In memoriam: Funeral notices, June 10, 2018

BELTON, Michael James Scott 9/29/1934 - 6/4/2018

was born in Bognor Regis, England, and raised in Lincolnshire, England. He is survived by his daughter, Lise Myra Belton (John Prader); his son, Scott Alexander Belton and three grandchildren, Emily Prader, John Prader and Elizabeth Rose Prader. He was predeceased by his wife, Helyn; sister, Gaynor and brother, Christopher. For the past 20 years he has been married to Anna Don whose family has embraced him as their father. This family includes: Drs. Michael (Sandy) Don, Norman (Tricia) Don and Damon (Kacy) Don. The Don grandchildren he leaves are Lindsay, Kristin, Colin, Abby, Tony and Ben. He graduated from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, before coming to the United States and earning his Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley. He joined Kitt Peak National Observatory in 1964, carrying out research on nearly all objects that fall under "planetary science." He was particularly interested in the origin and evolution of planetary systems and had a special affinity for comets. He was also a leader of the planetary community, most notably as the imaging team leader for the NASA Galileo mission to Jupiter, and as chair of the first National Research Council Decadal Survey of Solar System Exploration. For his contributions to the exploration of the solar system, an asteroid was designated 3498 Belton by the International Astronomical Union, and the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society awarded him the prestigious Gerard P. Kuiper Prize. Dr. Belton retired from Kitt Peak National Observatory in 2000 and was declared Emeritus Astronomer. Soon after, he founded Belton Space Exploration Initiatives, LLC, and continued his research in planetary science. Throughout his career he published in excess of 350 papers. To the young astronomers who worked with him on his many projects he was a mentor who unselfishly encouraged their professional growth. He was an engaging, interested and positive colleague; an out-of-the-box thinker who could contemplate further than many others. He was a visionary in the truest sense. A Memorial for Dr. Belton will be held Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 10:30 a.m., at the Gerard Kuiper Space Sciences Building on the University of Arizona campus. Those who wish to continue his efforts in planetary science may make a contribution to the Planetary Science Institute, 1700 East Ft. Lowell, Suite 106, Tucson, AZ 85719, or go online to www.psi.edu. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

BICKEL, William S. 1938-2018

William S. Bickel, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at The University of Arizona, died peacefully in his sleep on June 1, 2018 at Peppi's Hospice in Tucson from complications of Parkinson's and Lewy Body Disease. He was born at home on June 8, 1937 in Ottsville, PA to the late William C. and Anna S. Bickel. Bill was a loving husband and brother, uncle and teacher. A product of one-room schools in Bucks County, PA, Bill received his B.S. and Ph.D. in Physics at Penn State. In 1965 he joined the Physics Department at The University of Arizona in Tucson. During his 51 years at the U of A, he taught thousands of students, often in personalized independent studies. He found some of these students, but most of them found him. Students loved working with him because he was fun and funny and always making things fun for students. Students loved his curiosity and the way he found everything interesting. He continued teaching and doing research with undergraduate students for more than a decade after his official retirement in 2003. During his tenure at the U of A, Bill published more than 100 research papers, supervised many Ph.D. students, and developed numerous courses. He was instrumental in establishing research programs in beam-foil spectroscopy in Sweden, Denmark and France. Along with colleagues Tony Pitucco and John Pattison, he created a weekend workshop each semester at his Catalina Mountains cabin where each student presented a paper on his or her research. He encouraged students to present their work at every opportunity. He loved working with students and respected them as individuals. If a class was cancelled he would offer to teach the disappointed students through independent studies. He never denied help to any student. Bill approached teaching with techniques he learned growing up on the farm where everything that didn't work had to be fixed. His work as an experimental physicist grew out of believing every problem could be solved and that he could always find a way to make things work. He instructed many in machine shop safety and techniques to enhance their experimental skills. Bill enjoyed figuring out how things worked. He thought deeply about everything from the trivial to the sublime. As a result he could talk intelligently about almost everything. Friends as well as students loved talking with him. They found him warm, enthusiastic and entertaining, kind and considerate. Bill was not, however, a one-dimensional person. He played honky-tonk piano, banjo and guitar and many other instruments. He liked airplanes and learned to fly his father's old Stinson 10A on a grass strip on the farm. He continued to fly through his many years, giving rides to friends and interesting several others in becoming pilots. He loved old cars, old cameras and old bikes. He was a well-known figure on bike routes to campus, pedaling a one-speed with his briefcase in hand. Bill traveled the Americas from Barrow, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina indulging Barbara's love of birds. Bill liked the birds too, but considered himself a "birderer," especially enjoying interactions with his fellow birders. Though Bill won virtually every teaching award the U of A offered, his favorites were those from the students themselves, especially the Five-Star Faculty Award in 1990 and a plaque presented to him in recognition of his 50 years as an educator. As one indebted student said to him during his last days, "Bill, you did it. You changed the world. You changed me." Another former student said, "He touched thousands of lives and thousands of students will remember him forever." Students when hearing of his passing hung a banner from the top of the physics building saying "We love you Bill." The feeling was mutual. Bill is survived by his wife of 41 years, Barbara Otke Bickel, of Tucson; sister, Arleen Watkins of Tucson; brother Donald Bickel of Lincoln, MT; and the extended Bickel and Otke families. A Celebration of his Life will be held from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N Kinney Rd, Tucson (watch for signs for parking and for special gate to access memorial). Memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson's Wellness Recovery in Tucson [3849 E Broadway #163, Tucson AZ 85716; 520-591-5346; pwr4life.org]; William and Barbara Bickel Trustee Scholarship in the Eberly College of Science at Penn State [Donor Services, 2583 Gateway Dr #130, State College PA 16801; 814-863-2052; giveto.psu.edu]; or William S. Bickel Graduate Fellowship in Physics at Arizona [UA Foundation, PO Box 210109, Tucson AZ 85721; 520-621-5590; uafoundation.org].

CONDISS, John Constantine

age 73, passed away on April 16, 2018. He was born May 11,1944 to Constantine and Jane Condiss in Chicago, IL. Survived by his sons, Chris Condiss (Emily) Whitefish, MT, and Nicholas Condiss, Tucson, AZ, and his ex-wife and best friend Leslie Condiss, Austin, TX. John served in the United States Air Force as a Radar Tech, two of those years in Spain. He attended the University of Arizona, spent six years with The Tucson Police Dept, a member of Tucson's original SWAT team. His restaurant roots began at The Gyro Taverna in La Placita Village, in 1978, he and his wife Leslie opened The Olive Tree Restaurant which became a Tucson favorite for 30 years. He leaves a legacy in the Tucson Community and in the restaurant industry through his service on many local boards and the numerous charities he supported. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, June 24, 2018, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Fini's Landing, 5689 N. Swan Road Tucson, AZ.

DAVIS, Betty Saki (1945 -2018)

Betty Saki Davis was born and raised in Binghamton, NY. After receiving a Fellowship from Columbia University, she graduated with her MA and started her professional life as an Audiologist at the Lexington School for the Deaf in New York City. Living in the City, she married Joseph Charles Davis, an Architect. They lived on Carmine Street in Greenwich Village. Joe and Betty moved on to Houston, Texas for most of the 70s where Betty worked at the VA and was on the teaching staff at Baylor College of Medicine. In 1979 Betty and Joe moved to Tucson, Arizona. She established and led the Dept. Of Speech, Language & Hearing at the Amphitheater School District where she made numerous friends and influenced many careers. 1982 saw the birth of their daughter, Amanda. Amanda, a Salpointe graduate, went on to Duke University and The Wharton School and currently lives in Bethesda, MD with her husband, Michael, and Betty's grandchildren, Griffin Alexander Black and Ridley Sophia Black. Betty was an avid Arizona Basketball fan, loved driving her BMWs and enjoyed foreign travel. She loved reading and Zumba classes at the local YMCA. Betty passed away in North Carolina, on the way back to Tucson shortly after visiting her grandchildren. Betty will be greatly missed by her Family and all who knew her. A Celebration of her Life will be hosted at the family's residence in Tucson on Saturday, June 16, 2018.

ESCOBOZA, Eva Canez

Our loving mother and wife has gone to be with Our Lord on June 5, 2018. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by family. Our mother was 79 years of age. Preceded in death by our father Arnold Leon Escoboza Sr. She is survived by: children, Anamarie Garcia (David), Yolanda M. Escoboza, (Ken), Arnold Leon Escoboza Jr. (Sandra) and Georgia Serrano (Martin); grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Services will be held in the chapel of ANGEL VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 2545 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, Arizona 85716. There will be Viewing from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2018 with a Service at 12:00 noon. Arrangements entrusted to ANGEL VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 520-327-6341.

GEORGE, Bernice Anna "Bici"

It is with great sadness that the George family announces the passing of our beloved mother, May 24, 2018, at the age of 91. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Richard L. "Dick" George (4/18/2008); eldest son, Michael Edward (6/11/2012); sister, Emily Bradley and parents, Bernard and Anna Rinkleib. Bici is survived by her sister, Nancy Willis; her brother, Barry Rinkleib; five children, Ellen (Jack) Talkington, Larry (Susan), Tim, Denise and Kevin (Mary); eight grandchildren, Edward (Sara), Ryan (Kim), Christopher, Jeffrey (Amy), Timothy (Joy), Matthew (Megan), Brittany and Brad; 12 great-grandchildren, Hannah, Otto, Reagan, Kennedy, Everest, Mattea, Owen, Hudson, Fisher, Ezra, Micha, Jacob and daughter-in-law, Patti George. Bici was born in Kleinwongen, Germany, two-three months later was brought on the Queen Mary by her mother to meet up with her father who had secured a job with Southern Pacific Railroad a few years earlier. All her schooling was in Tucson, Ft. Lowell, Safford, Roskruge (where she was Vice President), Tucson High Graduated Class of 1946. Bici met husband to be, Dick while he was stationed at D.M. They married in Boston in 1949 and moved back to Tucson in 1953 for good. We are so grateful for her influence on our lives. Her honesty, faith and love for all her family will be her legacy. In lieu of flowers, your prayers and acts of love and kindness will be appreciated. Ceremony/Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 8650 N. Shannon Rd. at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 30, 2018. The family will hold a private burial.

JAMESON, Betty Jo

Our beloved Mom and Nana passed away May 9, 2018. Born March 28, 1924 in Supulpa, OK. Was the 5th of seven children whom have all passed. Mom came to Tucson at eight years old and graduated from Tucson High. Preceded by husband, Don and son, Bob. Survived by daughter, Barbara (Don) Bergman; son, Bill (Julie); granddaughter, Donna (Lee) Gregory; grandson, Cody Jameson; great-granddaughter, Kylee Gregory; four adopted grandchildren, Ginny, Jamie, Linda, Bob and many nieces and nephews. God has blessed our lives with a loving Mom and Nana who will always be with us. Private services were held earlier. Many thanks to Cascades, Bayada and Casa de La Luz.

LEACH, Jeffrey Dean

Born in Camp Rucker, Alabama, March 13, 1952. After an extended ICU stay at Univ of WA Med Center, Seattle, Jeff, 66, died March 23, 2018 from heart complications. Survived by his wife Debbie Chavez Leach, Sequim WA, Other family history found in Sheboygan WI press. Closely proceeded in death by mother Janet Reinhardt. He served Tucson for 30 years with Tucson Fire, retiring in 2010 as a Captain. He serviced on NET terms where he thrived in enhancing neighborhoods. He made his final home with his wife Debbie on the Olympic Peninsula in WA state where he could hike, bike, kayak and walk his dogs in the pristine wilderness. A Celebration of his Life is planned on Friday, June 15, 2018 at the VFW in Sequim WA where he was President of VFW Auxiliary. He was a long term supporter of charities too many to mention. His final gift was the donation of his corneas which gave sight to two women. Continuing his legacy, memorials can be made in his name to St. Joseph's Indian School PO Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326.

LEAMON, Donna Marlene

passed June 5, 2018 quietly, at Park Avenue Rehabilitation in Tucson, AZ, at the age of 84 and following several years afflicted with dementia. Born to Frank Bogart and Fern Pitchford on November 10, 1933 in Virden, IL, she lived there through young adulthood with her father, step-mother, Geraldine (both deceased), and two sisters, Barbara Kiers (deceased), and Sondra (Yucas) of Springfield. Donna married John Leamon (deceased) on February 16, 1957. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Jon Alex "Snuf" (Katie), Mark Douglas (Candie) and Shelby Ann Breckenridge (Patrick); six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She will be missed. Arrangements by EAST LAWN.

MURPHY, Thomas Guy

On June 1, 2018 at his vacation home in Coronado, Tom tragically passed away. Tom was 62 years old born on July 13, 1955 in Joliet, IL. He was an orthopedic Sales Distributor for over 25 years. After a successful career, he retired to philanthropy and became heavily involved with the Conquistadors, First Tee and Special Olympics. Tom left a legacy of love and laughter for all so fortunate to know him. He lit up every room and commanded every conversation. He was generous to his family and to his friends...who number in the thousands. "Your only true friend!" He is survived by his parents, his loving daughter, Mariah, and his brother, Ray and sister-in-law, wonderful Caitlin. He was the proud uncle of Sean, Siobhan, MaryKate and Meaghan. He was also the doting father of his furry children, Mocha and Morris. Tom was preceded in death by his son, Bryan, whom he will be joining in eternal light. A Memorial Visitation with be on Monday, June 25, 2018 at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Services will be held on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 5150 N. Valley View Rd. in Tucson. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to the First Tee Program, www.thefirstteetucson.org

NORTH, William "Bill"

passed unexpectedly May 19, 2018. Bill was surrounded by his children. William is survived by his wife, Joyce; twin sister, Mary and brothers, Peter and John; children, Matthew, Katharine, Michelle and Elizabeth; first wife and mother of his children, Carla; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bill was a UofA graduate, Vietnam Veteran who flew over 200 missions, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross Award and in 1985 he became a lifelong friend of Bill W. Bill touched many lives with his kindness, rambling stories, willingness to lend a hand and genuine desire to see people around him grow. If able please join us for a Memorial Service and Reception Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 545 S. 5th Avenue, Tucson, AZ, with a reception to follow. The website memorial is forevermissed.com/bill-north.

SINGLETON, Vonda (Hizer)

of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 3, 2018 at the age of 85. When Vonda was ten, her parents, Myrtle and Edgar Hizer moved to a 243 acre ranch in Youngs (now Somerset), California. She attended River School, built in 1895, a one-room school. While in 8th grade, she entered and won the American Legion County Essay contest with her paper entitled "Should We Have Socialized Medicine?" She received a medal, and her paper was published in the newspaper. She attended El Dorado County HS until her graduation in 1950. She took classes at Placer College until 1951 when the Hizer family moved to Arcata, CA. Vonda took a job as a bookkeeper for Brizard Construction, and in March of 1955, a young man named Lawrence Singleton came into the office. Larry brought with him an accepted bid to build a new school. Singleton Construction Company started with that one contract, and that fateful day also brought the beginning of her and Larry's lifetime together. They married in 1957 and moved to Redding in 1958. They had three sons, Michael, Stuart and Charles. In 1972, they moved to Tualatin, Oregon. Vonda was a homemaker until she purchased Colonial Travel Agency, while Larry continued in construction. They retired in 1991. During retirement, she and Larry participated in Volkswalking, and traveled all over the world, always returning to enjoy the company of their children and grandchildren. In 2000, they bought a winter home in Green Valley, AZ, near Tucson where Charlie lived with his family. Summers were then spent back in Oregon where Stuart, and Mike's widow, resided with their respective children. Family was priority number one for Vonda and Larry. Vonda was preceded in death by her beloved Larry, her oldest son, Michael and her parents. She is survived by her brother, Frank Hizer (Linda); her sons, Stuart (Lesa) and Charlie (Donna); daughter-in-law, Jackie (Mike); grandsons, Michael, Paul, Aaron (Jennifer), Dylan, Elliott, Bailey and Alexander; granddaughter, Emily and great-granddaughters, Destiny and Aliyah. Disposition was by cremation. At Vonda's request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers or cards, Vonda asked that donations be made to your local food bank, the Diabetes Association or the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

SWAFFORD, Maria T. 8/28/1924 - 5/23/2018 SWAFFORD, James E. 2/19/1923 - 7/7/2017

Maria Washington Tucker Swafford, 93, resident of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2018. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, James E. Swafford and sons, Herbert T. Swafford and Charles E. Swafford. She is survived by her son, James E. Swafford Jr.; grandson, Max Swafford and daughters-in-law, Doris Mernagh and Suzanne Swafford. Maria was born in Boydton, Virginia on August 28, 1924 to Reverend Herbert Nash Tucker and Alice Faulkner Tucker. Maria attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia and Madison College. During WWII, she and her sister Lucy took drafting and engineering courses at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. This led to jobs with the United States Mapmaking Service in Washington, DC. After the war, they secured jobs with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) at Langley Field Virginia. Maria's job title was Computer. It was here that she met her future husband Jim, an instrument engineer and they were married March 12, 1949. They were among the founders of St. Alban's Episcopal Church. Maria was active on the Altar Guild for many years. Funeral Service to be held Saturday, June 23, 2018 at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 3738 Old Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson, Arizona. Contributions can be made to the St. Alban's Memorial Fund. Arrangements by HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.

WADE, Donald Arthur Jr.

Our loving son passed away May 14, 2018 at home. He was loved by everyone that met him. He was God's Child. He was born in Middleboro, Mass., at St. Luke's Hospital. He went to school in Bridgewater in special needs classes. Donald was the first child in 1989 to walk with other high school graduation students to receive a diploma at Middleboro High School. He made it possible for all future children with special needs to graduate. They gave Donald a standing ovation at graduation. Donald loved to listen to music (Kenny Rogers) and watch movies. He received four Gold Medals and a Silver from Special Olympics. His natural father, Donald Wade, Sr. passed away. So now he's in his father's hands, may God bless them both. He is survived by his mother, Bernadette and James Parmenter; three brothers, John Wade, Bernard Wade, Daniel Wade and David Yesenko who is sorely missed, passed away in 2012, much too early. Donald will be missed so very much. Service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, 1950 W. Irvington Plaza.

WHITFIELD, Edith Powell October 6, 1925 - June 3, 2018

Born and raised in Tucson, she was very proud to be from Tucson. A graduate of the UofA. Her father had a homestead on the Northwest side of the Catalinas, what is now Oro Valley - Eye Del Wild Ranch a play on words since he was an optometrist. She also worked at her father's office, grinding lenses. She taught Home Economics for three years at a school in Marana She is survived by four children, Brent, Craig and Lorna Powell, Sherry Whitfield and five grandchildren, Danielle, MacKenzie, Zachary, Lauren and Jaimee; seven great-grandchildren. She was a 4 time Past Matron of The Order of the Eastern Star and served in True Kindred. Service will be held at BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway Blvd., Monday, June 11, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. A Gravesite Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Resthaven Cemetery, Glendale, AZ. Edith loved colors, please wear something colorful to Celebrate her love of color.

WILLERSCHEIDT, Alida

Mrs. Alida "Jean" (Duncan) Willerscheidt, born on August 18, 1922, in Peoria, Illinois, passed away at age 95 on May 24, 2018, in Tucson, Arizona. She was a graduate of Greenville High School in 1941. A WWII veteran, she joined the Army Air Corps "Air Force" 1944 to 1947. She settled and raised her family in Fremont, CA. and worked as a tax preparer and bookkeeper until she retired in 1999. Alida was preceded in death by the late Frank Willerscheidt and her beloved dog, Bandit. She is survived by her son, Patrick Willerscheidt of, CA; daughter, Cheryl Morrow, Tucson; grandmother to Sean Sands, Clairice Johnson and John Morrow and three great-grandchildren. Donations in Alida's name to Angel Charity for Children or the Alzheimers Association, Desert Southwest Chapter are welcome and appreciated. She was a mother beyond mothers and a friend like no other. Her loyalty was forever, her wisdom unmeasured. She taught us so much about life, except how to live without her. Friends and family are welcome to attend the Celebration of her Life, officiated by Pastor, Mark Bickerton, on Friday, June 15, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, Arizona, 85712. The funeral home will be EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, (502) 885-6741.