In memoriam: Funeral notices, August 26, 2019

ALFARO, Veronica "Betty"

age 94, born in Tucson, Arizona in 1925 went to be with the Lord on August 3, 2019 while residing at the Legacy Retirement Residence in Mesa. She was about to celebrate her 76th wedding anniversary with her surviving loving husband, Vicente (age 97) also of Tucson. Veronica is survived by her sister, Nellie Morales (99) of Tucson; son, Vincent and wife, Sharon Alfaro of Mesa; daughter, Kathleen Cullop of Mesa; son, Christopher and wife, Aileen Alfaro of California and three Aguayo stepbrothers. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Prior to her passing most of Veronica's family gathered in adoration, at her bedside, sharing lovely memories accompanied by song and worship. Her last and only response was a crying tear from her closed eyes as her son Christopher prayed over her. Rest in peace Beautiful Lady. Services: Rosary - Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the LEGACY FUNERAL HOME, 4403 E. Broadway Rd., Mesa 85206. Catholic Mass - Friday, August 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1244 S. Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85206. Chapel Service at 12:30 p.m. at the Holly Hope Cemetery mausoleum chapel, 3555 N. Oracle Road in Tucson, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please give to the Alzheimer's Foundation.

AZEKA, Kenji Nelson

It is with great sadness that the family of Kenji Nelson Azeka announces his passing, on April 2, 2019 at Casa de la Luz Hospice in Tuscon, AZ. He was born in Spreckelsville, Maui, Hawaii on January 27, 1926 and spent his childhood on Maui.

He was drafted into the US Army at the end of World War II and served in the Signal Corps in occupied Japan, Germany and in the Korean War. He retired at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona in 1966 and subequently moved to Sierra Vista, where he spent the next 35 years. After the death of his wife in 2001, he moved to Tucson.

He loved eating, making music, and all things Hawaiian. He was a devoted husband of 50 years to his late wife, a loving and supportive father, grandfather and great-grandfather and a fun and generous companion to his large circle of friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Florence, and five siblings. His survivors include his sister, Jane Tsukazaki of Honolulu, Hawaii: daughter, Susan (Grant) Kalasunas of Oro Valley, AZ, and son, Brian Azeka; grandson, Bryan (Alyssa) Azeka; granddaughter, Krista (Robert) Ochoa and great-granddaughters, Kiya Ochoa and Brooklyn Butterfield, all of the greater Phoenix area.

A Celebration of Kenji's life will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at MARIPOSA GARDENS MEMORIAL PARK, 6747 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ, with interment at Mariposa Gardens at a later date. Any celebration of Kenji must have, of course, a Hawaiian theme. So the family asks that attendees wear aloha shirts, muumuus, or other casual Hawaiian-wear.

In lieu of koden or flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in Kenji's name to the Casa de la Luz Foundation, 7740 N. Oracle Road, Tucson AZ 85740.

DRISCOLL, Bonnie La Joyce Applegate

Bonnie passed from this world and her family on August 17, 2019. She was born in Long Beach, California on January 4, 1932 to Theodore and Sybil Applegate who moved to Tucson, Arizona to become involved in real estate. Bonnie followed her heart and studied cosmetology and worked in the field till she opened her own salon "Beauty by Bonnie" July 5, 1961. Apparently she was destined to be a self made woman and received numerous awards in the beauty industry. Bonnie is preceded in death by her husbands, John F. Cooney, James Driscoll and Andy Sandau; sister, Jeanne Applegate Whu and her brother, Paul O. Applegate and survived by George Applegate and Beth Spivey. Bonnie will be so missed by her children, Laurie Hampton, husband Wade; John David Cooney, wife Sharman and La Joyce DeSpain, husband Steven deceased. She delighted in her grandchildren, Jason, Kate, Kevin Hampton, Todd Miller and John C. DeSpain. She loved her great-grandchildren, her many nieces and nephews all over the country. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her name to your favorite charity of choice. Services shall be private. There is another star in the heavens. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.

EVANS, Mary E. "Betty"

93, died August 18, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband and best friend Philip Evans and is survived by her 5 children Mickey, Jim, Bill, Julie, John, their spouses, plus her adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty became a nurse during WWII and throughout her life, she worked tirelessly for her family, friends, and anyone in need. She will be greatly missed. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Noon at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1800 N Camino Pio Decimo. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

FLEMING, Charles George

born in England in 1940 to Kurt and Gissella Fleissig, passed away on May 20, 2019 after a long battle with melanoma. Inspired by John F. Kennedy, Charles came America in the 1960s, serving in the U.S. Army in Texas, and then working in New York and Washington, D.C. as a news film editor, covering multiple presidents and major events around the world. After a visit to Israel, he fell in love with the country and made "aliyah" in 1972, serving in the IDF. He shortly fell in love again and started a family and continuing to work in news for various international covering events in Israel and the Middle East. He moved with the family to the Old Pueblo in 1985, where he worked at the census bureau, founded a support group for Tinnitus patients and volunteered at Sun Sounds, a reading service for the blind where he read the newspaper in his distinctive English accent. Charles loved the opera, classical music, playing and watching tennis, the New York Times and his growing family. Always having a strong opinion or point of view, he was a fixture on the Arizona Daily Star letters to the editor section - opining on everything from world politics to patrons' conduct at the symphony. He will be deeply missed by his brother and sister, his three children, their mother, six grandchildren, many cousins and relations around the world and all who were fortunate enough to know him. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a donation to KUAZ or the Arizona Opera. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

FULTON, Anna Summers

A Memorial and Committal Service will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2019 3:00 p.m. at St. Philips in the Hills Episcopal Church for Anna Summers Fulton. Anna died in Tucson, AZ on June 27, 2019 at age 89 of complications related to heart disease. Family, friends and acquaintances are invited to the service and a short reception following to honor her life and passing. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the St. Philips Preservation and Endowment Foundation or the Nature Conservancy. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel

MEZA, Martha "Martie"

72, passed away on August 21, 2019, surrounded by family and friends. Born on July 23, 1947 in Tucson to Consuelo and Caesar Ramirez. She attended Immaculate Heart Academy. Survived by her husband of 45 years, Laureano; children, Maricela, Rebecca and Rene; her two beautiful grandchildren, Samantha and Brandon; two brothers, Caesar (Kathy) and David (Norm) and many loving family and friends. Martie loved laughing with "Las Comadres", scrapbooking, and applauding dance recitals. She was passionate about her grandchildren and, most of all, loved caring for everyone around her. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Santa Cruz Church, 1220 S. 6th Ave., with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2019. Arrangements by CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, INC.

PETRIE, James R. "Jim"

passed away Sunday, August 18, 2019, after a lengthy illness. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Patricia; parents, Richard and Annetta Petrie; sister, Annie Brummer and son-in law, David R. Woodling. He leaves his daughters, Suzanne (David) Eubank and Karin (Patrick) Sandfort; grandchildren, Katie (Stuart) Ingersol, Kimberlee Woodling (Ian Myers), Julie Sandfort (Matt Rockefeller) and Ryan Sandfort, grieving his loss. Jim was an avid outdoorsman- climbing tall mountains, traversing hiking trails in Colorado, bike riding in Tucson and Albuquerque, and fishing anywhere he could. He loved fly fishing and tied his own flies. He received his private pilot's license and flew all over southern Arizona. He could fix anything. If he couldn't find a part he needed, he made it. It's impossible to sum up the life of a man who lived it so well. Sufficed to say that he was loved by his family and will be missed. "Nuff" said…see you up the road, Dad. We love you. We are grateful to Kindred Hospice and his nurse, Michelle W. for her gentle, compassionate, intuitive care. At Jim's request, no services are planned. Arrangements by FRENCH FUNERALS & CREMATIONS

RAAB, John

of Tucson, Arizona passed away unexpectedly August 21, 2019. John is survived by wife Diane of 54 years; two children, John R. (Cindy), and Shelly; brother, Bob; sisters, Rosemary and Jo Ellen; two grandkids, and one great-grandson. John was a kind, loving, helpful man who was a friend to everyone. Memorial on Monday, August 26, 2019 from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. at Tucson Estates MPB. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Shrine Children's Hospital. Arrangement by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Dodge Chapel.

ROSS, Lillian Faye (Skidmore)

1928 - 2019

91, of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of Aurora, Indiana, peacefully passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2019 in Tucson, AZ. She was born April 30, 1928 in Arlington Heights, Ohio, daughter of the late Charles E. Skidmore and Dorothy (Sullender) Skidmore. Faye was a gracious lady whose warmth was felt by many friends and family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; a devout Christian woman; and dedicated and loving wife. She lived her 91 years exibiting things that matter in life like loving and working for God; loving her family, being supportive of others; honoring the institution of marriage, and doing things the right way. A sweeter woman inside and out hasn't been made yet. But, "God saw her getting tired, and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around her and whispered, "Come to Me." Lillian Faye worked as a receptionist for Dr. Leslie Baker, in Aurora for many years. She then worked as a secretary for Schenley Distillery, retiring after 20 years of service. She was a member of Immanuel Presbyterian Church of Tucson, AZ, where she sang alto in the choir; was a member of the Agape Women's Circle; and with her husband members of the "Faith Walkers Covenant Group." Faye exhibited a strong faith and a deep love for her two husbands, her two children, two stepchildren, three grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and five great-step-grandchildren. Faye and her husband, Howard resided at The Forum at Tucson retirement center at the time of her death. Lillian is survived by her loving spouse, Howard Ross of Tucson, AZ; children, David (Nancy) Giffin of Chesterfield, MO, Debra (Roger) Fehling of Aurora, IN; stepson, Michael (Diane) Ross, Sr. and stepdaughter, Nancylou Ross, both of Tucson, AZ; siblings: sister, Charlotte (late Dick) Horn; brother, (late Sue) Skidmore both of Lawrenceburg, IN; and brother-in-law, Jerry (Julia) Giffin of Cincinnati, OH. Her surviving grandchildren, Shelby (Will) Baxter, Erin (Kris) Fairfield, Scott (Amber) Giffin; step-grandchildren, Julie (Jason) Chaffey, Nicole Sanchez, Jason (Ashley) Ross and Rachel (Boston) Grambo; great-grandchildren, Morgan Jones, Cainan Baxter, Sawyer Baxter, Carter Giffin and Madelyn Giffin; great-step-grandchildren, Jordyn Sanchez, Alec Sanchez, Jaron Chaffey, Jacee Mae Chaffey, Hannah Ross. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Clayton "Red" Giffin; sisters, Gloria Becker and Virginia Skidmore; brother, David Allen Skidmore; stepson, Kenneth Ross; step-grandson, Michael W. Ross, Jr. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 9250 E. 22nd Street, Tucson, AZ 85712, with a reception/refreshments immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Gifts may be made to Immanuel Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund or a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

SIMMONS, Paul Clayton PhD

87, of Tucson, AZ died peacefully at home on August 12, 2019. He was blessed to have two loving wives, Priscilla (48 years) who predeceased him and Margaret (17 years) who has survived him. We were blessed by how he merged two wonderful families together. His kind heart and limitless generosity will be greatly missed by all of his family. Paul is survived by his daughter, Paula (Peter); four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Paul's life included a 41 year career with Hughes Aircraft Company as a Metallurgical Engineer and Senior Scientist. His accomplishments and contributions were many. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2019, 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Chapel, 7650 N. Paseo del Norte, Tucson, AZ 85704. A reception will be held at the Church after the service. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY.

SYMES, Russell "Russ" Walter

Green Valley, Arizona, died of Alzheimer's Disease August 1, 2019. He was 85. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1934, to Mr. and Mrs. Harris (Bernice) Symes, and grandson of Russell William Symes; he attended Detroit Public Schools, and graduated from Wayne State University with a BS in Education and an MS in Counseling and Guidance, later achieving an Ed.S degree via the University of Wisconsin - Stout. Mr. Symes taught in the Detroit Public School system and later in the Madison (Wisconsin) Metropolitan Public School District (Cherokee Middle School) and Madison College (formerly Madison Area Technical College) for most of his career. He retired from teaching in 1991 and became co-owner of The Sailboat House LLC, a sailboat sales and repair shop located near Madison's Lake Mendota. He married Helen Fauerbach, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Louis Fauerbach, in Madison in 1994. He and Helen retired to Green Valley, Arizona in 1998, where he was an active community volunteer, known for his skills in gardening and teaching, exercising his lifelong interest in supporting public schools and their after-school programs. He was especially interested in work that supported middle school-aged children. He and Helen taught Sunday School in Madison and Green Valley for 25 years. In retirement, he was very involved with his community, including serving in several capacities for the Green Valley Community Coordinating Council (GVCCC), Director and President of The Greens HOA, Director, President and Executive Secretary of the Santa Rita Springs Master HOA, as well as an active member of the GVCCC Camera Club, Computer Club, Woodshop and Green Valley Gardeners. He was an active member of the St. Francis-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church. He is survived by his wife and three stepchildren, eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, as well as several beloved Symes cousins who were as close to him as siblings. At his request, his body was donated to education and research. Celebration of Life services will be held on Sunday, September 1, 2019 at St. Francis-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, 600 S. La Canada Drive, Green Valley, AZ at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers family and friends are asked to make a contribution to their local public schools. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

VOCK, Thomas L. Tom "Kroc"

age 67, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2019. Tom was loved by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his endless generosity, contagious sense of humor, and infinite love of family and friends. Tom's endearing personality earned him new friendships everywhere he went. He had an enormous heart and was full of kindness.

Tom was born in Illinois on July 3, 1952, son of Kenneth and Margaret (Dawson) Vock. Tom is survived by his soulmate, Carolyn Romenesko and his son, Jim Romenesko; his beloved sisters and brothers, Sue (Bob) Main, Ron (Monique) Vock, Rick (Jean) Vock, and Peggy (Scott) Sampson; a stepsister, LuAnn Vondracek (Mike Jones); two stepbrothers, Jim Vondracek and Tom (Sheryl) Vondracek; as well as his loving nieces and nephews, Michelle (Ryan Laboy) Vock, Kevin Vock, Ben Sampson, Nate Sampson, Ryan Vock, Rob (Kara) Main, Jill (Chad) Triatik, Mara (Harold) Bonnell, Nolan Vondracek, Calvin Vondracek, Alena Vondracek and Joshua Vondracek. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Vock; his mother, Margaret "Babe" Vock Vondracek and his stepfather, Robert Vondracek.

A Funeral Mass for Tom was held on Saturday, August 17, 2019, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.

Tom was a volunteer coach at Special Olympics of Tucson for many years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to: Special Olympics of Tucson, AZ, 3340 N. Country Club Rd #102, Tucson, AZ 85716 or donate at https://give.specialolympics.org/page/contribute/arizona Arrangements by FARGO FUNERAL HOMES.

WILDER, Nicéa Maggessi

Trindade

passed away peacefully on the morning of July 28, 2019, at home and with family by her side. She was born August 25, 1928 in Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil and was raised in Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro. Nicéa graduated from the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro with a degree in Natural History. She worked as a palynologist for CPRM (Brazilian Geological Survey) until her marriage to John in 1972. She published numerous scientific papers during that time. After moving to Tucson she earned a PhD in Geosciences at the University of Arizona. Nicéa was a longtime parishioner and volunteer at the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center. She had a wide circle of friends and was active in Tucson's Brazilian/American community. Friends, neighbors, and family remember her energy, long walks, colorful vests, and beautiful singing voice. Nicéa was devoted to her family. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Nysa, Neyde Maria, Nara Maria, Nancy Maria, Nelly, Nice, José Maria and her sister-in-law, Judie Mary. Nicéa is survived by her husband, John; sister, Nathalia Maria (Homero); brothers-in-law, Joseph (Margaret) and William (Liisa); generations of nieces and nephews here and in Brazil, and the beloved Fofo. A Service is planned and will be announced. Feliz aniversário. Vai com deus, querida Nicéa. Arrangements by DESERT ROSE HEATHER MORTUARY.

ZEGURA, Stephen L.

passed away on May 26, 2019, at the age of 75. A Celebration of Life in his honor will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the Arizona Inn in Tucson. For details, please contact the Zegura family at memorialslz19@gmail.com. Born in San Francisco, California, Steve was the eldest child of Dragomir Božo Zegura and Adele (June) Perelli-Minetti. In 1965, he earned his BA in anthropology, magna cum laude and with departmental honors, at Stanford University; and he received his master's degree and doctorate in human biology in 1971 from the University of Wisconsin (Madison). After a brief stint at New York University, Steve moved to Tucson in the fall of 1972 and was a professor at the University of Arizona, where he taught physical anthropology and human genetics. With a keen and discerning intellect and passion for sharing knowledge, Steve was an enthusiastic teacher and mentor who challenged and inspired his students for over four decades. Outside of academia, Steve was a fixture on the Tucson amateur golf scene, first at Randolph Men's Club and later with the Sahuaro Men's Club, where he became known affectionately as "Doc" and "Zoggo" among his closest friends and family. He was also an avid food and wine enthusiast, sports fan, and patron of the arts--especially opera, ballet, and chamber music. Steve is survived by his beloved wife and companion, Elizabeth; his son, Dan; his daughter-in-law, Ellen and his granddaughters, Carmen and Bethany; his daughter, Krista and his son-in-law, Adam (Sowlati) and his brother, Petar; his sister-in-law, Sue; his nephew, Nathan and Nathan's children, Arden and Bryce and wife, Kaila. In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve's memory can be made to the Amerind Foundation and Museum, the Colibri Center for Human Rights, the Loft Cinema, St. Michael's Guatemala Project, or the UA School of Anthropology. Please see Legacy.com for the full obituary.