In memoriam: Funeral notices, October 11, 2020

BAKER, Cynthia May (nee Willson)

age 69, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2020. Dear sister of Judith Shaffer (late Robert), Susan (Robert) Young, and the late Nancy Zupko, Marlene Lasko, and Marcia Schirber (Tim). Aunt of nine nieces/nephews. Cindy will be privately laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Valley City, Ohio. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Dodge Chapel.

BLOMQUIST, Paul Jacob

93, passed away peacefully in Tucson, Arizona on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at his assisted living residence with his children by his side. Paul was born in Felch Township, Michigan on June 5, 1927 to the late Jonas Blomquist and Hilma Willman. He was preceded in death by JoAnn, his loving wife of almost 60 years; daughter, Lynnea; brother, Arne; stepbrothers, Magnus, Martin, Arthur and David; stepsisters, Esther, Ellen, Elsa, Ruth and Anni. Paul is survived by son, Michael (Shelly) Blomquist; daughter, Lori Jacobsen; son, Mark (Nancy) Blomquist; daughter, LeAnn Caldwell and grandchildren, Heather, Aaron, Tiffany, Samuel, Joshua, Jason and Sarah. Paul was a Major and fighter jet pilot/navigator in the United States Air Force and served 20 years of active duty prior to his retirement in 1969. The family would like to extend a special thanks to all those who lovingly cared for Paul including the staff at The Gardens of San Carlos and Aria Hospice. Paul's ashes will be interred at New Spirit Lutheran Church in a private ceremony. Arrangements by DESERT ROSE HEATHER.

CROSSETT, Elizabeth "Betty"

passed at home on Sunday, September 27, 2020 surrounded by loved ones. Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts on December 18, 1930, she graduated from North Yarmouth Academy in June of 1948 where she met, was wooed and won by her future husband to whom she would remain dedicated for the next 71 years. Like many, the young family decided to venture out west to seek their fortunes and arrived in Tucson in 1956. In Tucson, and later in Patagonia, they hosted years of family gatherings and adventures. She was an avid outdoorswoman and experience seeker who retired from the State Park Service as a Patagonia State Park Ranger in 1992. She was a woman and matriarch whose generous kindness to loved ones and strangers was noted and adored by all who met her.

Mother of four sons, Gary and wife Janet, Greg and wife Kathy, Jeff (deceased), and Dan and wife Phyllis, who remember her for her patience and kindness.

Grandmother of five, Jason Crossett, Jaime Crossett Gard, Danielle Crossett, Aaron Crossett and Brian Crossett who remember her for her grace and never allowing them to be bored.

14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson who will continue to feel her presence through her loving influence on their parents (and grandparents).

She is survived by her husband Bob Crossett, the patriarch of the family.

EDSON, Frances Robinson

of Tucson, Arizona, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2020 after a brief bout with cancer. An online celebration of her life will be held Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 4:00PM PST / 7:00PM EST. Information on how to access and log-in to the event can be found at https://www.bit.ly/FranEdson.

Fran was born March 16, 1934 to Francis P. Robinson and Carolyn G. Robinson, and grew up in Columbus, Ohio. She attended University High School and was a graduate of Oberlin College. She retired from Camino Medical Group in Sunnyvale, California where she had worked a Physician's Assistant. Fran relocated to Tucson, Arizona and was active in the Saddlebrooke community and then the Mountain View Retirement community. She belonged to Mountain Shadows Presbyterian Church and was a long-time member of the church choir.

She had a passion for traveling the world and was a frequent participant in National Geographic and Elderhostel programs. She combined this with her love of photography and was able to surround herself with wonderful images of her trips. She also enjoyed visiting numerous National Parks in the US, with Yosemite being her favorite.

Fran is remembered by friends and family for her tireless spirit, her ability to put mind over matter, and her love of travel and adventure.

She leaves behind her daughters, Lori Rhodes, Leslie Dietiker, and Kristen Dietiker; her grandchildren, Taylor, Erin, Sean, Jacob, and Alex; and her great-grandson, Clark. She is survived by her sister, Carol (Robinson) Hopkins, niece Kathryn and nephew Mark. She was predeceased by her husband Robert.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to the Yosemite Conservancy at www.yosemite.org/edson.

