In memoriam: Funeral notices, January 4, 2019

BACKUS, Kenneth Eugene 8/19/1954 - 12/25/2018

Kenneth passed away peacefully on December 25, 2018, and is now re-united with his wife Cornelia Schaal-Backus. They will now be back together to rest in peace as one. Ken was a fine husband, son, brother, uncle and nephew. Ken had a heart of gold and always went out of his way to help his fellow man. Ken was a 21 year retiree from the U.S. Army and then worked as an I.T. professional in Germany, Florida and Arizona. Ken was born in California, graduated High School in Texas and lived in many places around the world. Ken and Cornelia finally settled for good here in Tucson in 2004. Ken loved to work on his computers and upgrade them for others to enjoy, he loved to watch his NFL and College football (Packers and OSU Buckeyes were his favorite) MLB (LA Dodgers were his favorite) and loved his NASCAR, Motocross and Supercross racing. Ken will be missed by a myriad of family and friends, whose lives he touched and added fulfillment to, over the course of his 64 years. Ken will be interned in his family niche at Ft Rosecrans, San Diego California. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

BYERS, Harold

Passed away peacefully December 14, 2018 at 86 years old. Memorial Service at Foothills Community Church 3301 W. Overton Road Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

FISCHER, Lois L.

(90) was born in Rolf, OK and entered eternal rest December 26, 2018 in Tucson, AZ. Although her family had relocated to AZ during the depression, Lois returned to OK and graduated from college in the state of her birth. When Lois began her 2nd teaching position in Benson, room-mates introduced her to Ken and they were married in November of 1954 less than one year after they met. After Ken's death, Lois remained in their home for as long as her health allowed. Lois is survived by brother-in-law, Herman Fischer of Tucson; sister-in-law, Ella Fischer of Michigan; four nieces, several cousins, former students and a great number of friends. Services will be held at the Benson Community Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Interment follows at Cochise Gardens of Rest. Lois has designated the Benson Community Presbyterian Church for memorial contributions. Arrangements by RICHARDSON'S BENSON MORTUARY

SANTAMARIA, Melissa A.

41, Tucson, AZ, suddenly passed away on Friday, December 28, 2018, from an aneurysm to her brain. Melissa was born October 1, 1977, in Tucson, AZ. and was the life of our family. She worked as a Dental Assistant and always helped family and friends when needed. She was always there for anyone who needed her and will be truly missed by all who knew her. There are no words to describe our sudden loss, as Melissa was the best wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to all. Melissa has been the rock that held and united our family always! She is survived by her husband, Luis Sanchez; son, Mariano Santamaria; daughter, Clarissa Sanchez; mother and dad, Rosario and Joe Lopez; father, Horacio V. SantaMaria; brothers, Horacio Santamaria (Araceli), Jaime Santamaria (Venessa), Gabriel SantaMaria (Jessica), Jose Luis Lopez (Dulce); and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She is preceded in death by grandparents, Armando and Rosario Acedo; Guillermo and Concepcion SantaMaria; and step-grandparents, Jose and Concha Lopez. Visitation will be held in Tucson, AZ, Sunday, January 6, 2018, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Carrillo's Tucson Mortuary (South Chapel), 204 S. Stone Ave., with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be offered at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 7, 2019 at St. Margaret's Catholic Church, 801 N. Grande Ave. Interment will follow at Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 N. Oracle Rd. Arrangements under the direction of CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY.