In memoriam: Funeral notices, February 23, 2020

ARMSTRONG, Vicki (Thompson)

Passed into heaven December 14, 2019. Born December 21, 1949, to John and Margaret (Graham) Thompson in Manistee, Michigan. Married Ken Armstrong, June 13, 1970 and in March of 1973, moved to Tucson, AZ, where she lived the remainder of her life. Vicki is survived by husband, Ken and daughter, Susan of Tucson and son, Paul of Phoenix, Arizona.

Vicki was "The Ultimate Mom" and gave generously of her time to the local schools and youth sports programs. Nicknamed "The neighborhood Mom" by the many kids she befriended and helped. In her later years Vicki worked with her sister-in-law, Sharon Knop, at the Pima County Fair where she made many more friends and memories.

Vicki was predeceased by her brother, Stan Gilson of Apple Valley, California and cousins, Mike and Bill. Vicki is survived by her many cousins, Deb, John, Sandy, Maxine, Denny, Phylis, Roberta, Kathy and Marsha all of whom meant so much to her. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

ASPACHER, Donna Jeanne

81, on February 20, 2020, Donna joined her husband to dance in heaven. She is survived by their children, Lori (Jeff) Riden, Teri (Terry) Wicker, John (Sandy) Aspacher and Bob (Dawn) Aspacher; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren as well as other family and friends who love her very much. Donna's many gifts to others included making thousands of bookmarks for children's libraries and 30 years volunteering in the University Medical Center gift shop. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, March 1, 2020 at FUNERARIA DEL ANGEL SOUTH LAWN, 5401 S. Park Ave.

BULTMAN, Nathan Alexander

2/23/1976 - 1/13/2020

He was born and raised in Tucson. A love for the outdoors and his country took him into the Marine Corps. He was incredibly generous and had a huge heart and loved to give advice. He was a talented artist who loved to sketch and make things with his hands. Nathan is survived by his two brothers, and his son. He joins his Mom and Dad in the afterlife. Semper Fi.

CARDELLA, Kenneth Charles

A Life Fully Lived. Passed peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2020 at 88 years old. Kenny was born in Los Angeles son of Benardo and Lucille Cardella. He came to Tucson in 1950 to play UA Football where he was told he was too-small, his answer was to become 3rd in the nation in rushing and was inducted into the UA Hall of Fame. He went on to be a pilot in the Air Force. After returning to Tucson Kenny was in the state senate which led to starting Cochise Airlines. He ran it for ten years. He finished his working career selling land and investments as a commercial realtor. Kenny had a life-long passion for tennis and long animated talks with his friends and family offering stories, hugs and advice. He is survived by Kynn (Carlos) Escalante, Kenneth C. Jr. (Kyla) Cardella, Marisa Mallo, Jeff (Mari) Perrault, Danielle Mallo. Donations can be made to give.uafoundation.org/wildcat-scholarship select other and designate for athletic scholarships. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.

JEFFRIES, Emma Carolyn

On February 8, 2020, after a courageous six-year fight against metastatic cancer, the beautiful spirit of Emma Carolyn Jeffries returned home. Born in Tucson on February 1, 1984, Emma's creativity and talent overflowed into everything she did, from painting and playing music, to cooking, belly dancing, ceramics, gardening, sewing, decorating houses, making magnificent jewelry - to nurturing all of her relationships. Emma believed in the Native American, Beauty Way - living whole and interconnected - and she walked this path to its earthly end. In a short but exquisite journey, her love for life was abundant: she graduated from the U of A magna cum laude; she sang and played drums and flute in multiple bands; she rescued dogs; she was active in the Native American Church, where she had extensive adopted family; she went back to school, after her diagnosis, to follow her dream of becoming a nurse. Upon graduating she was able to work for a short time at the Cardiac Care unit at Banner Hospital. And all along this challenging way, she dearly loved and supported family and friends who now grieve her loss: her fiancé, Quinton Antone; her mother, Peggy Flyntz; her sister, Elliot Morris; her devoted godmother, Carolyn Goldschmidt, all of her paternal Morris family, and many dear friends and relations. Beauty before her, Beauty behind her, Beauty all around her (Navajo). Memorial on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Road, Tucson, 85712. Visitation starts at 9:00 a.m., Service at 10:00 a.m., with lunch to follow.

JERDEN, Ardis Elaine Peacock

soul soared into heaven February 15, 2020, in Tucson, Arizona, her home for the last three plus years. Daughter of Arthur Edwin Peacock and Hazel Belle Sutliff Peacock she was born in Flint, Michigan on September 28, 1923. Ardie spent most of her life in Indianapolis and then Bloomington after she retired from the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Married 25 years to Charles Cleatis Jerden , who died in 1969. She is survived by their four children, Chuck Jerden, Susan Gorbett, Jonathan Jerden and Mary Jayne Jerden. "GG" loved and was so proud of her grandchildren, Stephanie, Cleat, Christy, Cody, Amanda, Chelsea, Elyse, Taylor, Wesley, Colby, Karley and her great- grandchildren, Holt, Hunter, Lainey, Mason, Evelyn, Kyla, Madelyn, Taliana, Kate, Ethan, Olivia and great-great-grandchild, Hensley. Ardie loved playing the piano and singing, believing that music is the sound track of your life. She lived her life honoring one of her favorite sayings of Albert Schweitzer, "Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing." She willed her body to the University of Arizona. A Celebration of her life will be Friday, March 6, 2020 at Catalina State Park picnic area at 4:00 p.m. Donations in her name can be made to the charity close to your heart or to Harbor Lights Hospice. Max Ehrmann's "Desiderata" was one of her favorite inspirations, "Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."

KERRIGAN, Thomas

81, of Albuquerque, NM passed away on January 25, 2020 at the Woodmark at Uptown facility. He was born in La Crosse, WI on April 8, 1938 to Maleta (Schulenburg) and Bernard Kerrigan. He was preceded in death by his parents and six of his siblings, Robert (Mary) Kerrigan of Portland, OR, William (Alys) Kerrigan, Jean (George) Kihm, and James (Mary Lee) Kerrigan, all of La Crosse, WI, Richard (Jean) Kerrigan of Rochester, MN, and an infant brother, Daniel of Hokah, MN, by his niece, Patricia Kuzen of Waimea (Kauai), HI, and by three nephews, Douglas Kerrigan, John Kihm and Francis Kihm, all of La Crosse, WI. He is survived by his sister, Marian (Norm) Horning of Richfield, MN; many nieces and nephews, and his friend and former wife, Geraldine Kerrigan of Kahualui (Maui), Hawaii.

Artistic expression was Tom's strong suit. He was an exceptional piano player and a talented professional ceramic artist. For much of his adult life he split his time between Duluth, MN where he headed the Department of Art at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and Tucson, AZ where he had a studio. Many of Tom's pieces were inspired by the settings of his two residences, one near the Lake Superior shore and the other in the Sonoran Desert. In an interview Tom stated that his journey into the world of art started in a serendipitous way when he took an art elective in his junior year at La Crosse State University (now the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse). He explained how through that class he connected art and emotion in a powerful way, opening a door to his world of creative expression. He changed his major to art, graduating from the university in La Crosse, then moving on to Ohio University where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree, launching his professional art career. He taught at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, later moving to his academic position in Duluth.

Tom's work is known across the globe, with his pieces having been displayed in museums nationwide, including those in Columbus, OH, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Tucson, as well as in Australia, Canada, Latvia, Mexico, Russia, and Uzbekistan. For many years he was artist-in-residence at Australian National University in Canberra. Though we will miss him greatly, with the wide dissemination of his art, Tom leaves a legacy of his creative talent that continues to touch viewers on several continents.

A Memorial Service for Tom will be held in La Crosse, WI on Saturday, February 29, 2020.

NASH, Mary Gayle R.N.

at age 86, died February 11, 2020 at TMC. Born in Hutchinson, Kansas, she grew up on a farm two miles north of Pretty Prairie, KS. She was an active member of 4-H and among many activities raised grand champion Angus cattle. She graduated from Pretty Prairie H.S. in 1951. She was a Tri-Delta, earned her bachelor's from the University of Kansas and met her husband, George W. Nash, MD, while in nurse training. They married June 16, 1956 at Randolph Field, Texas and were assigned to Fort Huachuca. They hated it - until they visited Kansas during an ice storm. After that, Arizona looked good. They returned to Kansas City, 1958-1962, so that her husband could finish his neurosurgery training, then moved to Tucson in 1963. She was a homemaker and joined the altar guild at St. Michael's and All Angels (where she served from the 1960s through 2006). She was active in Garden Club, AAUW, Episcopal Church Women and the Embroiderer's Club. She was also a Cub Scout den mother and 4-H leader. The family moved to the foothills in 1967. She was "Mom" to all the neighborhood kids. In the late 1970s she refreshed her nursing skills at the UA and worked as a geriatric nurse and administrator at Valley House, Villa Maria, La Posada and other nursing homes until retiring in 2001. She is predeceased by her parents, Sigmund and Martha Siebert and by her husband, George. Mary Gayle is survived by her daughter, Marti (Bill) Haskins; son, Steve (Katie); granddaughters, Riley (Justin) Romanos and Taylor Nash; foster sisters, Charlene (Melvin) Schwartz and Sharon Lowry as well as by many, many friends in Tucson. Funeral Mass and burial at St. Michael's, 602 N. Wilmot, 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2020. In lieu of flowers, donations may go to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Arrangements by HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.

O'BRIEN, Jim

58, passed peacefully on January 15, 2020 with his loving wife of 24.5 years Cynthia Nocon, soulmate of 32 years, at his side. Beloved by his family, Jim was predeceased by his father, David O'Brien, survived by his wife, daughter Nina O'Brien, mother Nancy O'Brien, mother-in-law, Ligaya Nocon, sisters, Rebecca and Alice O'Brien (Joel McElvain), sisters-in-law: Rhodora Fallon (Bernie Fallon), Nannette Nocon (Karl Wessendorf), Gladys Songer, and Tammi Nocon, brother-in-law Alberto Nocon, nieces, Alison and Rachel O'Brien, Ellie and Kate Songer, Mattie Nocon, nephews, Joshua (Kristen Fallon and daughter Holly) and Chris Fallon, Teddy and Stephen McElvain, and Nigel Nocon, and First Cousins Kent Hampton (Marilyn), Helen Stansbury and Sandra Bump.

Jim was born and raised in Rochester, New York. He received his bachelor's degree from Haverford College, which he attended on a National Merit Scholarship. After working in government, Jim received his M.B.A. from the University of Rochester. His education did not end there. Jim had a keen intellect and was a voracious reader and active learner his entire life.

Jim was devoted to his family and friends. He loved nothing better than to cook an incredible and enormous feast for the whole family to gather around and enjoy, to support his daughter Nina in every way he could, to root for the Wildcats always, and to delight in others. Over his too short life, Jim raised an amazing daughter, founded and led two human resource management companies (Chief People Officer and HRX, LLC) and was an avid athlete and coach to anyone looking to improve their game (whatever it might be). For years Jim played ultimate frisbee, ice hockey and loved to downhill ski. More recently, Jim played tennis 5-6 days a week. Jim was also a member of St Alban's Episcopal Church, where he taught Sunday school, ushered, and rang in the hand bell choir.

Jim will always be remembered for his happy disposition, generosity, and positive influence on everyone he encountered. He was a joyful, optimistic and kind man who led with his heart and treasured his family. We miss his physical presence, but his love will always live in our hearts.

A memorial to celebrate the life of James Frank O'Brien will be held on Saturday, February 29 at 2 PM at St Alban's Episcopal Church, 3738 Old Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson, AZ 85750. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations in Jim's memory be given to the St. Alban's, memo - Music Fund (at the address above) or the David F. O'Brien Graduate Fellowship Fund, c/o Department of Chemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721. A celebration will also be held on Sunday, July 19 at 2 PM at Olmstead Lodge at Highland Park in Rochester, NY.

ROBERTS, Mona J.

88, passed away on February 19, 2020 in Tucson, Arizona.

She was born in Bryson City, North Carolina

on December 28, 1931.

She was predeceased by her husband, Harley.

Mother of Deborah J. Tyson, Harley P. Roberts, Jr. and Cassandra L. Currier. She leaves nine grandchildren and

14 great-grandchildren.

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Visitation: Wednesday, February 26, 2020, 9:00 a.m. and Service: 11:00 a.m. at ABBEY FUNERAL CHAPEL, 3435 N. 1st Ave., Tucson, call (502-888-1111) for information. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Humane Society of the U.S., 1225 23rd Street NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC, 20037.

VAMVAKIS, Steven Nicholas

66, of Naples FL and formerly of Tucson, Arizona and Newport, Rhode Island, passed away on February 2, 2020 at home. Born in Philadelphia PA, son of the late Nicholas and Martha (Harriman) Vamvakis. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Martley Vamvakis; son, Matthew Vamvakis and daughter-in-law, Rachel of Summit, NJ; brother, Christopher Vamvakis of Phoenix; stepson, Bill Roland and wife, Julie of East Greenwich, RI; stepson, James Roland and wife, Melanie of New York City, NY; grandchildren, Ethan and Michael Vamvakis, Olivia and Ellie Roland.

VOEVODSKY, Peter

Born August 30, 1935, Evanston IL, died peacefully at home with his family February 16, 2020, Tucson, AZ. Preceded by his parents, Maroussa Russell and George Voevodsky and his brother, John "Jack"; survived by wife, Josephine "Reyn"; sons, Steven (Mary Ann) and Michael (Therese) and grandchildren, Hanna, Paule and Mia; sister-in-law, Jennifer Voevodsky and nephew, Greg. A cowboy, lawyer, race car driver, fisherman, husband, father, grandfather and friend, he was a noble and gentle man; loved and respected by many. He had a lifelong passion for the outdoors, adventure and speed. Gymkhana captain in high school and all-round champion cowboy in college, he went on to be West Coast SCCA race car champion in the 60's. He loved hunting birds in the field and deep sea fishing in the Sea of Cortez. He traveled the world promoting world peace and understanding as corporate counsel to Up With People. A Celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Mountain Oyster Club. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Up With People or the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum.

WADMAN, Jean L.

Passed away on February 10, 2020. Born on August 8, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois, she grew up in Oak Park, IL and raised her family in Downers Grove, IL. Jean discovered her passion for teaching in her forties when she helped out her daughter's Girl Scout troop. At the age of 45 she went back to college, earned her bachelor's degree, and taught elementary school until her retirement in 1985. She always stated she loved her job so much she'd have worked for free.

Retiring to Tucson in 1986, Jean continued working with children, sharing her enthusiasm as a docent at the University of Arizona Art Museum, a docent at the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, and as a substitute teacher/teaching assistant in the Marana School District.

However, nothing filled her with more joy than her title of "Darling" to Colin, Abby, Rachel, Rebekah, Kate, Jacob, Kevin and Isaac. She taught them the importance of family, the love of nature and the skill of shopping at a national park's gift shop.

Preceded in death by her husband, Milt, she left decades of fond memories for her sister and best friend, Helen Day; her sons, Joel (Sherri) and Jeff (Susan) and daughter, Tricia (Norman).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Arizona Border Collie Rescue, Southern Arizona Humane Society or she'd be most happy to just have you share some time with a child.

The family wants to thank the wonderful Clare Bridge staff at Brookdale Santa Catalina - you provided amazing care these past two years. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.

WYMAN, Gerald Robert

87, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on February 20, 2020 in Tucson. Jerry was born June 2, 1932 in Chuquicamata, Chili to Glen and Dorothy Vars Wyman and raised in Chuquicamata. He served in the US Air Force between 1952 and 1957, graduated from Missouri School of Mines in 1959, and enjoyed a long career in the mining industry working as a mining engineer and executive. His career took he and his family to mines in Chile, British Columbia, and around the Western United States.Preceded in death by his parents and brother, Glen. Jerry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary and seven children, Larry, Glen (Kristen), Greg (Mary), Cathy, Terry, John (Christine) and Rob (Kristina). He is also survived by 12 grandchildren. A private family service will be held. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Casas de la Luz. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY.