In memoriam: Funeral notices, March 5, 2023

Hershel was born and raised in Bloomfield, Iowa in 1931, the son of Haden and Eula Craig and passed away March 1, 2023. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea and upon discharge he attended and graduated from Iowa State Teachers College.      After teaching 6th grade in Waverly, Iowa for 3 years, he and his family moved to West Germany where Hershel taught in the U.S. Army Dependent Schools in Frankfurt and Bad Tölz until 1965.  The family then moved to Tucson where he taught in the Amphitheater School District.  He earned his Masters Degree in Education from the University of Arizona.       After his retirement from teaching in the classroom, he transported special education students in the Catalina School District, biking from home to work and logging over 100,000 miles on the Rillito bike path. Altogether, he spent over 60 years in the field of education.       Hershel was married to LaVonne Spurgeon Craig for 25 years until her death.  He was also predeceased by 4 brothers and 1 sister.       He was blessed with a wonderful marriage for 44 years to Betty Mittendorf Craig.       In addition to Betty, he is survived by his son Curt (Michelle), daughter Cathy (Dave), grandsons Dan Crockett (Stephanie), Matt Crockett (Lindsey), granddaughter Cara Goff (Casey), grandsons Loris and Quinn Craig, and great-grandchildren Connor and Cambri Goff, Wesley and August Crockett, and Zoe Crockett.       He is also survived by sisters Peg Mittendorf, Marilyn Seeman, Margaret Fox, and Marquetta Kinnamon.      In addition to his love of skiing, he wants to be remembered for riding in two Tour de Tucson bicycle events, his enjoyment of being Plastic Santa, and the one who "took care of the stuff."     He requests no flowers but suggests remembrances to Interfaith Community Services, Community Gardens of Tucson, Autism Society of Greater Tucson, Lugo Charities - Bike in a Box, or a charity of choice. At Hershel's request there will be no services. The family will join together in a celebration of joy for the life he lived.

1/24/1947-2/23/2023.  Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Major Frank Joseph Gabrhel and Elizabeth Spaar Gabrhel. After the death of his father, the Gabrhels moved to Tucson in 1963. Bill attended Palo Verde HS & the University of Arizona before moving to Houston in 1972 to attend the Texas Heart Institute School of Perfusion Technology. Returning to Tucson, he was one of only three perfusionists in the city.  As pioneers in operative perfusion in the region, Bill, Billy Applegate & Dr. Adib Sabbagh started the Tucson Heart Institute School of Perfusion Technology from around 1980 to 1987, graduated 32 successful perfusionists, some of whom worked in Tucson and across the country. In 1986 Bill & partner Billy founded Palo Verde Perfusion & Southwest Medical Supply.  Bill Gabrhel was a Centurion and member of the West Point Parents Association.  He was preceded in death by his son, Alexander Joseph Gabrhel, and his parents. He is survived by Yolanda, his wife of 52 years, his son, Lt Col Michael R. Gabrhel (Terez) & daughter Jillian N. Gabrhel, RN.  Also grieving his loss are sister Kristine Falkenhagen, granddaughters Addison, Senna, Elizabeth & Alexandria Gabrhel, as well as many immediate & extended family members & friends.  A kind gentle soul and a lifelong prankster, he was beloved by everyone he knew. Memorial Mass to be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1300 N. Greasewood Rd, Tucson 85745 on Friday 3/17/2023 at 1000 am.  Reception to follow in the church hall.   In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alex Gabrhel Endowed Scholarship Fund at Salpointe Catholic High School, 1545 E. Copper St. Tucson, AZ 85719  www.salpointe.org Arrangements by Desert Rose Heather Cremation and Burial. 

Judy Kershner of Tucson, Arizona entered heaven on Saturday Feb. 25, 2023.  She was born on Jan 27, 1936 to John and Helen Angier of Framingham, Mass. She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Paul; children, Mark (Karen, spouse), Lynn Dyer (Jim, spouse), Steven (Michelle, spouse), and Matthew (Karen, spouse); grandchildren, Katelyn, Olivia, Kyle, Adeline, Ryan, Alexa, Jenna, Kara, and great-granddaughter, Mikayla Jones. She is also survived by sister, Linda Piccinini and brother, John Angier.  Judy was surrounded by family in her beloved home of 64 years when she passed away. Judy is now reunited with her son Paul Jr and grandson Samuel.  Her passion in life was being ‘Mom' and ‘Grammy.' Judy and her family spent summers at their cabin in Pinetop, and enjoyed road trips and camping adventures across America. Family dinners were symbolic of Judy's love for her family. Judy attended McGill University in Montreal, Canada and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority before marrying Paul and moving to Arizona. Judy enjoyed playing bridge, tending to her plants, and reading novels.  She especially enjoyed knitting and crocheting for her family.  Judy's generosity and sense of humor was beyond measure. The Kershner family is forever grateful to the wonderful caregivers who provided Judy with support, comfort, and love the last 5 years years of her life. We love you Mom!

Our beloved Caroline passed peacefully, painlessly and surrounded with love Thursday March 2, 2023 at the age of 61. She is proceeded in death by parents Joseph & Esther Davila, siblings Cathy Martinez, Daniel Davila, Carlos Davila, nephews Saul Gonzales, Steven Kriesen and Christopher Martinez. Survived by Husband Robert Kriesen, children Michael and Julianna, siblings Joseph (Debbie) Davila, Cynthia Gonzales, Bridget (Jesus) Castro and Marcella Davila, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Caroline was a Letter Carrier with USPS for 39 years, a sports enthusiast since conception, graduate of Cholla High '79, a true friend and "Mom" to countless house-guests that never left her heart. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh, ebullient spirit, her quick release "center" finger and most of all her thirst for having a good time. Just remember to "Look at the Sunset", BearDown & always "T-It Up" for Caroline. We love your Show Babe. Visitation Thursday March 9, 2023 5pm - 9pm at Martinez Funeral Chapel 2580 S 6th Ave. Rosary at 7pm. Mass to be offered Friday March 10, 2023 at 10am at Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church 1946 E Lee St.

Our beloved father, Loyd ‘Pete' Carson Planting, passed away Sunday morning February 26th, 2023 in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he lived for the past 15 years.  He was born in Los Angeles but his true home was always Arizona. He enjoyed being a doctor and loved helping those who were truly in need.  One of his favorite places to work was Sierra Vista, and he had many fond memories of those he worked with there. Family was his greatest treasure, and he loved nothing more than being with us.  He was married to the love of his life Judy, for 22 years, with whom he had four children. He became a Christian later in his life and almost daily, despite enormous physical hardships, thanked God for giving him such a wonderful family.  He was looking forward to seeing Jesus face to face and reconnecting with his beloved mother Helen Gale, father Purl Planting, and brother William Planting in Heaven. He is survived by and will be greatly missed by his four children and their families.  Daughter Laurie Allen, husband Chris Allen and grandson Keegan Allen. Daughter Christianne Wisinger, husband Mike Wisinger, and granddaughters Isabella and Ava Wisinger. Daughter Noelle Johnson, husband Brian Johnson, grandson Samuel Johnson and granddaughter Emma Johnson.  Son Michael Planting, his wife Anna Planting, grandsons Joshua and Caleb Planting and granddaughter Addie Planting. In honoring our father's last wishes, we will not hold a visitation or funeral, but will take his ashes back home to Tucson and sprinkle them in the hills he loved. Arrangements by Smith Little Rock Funeral Home.

Linda "Ann" Thoenes nee Luchsinger, 87, of Tucson, Arizona passed away on February 19, 2023.  She was a beloved wife, wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was married to Henry "Carter" Thoenes, Sr. for 66 years. She is survived by her husband, Carter; sister, Jane; and brother, John. Her three sons, Henry C. Thoenes, Jr. (Nancy), Steven C. Thoenes (Helen), and Jeffrey J. Thoenes (Barbara);  Six grandchildren include: Doug Thoenes (Blair), Taylor Thoenes (Kendra), Katie Baskin (Sean), Paul Thoenes, Christian Thoenes (Julia), and Ben Thoenes (fiance Allie). Sebastian Baskin is her great-grandson. A service will be held at 10:00 am on 3/11/23 at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 11575 North 1st Ave, Oro Valley, AZ.  Arrangements by Neptune Society.

Louis Hamilton Willis Jr passed away peacefully on January 28, 2023 in Tucson AZ. Lou was born in Escondido CA on July 23, 1942 to Mary P Stoddard and Louis H Willis Sr. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Willcox, AZ where Lou grew up, attending Willcox schools, and graduating in 1960. He attended Cochise County Community College, followed by enrollment at the University of Arizona. He left the university his junior year to enlist in the Army, with tours in Germany and Korea, and later entered OCS. He was then sent to Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. He later returned to UofA to complete his BSEE and MSEE degrees. He worked at Hughes Aircraft Co for more than 25 years, then after retiring he returned to UofA to earn a BS in Aeronautical Engineering. Lou is survived by his first wife Wilhelma Willis, daughter Di A'Willis, & stepdaughter Dorothea Boughdadly; second wife Susan Willis, son Paul, stepson Michael Witt, and stepson Jeffrey Witt (who died the day after Lou); granddaughters Paulina Witt and Vanessa Witt, great-grandson Amias Lopez; numerous extended family, and friends. Lou was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Tommy & Jack, sisters Helen, Dolores, and Mary Louise; and stepson Robert Weissmantel. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Community Food Bank of Southern AZ. Private military burial at Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Marana on March 10, 2023 at noon; Mass on March 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St Pius X Catholic Church, followed by Celebration of Life luncheon at 11:30 am in the parish hall. Arrangements by Adair Dodge Mortuary.

Jeffrey Laurence Witt, to our great sadness, passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2023 in Scottsdale AZ, due to complications following surgery. Jeff was born on January 13, 1970 in Manhattan KS, the second of two sons of Susan K Willis and John D Witt. Later the family moved to Columbia SC for 2 years, and then to Parsippany NJ. After his parents divorced, he moved with his mother & brother to Tucson AZ in 1980 where he completed his basic schooling, graduating with the Sahuaro HS Class of 1988. Jeff then attended Pima Community College, and in 1992 graduated with a degree in Spanish from the University of Arizona. Jeff worked for many years at American Airlines reservation center on the Spanish team, both in Tucson and in Euless TX, near DFW. After accepting an early retirement buyout from AA, Jeff moved back to Tucson where he worked briefly at the Relay Service for the Deaf, then accepted a position in logistics at FedEx Trade Network facility in Phoenix, working there until his untimely death. Jeff is survived by his mother and father; brother Michael, stepsister Di A'Willis, half brother Paul (Kelsey); daughters Paulina and Vanessa; grandson Amias Lopez; beloved companion Deidre Nezzie; ex-wife Elisa Witt; and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by grandparents Donald & Mary Witt and Herbert & Aileen Clinesmith; and stepfather Louis Willis. In lieu of flowers, please donate to American Diabetes Association. On Saturday March 11, 2023 there will be a funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St Pius X Catholic Church, followed by a Luncheon Celebration of Life for Jeff & Lou at 11:30 in the parish hall. Cremation arrangements by Neptune Society of Phoenix.