In memoriam: Funeral notices, January 23, 2022

Appel, Benjai and Alvin

Benjai L. Appel passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 11, 2022 at her home in Vail, AZ. Born in Winnfield, LA July 14, 1926. Married to the love of her life Alvin Appel on February 17, 1945.

They had four daughters, Charlotte Smeltzer of Luray, VA; Marcia (Bob) Bledsoe of Pagosa Springs, CO; Melinda (Bruce) Bobell of Vail, AZ and Cynthia Appel of Grand Junction, CO.

She was devoted to her family and loved the Lord. She had a great sense of adventure, rafting the Grand Canyon at the age of 90.

Preceded in death by husband, Alvin; grandson, Carl H. Bledsoe and son-in-law, Donnie Smeltzer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to First Baptist Church, 201 E. Court St., Winnfield, LA 71483. A Memorial Service will be held at Fellowship Bible Church, 6700 E. Broadway, Tucson, AZ 85712 on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

BEACHBOARD, Mary Elizabeth

born September 25, 1927 in Orlando, Florida and died January 14, 2022 Tucson, Arizona. Eldest of 14 siblings, she was preceded in death by former husband's, Curt Miller and Tom Beachboard. She was the beloved mother of Holly Campanile and Sally O'Connor (John); beloved step-mother of Kay Cochran (Stephen), Linda Sue Beachboard, Tim Beachboard (Cyndy) and John Beachboard (Martine); beloved grandmother of Chris Campanile (Beth), Vincent Campanile (deceased) (Karen), Laura Arnold, Corey Tilley (Matt), and Kate O'Connor and beloved great-grandmother of nine great-grandchildren. Mary is survived by two brothers, Fred Greene and Paul Greene (Marie). She was successful in her 30+ years in civil service, beginning her career in the early days of computing, learning on the job as her first years preceded the development of formal education in the field. Beginning as an administrative assistant, she learned how to program and troubleshoot computer hardware, then progressed to systems analysis and advanced programming working on the development of finance systems for the US Army. She capped her career as a senior information technology manager working with the Army Communications Command at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Her career was all the more notable for her achieving remarkable success in the highly technical and male-dominated field of computing. She was an avid mystery book reader. She also loved to crochet, play bridge, be the hostess, and do for others. Family and family gatherings were her passion. She was a dear friend to many and will be greatly missed.

Mary loved the Lord with a very strong faith, thanks be to God.We love you more, Mom.

Memorial donations may be made to the Early Childhood Center at St. Mark's United Methodist Church on Magee Road in Tucson. Services will be held at St. Mark's UMC at a later date. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.

BORT, John Holden

91, of Tucson, AZ, died on January 13, 2022. Husband of Florene Ruth "Marty" Martell of 49 years. He is survived by their children, Michael, Barbara and Peggy and three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by many. His cremains will be scattered during a private family gather at the Catalina Methodist Church Memorial Garden where the cremains of his beloved wife lay. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

CUNNINGHAM, Barry Patrick

passed away peacefully with family at his Sun City home early Thursday morning on January 6, 2022. He was 90 years old.

Barry is a former resident of Portage, Indiana and a home on Big Platte Lake near Honor, Michigan. He was born November 28, 1931 to Alvin and Margaret (Lagree) Cunningham, in Hammond, Indiana.

He graduated from Roosevelt High School in East Chicago, Indiana in 1949 and subsequently enlisted in the United States Navy.

After serving his country, Barry became a Carpenter and was a proud United Brotherhood of Carpenters member. He enjoyed a prosperous career as a Building and Construction Trades professional, managing projects both large and small.

For the past 20 odd years, Barry has enjoyed numerous rounds of golf and many events residing in his beloved Arizona retirement community.

Per Barry's wishes, there will not be a memorial service and cremation has taken place.

Family or friends wishing to send a memorial please consider, roots and roads, Community Hospice Foundation, 5049 E Broadway Blvd., Suite 400, Tucson AZ 85711 www.rootsandroads.org Arrangements by VISTOSO FUNERAL HOME.

CZUDEK, Glorianne Marie

passed away peacefully at her home in Tucson, Arizona on December 27, 2021. She was 87 years old.

Glorianne was the third of four children born to John and Irene Walter, in Grand Rapids, Wisconsin on February 3, 1934.

She grew up in Madison and attended Holy Redeemer School as a child. In 1950, she married Wilbur Krause. They had six children, Gary, Mike, Dan (Connie), Nita (Tim), Terri, Ken, (Kate). They divorced in 1968 and she married Elmore "Ski" Czudek. They moved to Tucson in 1972 and raised two more children, David and Teresa (TJ). Glorianne had 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Gary; husband, "Ski" and grandson, Daylen.

Glorianne enjoyed knitting, cross-stitch, painting, collecting and giving Hallmark ornaments. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she will always be remembered for making boxes of Christmas goodies to share with family and friends. Her personalized, knitted Christmas stockings are cherished by many.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at the VFW Post 549 in Tucson at 8424 E. Old Spanish Trl. on Sunday, February 6, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. It will be a Christmas theme.

A Graveside Service and burial will be held at Gould-Rock Cemetery on Eagle Ave. in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. Services by ROSEBERRY FUNERAL HOME, Friendship, WI.

Davies, Charles Paul, Jr.

Chuck passed away at home on January 11, 2022, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. Born in California, raised in Washington, he graduated from law school in 1976 and spent a large portion of his career as Tucson Chief Public Defender for nearly 20 years. He was also proud of his time as the Chief Magistrate for the Town of Marana, and as Superior Court Judge for Flagstaff. He is remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, rarely missing a swim meet, piano recital, or softball game. Of peerless intelligence, wit, and wisdom, he also displayed so much gentleness towards even the smallest of creatures. He and his famous "Chuck-isms" will be dearly missed by his wife, three daughters, and so many others. If you would like to acknowledge Chuck's life, you may donate to an animal rescue/charity of your choosing. We love you, Chuck!

DESLAURIERS, Dolores Ann (Westfall)

Ann left this world on January 11, 2022 at age 80. She was born in Charleston, WV on March 2, 1941, to Rex and Nell Westfall. After World War II, they moved to Spencer, WV, where they lived until 1959. After Dolores graduated from Spencer High School, they moved to Tucson, AZ. Ann was employed by Tucson Police Department for 18 years and retired from the Gang Unit. She loved reading, sewing, writing and, especially, Elvis. Ann was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by the love of her life, Dennis; her children, Cristina (John) and Matthew (Hope); granddaughter, Destinie and brother, Duane (Kathleen) and special friends, Dotty Lou Hersman and John and Linna Koehne. There will be no services.

KONCZAK, Joseph Lance

May 28, 1947 - December 6, 2021

Joseph was 74 when he passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's hospital due to complications of Covid-19. He was born on May 28, 1947 in LaSalle, IL, to the late Joseph and Mary Ellen Konczak. Joseph retired from the U.S.A.F. after 24 years of service. He is preceded by his parents and two sisters, Ellen Beavers and Marsha Burrell. He is survived by his wife, Nely Konczak; his sister, Sue Bolt (Brian); four children, Sherry Konczak, Charles Konczak, Maria Ellis-Aleija (Johnny), Mary Ellen Konczak; four grandchildren, Evanna Kessler, Anthony Kessler (Nancy), Angel Medina, Noah Konczak and one great-granddaughter, Milah Kessler. Memorial Service will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Monday, January 24, 2022 at BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

MESCHES, Susan

age 73, passed away in Tucson, Arizona on January 7, 2022. Susan was born in Spokane, Washington on March 24, 1948 to Jack and Dorothy Lynch. She was a graduate of Creighton University and The University of New England. Susan was an elementary school teacher for 23 years after leaving a successful career in banking of 19 years with Bank of the West to follow her passion. She touched the lives of many of her students and their families in Ohio, New York, and Colorado where she taught and remained in touch with some even after her retirement from the Boulder Valley School District in 2015.

Susan is survived by her husband, Andy Mesches, whom she was married to for 42 wonderful years. Susan is also survived by her two sons, Andrew in Colorado and Benjamin (Megan) in Arizona. Susan was one of 11 children and is survived by her five brothers and five sisters, their families and many other loving relatives.

Susan enjoyed splitting her time after retirement between Sequim, Washington and Tucson, Arizona. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, cooking and baking and was always the perfect hostess. Since 2015, she was most passionate about her granddaughter, Nora in Arizona and was thankfully able to spend a lot of quality time with her. Susan was a bright light and was kind, funny, generous, and supportive to all those fortunate enough to know her. She made a friend wherever she was and left behind many meaningful lifelong friendships.

Susan will forever be missed but will continue to leave her impact on those around her. A celebration of life will be scheduled in the future. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Boys & Girls Club in Sequim or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by DESERT SUNSET FUNERAL HOME.

Montgomery, Barbara Ann (Smith)

Left her earthly life on January 9, 2022 to join her beloved husband, Paul and her sister, Jeanne (Smith) Senitzky. Barbara was born in Canton, OH on December 17, 1924, to Charles and Ila (Spore) Smith. She attended local schools and later worked as a dental assistant in Canton and then Cleveland, OH, where she fortuitously met and married Paul Montgomery. After raising a family in Michigan and retiring to Tucson in 1983, Barbara gave much of herself over the years: as a volunteer (with Paul) at NW Hospital, at her church, and as a quilter and seamstress for Stitches for Love Ministry. She was a long-time Cuddler in the NICU at Banner University Hospital, where she was voted Volunteer of the Year in 2011. Barbara was a devoted mother to Chrystine (CA) and Michael (Patricia) (AZ), a doting grandmother to Brandon Montgomery Maher (CA), and a constant, comforting presence to her many, many NICU babies. She leaves behind a wide, warm circle of family and friends who cherished her, and she was an example of old-school grace for all who knew her. She was also a rowdy Wildcats basketball fan, and her waffles, pies and pot roasts were epic! Barbara requested no services. If you wish to honor her life in some way, please make a donation in her memory to what matters most to you.

