In memoriam: Funeral notices, February 19, 2023

On January 4th, 2023, Ethan Neil Beneze left us to be in a much better place. Ethan was born on April 28, 1960, in Patagonia, Arizona to Loretta "Eileen" Beneze and the late, George Beneze. The Beneze family lived in several places in Ethan's early years as George Beneze's work as a Computer Scientist allowed them an opportunity to travel. In 1964 the family moved to Germany and Ethan quickly became fluent in German. Ethan started his entrepreneurial dreams early on, as he ran a roller-skating rink in Sierra Vista at the age of 16. Ethan graduated from Buena High School in 1978. He attended one semester at The Royal Academy of Architecture in London and graduated from The University of Arizona's School of Architecture in 1983. After college, he began his career at AlphaGraphics designing and opening stores. He worked for AlphaGraphics as an Executive Vice President before purchasing Green Valley Cooling & Heating with Candiss Beneze in 2000. Ethan, Candiss and their daughter, Joanna, worked diligently through the years to make Green Valley Cooling & Heating the pinnacle of HVAC success. Sadly, Ethan was diagnosed with stage-4 cancer in November 2010. He was able to retire from the company in 2014 to enjoy his remaining years doing what he loved, boating in San Diego with friends and alongside his nephew, Alan Beneze, and spending time with his three granddaughters. Due to the cancer, we were promised only a handful of years with Ethan, yet we were so fortunate to have received 12-terrific years with him. Ethan belonged to Green Valley Baptist Church and was appreciative of the prayers and support from fellow members during his illness. In addition to his mother Eileen, he is survived by his wife Jinlee Kim; daughter Joanna (Alex) Buglewicz; stepdaughter Yesoul Kim; brothers, Nathan (Judy) Beneze, Geoff (Sylvia) Beneze; granddaughters, Maddyn Hossack-Buglewicz, Paralee Hossack-Buglewicz and Embrie Carreon-Buglewicz; and many nieces and nephews. At his request, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his beloved Silver Gate Yacht Club's annual Wheelchair Regatta event.

Kent Gordon Bogott, born on January 30, 1953, in Boulder, Colorado, the eldest son of Lawrence and Betty Bogott, passed away on December 31, 2022.  In 1956 the family moved to Tucson.  Kent graduated from Sahuaro High School and attended the University of Arizona College of Architecture, graduating in 1975 with honors.  Kent's professional career included award winning home designs throughout parts of Arizona and his beloved Tucson, as well as California, Colorado, Texas, and Mexico.  One of Kent's favorite projects was in England where he converted a century old barn into a lovely home.  Kent enjoyed attending various charitable events and entertaining at home with his family and friends. Kent is survived by his partner Paula Wertman, Paula's son Simon Wertman and his wife Alicia; his brother Mark and his wife Robin, nephew Matthew, nieces Heather and Lindsey; and numerous cousins.  A graveside service will be held at 3:00 on Friday, February 24, at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.  A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 25, from 1:00 -4:00 at Vivace Restaurant.  Memorial contributions would be accepted at your favorite dog rescue organization in honor of Kent's love for animals.   

Mary Jane Brown, 82, passed away while surrounded by her loved ones on February 13, 2023 after a difficult battle with lymphoma. She is survived by her husband of 60 years Stephen Brown, brother James Myers of Minnesota, son David (Michelle) Brown of Tucson, daughter Karen (Dennis) Van Dam of Cincinnati, daughter Trish (Lee) Shreeve of Salt Lake City, and her loving grandchildren. Services will be held at a later date.

Joe passed suddenly on the evening of November 24, 2022, in Marana, AZ. He was born July 14, 1946, in Hanford, CA to Joe R. and Mary (Brazil) Camara. Joe moved with his parents and older brother Tom from Lemoore to Pismo Beach in 1947. He attended Judkins and Margaret Harloe Elementary schools, Orchard St. Junior High, and graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 1964. He was a gifted athlete, who played multiple sports growing up, but shined at baseball. After high school, he attended Hancock and later Cuesta College. He played baseball at both and was MVP of Cuesta's first baseball team in 1966 under Coach Carmen Mauro. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in August 1966 and served 1 year as a medic in Vietnam before being honorably discharged in 1968. He then worked several jobs in the building trades before getting into the ceramic tile trade. He worked for the original owner of San Luis Tile Co., Inc. in Shell Beach, and along with his former wife Pam, bought the business with his father, Joe Sr. in 1973. His brother, Jim, joined the business in 1978. He continued setting tile for the next 31 years, until retiring in 2007, and moving to Marana, AZ. He was very active in the tennis, water volleyball, and pickleball community in Marana, where he was well-known for his competitive spirit. He is survived by his daughter, Kelli Camara of Soquel; brothers, Tom (Diane) Camara of Bakersfield, and Jim Camara of Arroyo Grande; his grandchildren, Isabelle Lasher and Seth Lasher, both of Soquel, and his partner, Hope Forrest, of Tucson, AZ. As per Joe's wishes, no services are planned. An informal gathering will be held in Arroyo Grande, CA, later this year. A celebration of life will be held in April in Marana. Arrangements by MARANA MORTUARY.

David Russell Ewing passed away peacefully at home on February 11, 2023.  He was a man of many talents, including son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, physician, guitar player, country singer, tennis player, woodworker, photographer, sculptor, gardener, and lifelong learner.  He was born in Berkeley, California on December 13, 1931.  His parents were Susan Meredith Sawyer from San Francisco, California, and Russell Charles Ewing from Manhattan, Kansas.  Dave grew up in Tucson where his father was a Professor of History at the University of Arizona.  He graduated from Tucson High, attended the University of Arizona, served 4 years in the Navy, and graduated from Tulane Medical School.  When the Korean War broke out in June 1950, Dave left college and with his best friend, Lee Davis, joined the Navy in January 1951. He achieved the rank of Quartermaster First Class. He qualified as a navigator and visual communications specialist.  When he returned home from Korea, he applied and was accepted into medical school at Tulane University in New Orleans.  Upon graduation, he moved to Southern California and began his practice as a physician and surgeon. Dave practiced Medicine in California, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Washington DC.  While he was still practicing, in 1985, he enrolled in an MBA program to adapt to the economics of health care and the changes in medical service delivery ushered in by managed care.  He used his experience and education to serve as Medical Director for FHP, Humana, and BlueCross/BlueShield and he retired in 1998 after 38 years of practice.  In 1999, he and his wife moved back to Tucson. Dave is survived by his wife, Pat Burch Ewing, his 8 children, 22 Grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. He loved each one of them the most.  He was pre-deceased by his parents, two brothers, and one son.  Dave preached the gospel without using words and loved to laugh with you as well as at himself.  He lived a full and accomplished life loving his family, friends, patients, and country. A family and friends celebration of Dave's life will be scheduled in the future.    Arrangements by Desert Rose Heather Cremation and Burial.

Angie passed away peacefully, surrounded by many loved ones, on February 9, 2023, at the age of 81. She was born on May 16, 1941, in Nacozari, Sonora, to Carmela and Rodolfo Ayala. Angie is survived by her loving husband, Tiburcio (Tibo) of 61 years; sons, Mark (Bridgette), Michael (Carol) and daughters, Veronica Espinoza (Eligio) and Angela Acuña. She was a loving and proud nana to Ryan, Steven (Leah), Joseph, Marie, Michael (Sabrina), Alyssa, Monique, Gabriela (Xavier), Jacob and Zachary and an adoring great-grandmother to Makxon, Izaiah and Luisito. Angie is also survived by her brothers, Hector Ayala, Rudy Ayala and sister, Carmen Cordova (Ed), as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. She worked at Burr-Brown and Hughes Missiles Systems for over 25 years. Angie had a passion for painting, decorating her home, sewing, and gardening. She loved family gatherings, music, dancing and cheering on her Arizona Wildcats. She lived with grace and had a strong faith in God and prayer, which never wavered, despite her health issues. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. We love you Hon, Mom, Nana & Angie. Services will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Avenue, Tucson. Rosary at 9:30 a.m., Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Arrangements by CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, INC.

     Karen died of complications of COPD on February 7, 2023.      My love was a truly remarkable woman.      Born on May 12, 1944 in Dayton, Ohio, she was the oldest of four sisters, and also had two brothers.  She graduated from Sunnyside High School, went straight to work to help the family and then became a barber/stylist.  She ran her shop in the University of Arizona area for over 25 years and was happy to have a large customer base of U of A faculty, staff, grad students, regular students, ROTC students, as well as the the general public.  She was a confidant of many.  Don't ask me because I don't know; she maintained strict confidentiality.      Karen is survived by her husband of nearly 25 years, Mike, sons Richard and Charlie, step children Shawna (Chicago, IL), Kally (El Sobrante, CA) and Mike (Nora) (Berlin, Germany), grandchildren Adam, June and River, super sister Judy Patterson (Jimmy) (Valley Springs, CA), and several nieces, including Karen Kelly (Valley Springs, CA) and Cynthia Weeks (Galen) (Logandale, NV).      She was a caring, supportive, loving family member and as long as you were honest with her, a forgiving person.      I thought our marriage was fabulous.  She was a true partner and the total love of my life.  There were times, not always at moments of intimacy, when I would look into her eyes and I swear I could feel my soul melt into and become one with hers.  And when that happened, I would know beyond any possible question that I was so much a better person with and because of her than I could ever be alone.       From my dreams and even before the first morning hug and kiss, you were and always will be gentle on my mind.  I love you my dearest.      Karen was spiritual, but did not want a religious service.  She was cremated by Desert Rose Heather Crematorium.  As she wished, I and so many wonderful family members and friends will take her ashes to Vancouver, B.C., Canada, and spread those ashes next to where she and I spread her sister's ashes several years ago.      Until we meet again, my precious. ...      Mike

Abner passed away on January 19, 2023 in Tucson, AZ. He was born in Blytheville, AR on October 29, 1939 and is preceded in death by his parents, Abner H Reese, Sr. and Pernolia Cottrell.  In 1960, Abner enlisted in the Marine Corps where he served for 13 years. He served in Vietnam as a Combat Photographer. When he returned to the states, he was assigned to the west coast White House. Abner worked at the Tucson Veterans Hospital for over 45 years in the film library, retiring in 2018. He was a proud member of the Tucson Detachment Marine Corps League. Abner held many offices in the League, including serving as Commandant of the Tucson Detachment and the Department of Arizona. He was a member of the Arizona Iraqi War Memorial commission and received the Medallion of Freedom from the LULAC Council 1057. Abner loved photography and painting. His happiest moments in the past four years were spent enjoying his grandchildren, Eddie and Evelyn.  He is survived by his wife and companion of 28 years, Kathy. Also surviving him are his siblings: Ernest, Gwen, Birdie, Jeanette and William; Stepson Rick (Jessica), grandchildren Alejandro, Eddie, Evelyn and Easton Burd; the two sons of his heart, Danny and David Cleveland and David's two children Devyn and Lucas and three children Abner III, Angelina and Katsuyoshi and their children Marijana & Angelina Uchmia; Christian Reese and Michelle Lavender. Memorial services will be held at the National Cemetery in Marana, AZ on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 11:00 am with a reception to follow at the Heritage Center in Marana from 11:30 to 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: Tucson Devil Pups, 7739 E Broadway Blvd., #275, Tucson, AZ 85710 OR Marines Assisting Marines-Checks Payable to Dept. of AZ (MCL MAM Abner Reese in memo line) c/o of Mike Noble, Paymaster, Dept. of AZ, 1500 E Winchester Trail, Camp Verde, AZ 86322-5961.

Monique Sanders, 43 passed away surrounded by her family on January 22, 2023 at her home after a courageous battle with cancer.  Monique's love for her family was unmeasurable. A few things she will be remembered for are, her crazy personality, infectious laugh, and most importantly her loving heart.  Monique will be missed dearly, but will never be forgotten.  Monique is survived by her husband Richie, and children Kaleb, Khloe, Julian and Domanik. Her parents Frances and Richard Espino, Tony Reyna. Mother-in-law Yvette. Her sisters, Jessica Diaz (David), Roseann, sister-in-laws Tammy, and Kim. Numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins whom she loved dearly. There are so many people to thank for making Monique's life and ours memorable. We truly appreciate you all. One of her last wishes was that we celebrate her life by wearing Red and Blue, she loved U of A Wildcats. "Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch." Services: February 25, 2023 St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 10:00 am                                          215 S. Craycroft Rd. Internment: Holy Hope Cemetery 

Christopher Francis Schneider passed away on February 1, 2023 surrounded by his family. His life was cut short at age 67 after a tragic battle with terminal neurodegenerative disease. Chris was born in Oshkosh, WI and raised in Tucson, AZ. He attended Salpointe Catholic High School (class of 1973) and earned degrees from U of A (1978) and Loyola Marymount (1986). Chris had a long career at Hughes/Raytheon where he worked in Finance, which took him from Tucson, to Southern California, and even Paris, France. He was a loyal U of A fan and never missed a game, Bear Down! He was the loving husband of Mary (Sullivan) for 38 years, the proud dad of Ashley (Clint) Enderle and Stephanie (Michael) Quist, and excited grandpa of Loretta James Quist and Lincoln Enderle. His nickname of "Crazy Awesome" best sums up his zest for life—always dancing and joking, and referencing a song for every situation. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 11:00am on Saturday March 4th at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Arrangements by East Lawn Palms Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: curealz.org, americanbrainfoundation.org, and LBDA.org

Charles Goodwin Simms III born to Charles H. Simms and Grace B. Simms on January 26, 1950, passed away January 27, 2023, just hours after celebrating his 73rd birthday with his daughter and grandchildren. He was a New York City native who relocated to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona. In 1974 he received his BA in Drama. Charles aka Chuck was a well-known DJ both on the air and in the community. He produced a radio and TV show called Looking Black in the late 70s and early 80s. The show brought Black culture, news, entertainers and leaders to the people of Tucson. While the TV show ended in the 80s, the radio show continued on KTKT radio for many years. He had interviews with a multitude of celebrities including Sammy Davis, Jr. and Rosa Parks. In addition to KTKT, his radio career on the air included stints with KTUC, KOPO and KCEE AM & FM. He was a founding partner of the radio station tribute website ktkt99.com. Charles also owned DJ companies where he played music for public and private events. His favorite hobby was his game WARPS, a chess style game, which he co-invented with a friend. He had a full life and leaves behind two daughters and five grandchildren. He will forever be loved and missed.

Barbara June Thomasson passed away at her home in Tucson, Arizona on November 19, 2022, aged 91. A Celebration of Barbara's Life will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 11 am at Christ Presbyterian Church, 6565 E. Broadway Blvd, Tucson, 85710.