust of Michigan; and Andrea (Alex) DeVries of Michigan. In addition, she has three great-grandchildren: Mac & Cam Faust; Evelyn DeVries and her brother due at the end of August.She was predeceased by her parents, two sisters and their husbands Peggy (Ray)Speth and Lois (Willard) Matheson, as well as her mother-in-law, father-in-law and brother-in-law Robert Smith.Details for a Service in memory of Thea will be forthcoming.Donations in Thea’s memory can be sent to:P.E.O. Chapter ETIn Honor of Thea Smith3025 N. 160th AveGoodyear, AZ. 85395

Carl Scott Weare, 58, of Peoria, Arizona, peacefully passed away Monday afternoon, August 7, 2023, while holding the hand of Joanne Weare, his wife of 34 years, due to an unexpected medical emergency. Carl was born June 5, 1965, in Dayton, Ohio. He was the son of the late Harold B. Weare and Mary Ruth (Howard) Weare. He graduated from John H. Patterson Co-Op High School where he studied machine trades. He was a machinist for over 30 years; Carl spent 20 years employed at Triumph Manufacturing until it closed its doors, and most recently spent the last 3 at Corning Advanced Optics.Carl was an all-around nice guy with a huge heart and a sensitive soul. He was genuinelyselfless and would give his last dollar to help someone. Carl’s life was aliving example of hard work and diligence. He was dedicated and determined toprovide for his family and give them the life they deserved. When Carl wasn’tworking, he enjoyed going on vacations and spending time with his family. Healso liked to watch television shows and movies, especially Survivor, HarryPotter and the Rocky series. Carl also loved watching football and passionatelyrooted for the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Dallas Cowboys. Carl’s family was the most important thing in his life, something he proudly and oftenmentioned. He met his wife, Joanne, 37 years ago, and they were married threeyears later. He always referred to her as the love of his life and soulmate.Carl was a strong, kind, loving, generous, and supportive father to hischildren; Danielle, Joshua, Brandon and Christopher (Kayla) Weare. Hisknowledge and guidance was the foundation of his family. He was the most lovingfather and husband a family could ask for, however, the role he loved most wasPapaw to his seven grandchildren; Lilah Weare, Bishop Weare, Dallas Weare,Kolin Jeffries, Kloie Jeffries, Konner Jeffries, and Kalvin Weare. They werehis joy, and he was fiercely protective over them. Carl is survived by his loving wife, children and grandchildren, as well as his sistersRegina (Dave) Farra, Mary Chambers, Sharon (Rodney) Travis, and brothers JohnHarris, Mike (Jessie) Harris, and Harold (Deborah) Weare; and many lovingaunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents andbrother, John Weare. Memorial services for Carl Weare will be held at 12:00 PM,Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the Menke Funeral & Cremation Center locatedat 12420 N. 103rd Ave. Sun City, Arizona 85351. Friends may visit with thefamily that Saturday from 10:00 until 12:00 PM.

At this time there is no obituary available.

Private family arrangements were made.

Private family arrangements have been made. No obituary available.

Grigore “Greg” Lenghel, 60, died due to Pancreatic Cancer 28 July 2023 at home. He was born 28 July 1963, in Tarna Mare, Romania, the son of Grigore Lenghel and Ileana (Molnar) Lenghel.Greg graduated from Industrial High School 6, class of 1984 in Tarna Mare, Romania. Following his graduation, he served within the Romanian Land Forces stationed at Craiova, Romania from 1984 to 1986. After his service, he married his wife Olga (Veres) Lenghel and had a daughter Livia Lenghel. Later he and family immigrated to the United States of America. Olga and Greg celebrated 38 years of marriage on 28 March 2023. Greg worked hard and started a successful trucking business “Greg Lenghel Trucking.”Greg is survived by his brothers Iona and Vasile Lenghel, his sisters Anura, Irina and Lenuta Lenghel, his wife Olga Lenghel, daughter Livia (Lenghel) Brown, son-in-law Scott E. Brown II, and grandson Charles Greg-Scott Brown. Additionally, he is survived by many nieces and nephews.A service of remembrance will be held 3 August 2023 at 5:00 p.m. with visitation 4-7 p.m. at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351. Funeral services will be on 4 August 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Romanian Orthodox Church, 3749 W. Behrend Dr., Glendale, AZ 85308. 

Sunni Jean Wasden (6 years old) passed away on July 28th, 2023. Sunni is a bright and beautiful light in so many people’s lives. She had such a loving and nurturing spirit that she shared with everyone she met. She was fearless and always took on whatever came her way.  Sunni is survived by her parents, Camille and Blake Wasden, and her brothers, Tucker and Dieter. Her memorial service will be at 10:30am Saturday, August 5th, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 22034 N 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ 85382.

Private family arrangements have been made.

Michael passed away peacefully on July 19, 2023 after a lengthy illness, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Lowell, MA to Armand E. and Aline C. (Lussier) LaRoche on October 11, 1959, the oldest of 5 children. Michael grew up in Hudson, NH and was an avid sports fan, spending his youth and young adult life playing every sport imaginable. His all-time favorite was baseball. Living in New England, he developed a love for all Boston teams, his favorite being the beloved Boston Red Sox. He enjoyed classic rock music of the 70’s and 80’s and playing video games about sports, of course. Michael was the funniest, wittiest person in the family. He always had a one liner, a joke to tell or a very creative nickname to call you. It gave him great pleasure to make you laugh. He was very family oriented. He loved holidays, especially Christmas so he could buy gifts for the whole family. As a young man, Michael worked for his father Armand in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Together they worked in the construction field, hanging drywall until his “bad feet” would no longer allow him to continue in the field. He then moved to the Phoenix, AZ area along with many members of his family where he worked as a security guard for many years until he became disabled. Michael is preceded in death by his father Armand LaRoche. He is survived by his mother Aline (Lussier) LaRoche, his brother Chris LaRoche, his sisters Kathleen Tousignant, Lynn Hope and Kimberly Alling and brother in law, Greg Hope, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. May he rest in peace. A Catholic mass will be held July 28, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., St Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, Sun City, AZ. Funeral arrangements by Menke Funeral and Cremation, Sun City, AZ. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the MS Society or the Diabetes Foundation is appreciated.

Francisco Velasco Vilar April 28, 1943 – July 18, 2023. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Francisco Velasco Vilar, who peacefully left us on July 18, 2023. He was 80 years old.Frank was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and dear friend. He brought joy and laughter into the lives of those around him and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.Throughout his life, Frank was known as hard working, family oriented, fun, always smiling and full of laughter. He was a chemical engineer by trade, but truly a jack-of-all-trades. He had a generous heart, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, and he always made those around him feel included, like part of the family. His impact on the lives of those who knew him best will be remembered for years to come.Frank leaves behind his wife Aida, daughters Stephanie, Marissa (Steve), and Yvonne (Greg), grandchildren Marina, Darin (Josh), Sage, and Shepherd, great grandchildren Alina and Kane, brothers Ruperto Jr. and Ed, and sister Teresita. A memorial service will be held to celebrate the life of Frank on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 6-8pm at Menke Funeral Home, 12420 N 103rd Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351. A mass will be held the following morning at 10am, at St. Charles Borromeo in Peoria, AZ. Family, friends, and acquaintances are welcome to attend and pay their respects.We invite you to share your memories, condolences, and stories of Frank in the comments below. Your words will serve as a source of comfort and support during this difficult time.May Frank rest in peace, knowing he was loved, honored and cherished.

Emil Reheis, 90 passed away July 17, 2023. He was born December 27, 1932 to Edwin and Florence Reheis. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Mary, daughter Nancy Hartz of Glendale, AZ, Diane Frech of Baldwin, IL, sons Michael Reheis of Glendale, AZ and Neal Reheis (Tracey) of Peoria AZ. Also three grandchildren Devin Frech, Brianna (Chancey) Wages and Zachary Reheis. Emil served in the Korean War. He was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Florence Reheis, his sister Marie Eckart, brother in-law Ervin Eckart and his son in-law Robbie Frech. Interment at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, AZ

Judy Mae Farley,79, of Sun City Arizona, peacefully passed away on July 16, 2023 at her home. She was surrounded by family.  Celebration of Life will be held Menke Funeral Home, 12420 North 103rd Ave, Sun City Az on August 25, at 11:00 am. Casey Kuhlman (Grandson) will be officiating.  Judy was born in Bishop California to William and Geraldine Steen on December 29, 1943. Judy is preceded in death by her husband Marion Robert Farley of 43 years and son Richard Jack Farley.  Judy is survived by her six children; Debbie Terhar (Ed), Becky Vance (Rob), Dorine Kohel (Mike), Duane Goodenow (Melody), David Farley and Donna Stolz Johnson (Craig). 14 Grandchildren 26 Great Grandchildren, 1 Brother James Steen (Nora) and 1 Sister Carol Reisdorph. (Ron). Clift Johnson, lifelong friend. The family would like to extend a loving THANK YOU to Bridges Home Health Hospice. Family would also like to extend a heart felt thank you to her Nephew, Billy Steen, for his loving 24 hour care which allowed her to stay at home, as was her wish.  Condolences may be left in Judy’s online guestbook at www.menkefuneralhome.com.