RHODES, John Robert

born in Douglas, AZ, May 18, 1926 passed peacefully January 15, 2022 in Tucson, AZ. A World War II Veteran with the occupation forces in Japan 1945. He moved to Tucson in 1952 and worked for Hughes Aircraft for 35 years. He was an avid ham radio operator and loved volunteering at the Reid Park Zoo. Survived by daughter, Kathy Rhodes Humphrey, (Bruce) of Harrisburg, PA. He was preceded in death by wife, Louise Peevey Rhodes; daughters, Virginia Rhodes Greenwalt (Nick) and Nancy Rhodes Fickas (Ed and adopted daughter-in-law, Bonnie) and brother, Kenneth Rhodes. He leaves eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson as well as three sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery, Phoenix, AZ on Wednesday, February 2, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

ROBERTS, Howard Thomas, Jr.

On January 3, 2022, after a brief illness, Tom died peacefully in the arms of his wife, Pamela.

A graduate of the UofA law school, he practiced law for 48 years as an Assistant Attorney General, a partner in the law firm of Goering, Roberts, Rubin, and as an educator, mediator and arbitrator.

Tom was a kind and gentle soul who applied his outstanding intellect and keen sense of humor to bridge gaps and create bonds with colleagues, clients, family and friends. He was an unflinchingly loving and cherished husband.

Tom was fiercely committed to providing free legal services to those who could not afford them, serving as a member of the Volunteer Lawyers and Step Up to Justice organizations. His dedication was recognized when the Arizona State Bar Association awarded him the William E. Morris Pro Bono Service Award at their 2006 convention. A fellow lawyer noted that "no one exemplified what we wanted lawyers to be more than Tom."

Tom was a renaissance man with talents as a writer and musician. He was a founding member and bass player in a band irreverently called "Moist and the Towelettes". This one-of-a-kind man is survived by his wife of 49 years, Pamela Lane Roberts and his brother, Bill Roberts. Due to COVID, a celebration of life will be postponed. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.

SMITH, Robert Royhl

Early in the morning of January 12, 2022, we lost Robert Royhl Smith, far too soon at the age of 72. He was a painter, art professor, enthusiastic reader, lifelong learner, a unique, brilliant, amusing man, a traveler - someone whose curiosity was endless and never stopped searching. His career spanned fifty years, during which he collaborated with other artists around the world, creating a prolific body of work which was exhibited extensively, from Kyoto, to Johannesburg, to Willow Creek, Montana. Robert was born in New York City on December 31, 1949, to Dr. Hugh H. Smith and Mary Royhl Smith. In 1954, his family, including his brother, Peter H. Smith, moved to Tucson, Arizona. Tucson and the Sonoran desert became a major influence on his art and his life. He attended Tucson High, and after studying at many schools across the country, graduated with both a BA and an MFA from the University of Arizona. He began teaching at the Tucson Museum of Art School where he started influencing countless students. Robert married Joanne Stuhr in 1982 after which he took a position at San Diego State. There, his first daughter, Alexis Page Smith, was born in 1984. Later he moved to Bozeman, Montana where he found great joy in the outdoors, specifically, the headwaters of the Missouri River and Yellowstone National Park. In Bozeman he taught as a Professor of Art at Montana State University where he met his wife, Gesine Sara Janzen. They had his second daughter, Emeline Marie Janzen Smith, in 2006. He also gained a stepson, Henry August Janzen, whom he loved and supported as his own. He spent the last years of his life writing and self-publishing books on his artworks with vignettes from his vast wealth of experiences. We are grateful that he passed away peacefully, holding the hand of his beloved wife, Gesine, and after spending his last days with his children, Emeline, Henry, and Alexis; his brother, Peter, and niece Sara, by his side, as well as his dog, Leo. A memorial service will be arranged and a separate notice will be sent to the community. Donations may be made to the Bozeman Library Foundation or Arts for All in Tucson, Arizona. Arrangements by DOKKEN-NELSON FUNERAL SERVICE.

West, Larry Hugh, DDS

82, died after a courageous battle of prostate cancer January 18, 2022. He was born in Stillwater, OK, and grew up in Ft. Worth, TX. His career began as a dental technician in the US Navy at Bethesda, MD. He graduated from the Univ. of Houston with a B.S. in Microbiology. He attended dental school at Georgetown Univ. He received his fixed prosthodontics at the Univ of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. Dr. West had been in the private practice of prosthodontics in Greensboro, NC, and later in Tucson for the past 27 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Joyce West and Mildred Hooper Benjamin West. He is survived by the love of his life Roxann Yearby West, along with his children, Stacy Lee West of Greensboro, NC, Gregory Henry West (Jamie) with granddaughters Katherine and Kendall of Atlanta, GA, and Thomas Tyler West of NYC; brother, Kerry Lee West (Charlotte) of Ft. Worth, TX. Dr. West had a passion for his patients and dental care. There will be a Visitation at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Adair Funeral Homes, Dodge Chapel. Covid safety protocol will apply.