GAYLE, Diana Kathryn

60, of Tucson It is with incredible sorrow and sadness that I have to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of my loving soulmate Diana Kathryn Gayle. Diana was born in Northern California and raised in Pacifica. She went to high school in Concord where she played in the band and toured the country multiple times with the award winning Concord Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. Diana came to Tucson 30 years ago and came into my life and my heart 18 years ago. Diana had the most friendly and sparkling personality and had many friends. Diana touched the hearts of so many with her warmth and compassion. Diana was a dedicated worker and also liked to have fun including going to the mountains and to the coast. Diana loved music and she loved her family. Diana was proud to be affiliated with charities such as the Moose Lodge Fraternity and the VFW but she was most proud of her two wonderful sons whom she raised. Diana is pre-deceased by parents, Fred and Betty Gayle. She is survived by sons, Nicholas Gentry and Benjamin Gentry; sister, Shari Gayle, and baby brother, Steve Gayle, and most loving and adoring companion for the best 18 years of my life, David Bacal. Diana was also a cherished member of the entire Bacal family and will be missed by all. Services pending.

LAUGHLIN, David

3/2/1928 - 9/24/2020

Laughlin was a professional designer, craftsman, and illustrator born in Missouri who moved to Chicago after serving in the Army until 1952. In 1978 he moved to Tucson, Arizona and specialized in watercolor, pen and ink and oil paintings of everything Arizona and places around the world. Laughlin currently has a show of his research work on the Buffalo Soldiers of Arizona at the Tucson Desert Art Museum.

To learn more about his life, artwork and how to donate in memoriam, go to www.davidlaughlinfineart.com.

LEVITIN, Robert Lewis M.D.

age 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on October 6, 2020 in Conroe Texas. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio to Julia & Morris Levitin. He is preceded in death by his parents & brother, Donald P. Levitin. He is survived by his sister, Barbara Gold; children, Kim (Levitin) Ruff, Todd and Dean Levitin (Michelle) and grandchildren, Samantha and Jacob Ruff and Brooke and Miles Levitin. Robert graduated from The Ohio State University with a BS and M.D. He was a Captain in the US Air Force. He was the Medical Director of Battelle Memorial Institute and developed their Preventive Medicine Program. He moved his family to Arizona in 1978 where he enjoyed a long career in Occupational Medicine. Throughout his life he was an avid fan of Ohio State Football and TBDBITL. A celebration of life will be held in Columbus at a future date. Donations may be made to The Urban & Shelley Meyer Fund for Cancer Research at www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/?fund=314731

MILLER, Eileen

86, of Tucson passed away peacefully October 6, 2020. Survived by husband Don; daughter, Barb; brother, Dick; granddaughter, Devann; four great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews; she is preceded in death by sons, John and Richard and brothers, Jim and Maurie. Born in Cleveland, Ohio; Eileen was always very active- serving as a scout leader, Sunday School leader, with parent/teacher organizations and as a lifeguard/swimming instructor. Gifted with a wonderful sense of humor, Eileen had a bit of a reputation as a neighborhood practical joker, along with her cohort Mary, during their years together in Ohio. She and Don enjoyed square dancing and card clubs with friends, as well as family camping trips, vacations, and travels. Aside from the love of her family, Eileen's greatest joy was the many treasured friendships she developed across the country. Active for over 60 years with the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs (now known as Multiples of America) on the local, state and national levels; she volunteered and held many elected positions, including two terms as President of the National Organization. Another group of incredible friendships developed over the 26 years she worked for City of Tucson Parks & Recreation, Seniors division. Our family would like to thank and acknowledge the wonderful care Eileen received from Dr. "D", the Caregivers at All Comforts of Home and Remita Hospice. In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations in Eileen's memory to the Multiples of America's Scholarship Fund or the charity of your choice. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY.

MORGAN, Josephine

1928-2020

Beloved Josephine "Dodo" Morgan, was born November 26, 1928 in Tucson, Arizona and flew with Angels to Heaven on October 4, 2020, when the Blessed Mother welcomed her with opened arms. She is the daughter of John and Cecelia Mabarak.

Josephine is reunited with her husband of 47 years, Don Morgan, and her siblings, Shaffer Mabarak and Marie Anthony. She was a rare native of Tucson, Arizona. She was a member of the Drama department at Tucson High School. There she was involved in many theatrical productions and loved dancing the jitterbug to rousing crowds with her cousins. She received her Thespian pin and earned a full scholarship to the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse in California.

"Dodo" devoted her life to her family and had a gift for making holidays special with her love, laughter and cooking authentic Lebanese dishes. She was an amazing wife, mother, auntie, cousin and friend and touched many lives with her joy, humor, spirituality, and love. In her early years, she volunteered with the USO during World War II and later had fun working with friends and family at the Cashbox. She looked forward to family travel to summer Newport Beach house vacations and loved her 'girls only' trips with family to Las Vegas.

Josephine is survived by her sister, Judy Nowinski; son, Raymond and his wife, Kris Morgan; son, Patrick Morgan; daughter, Donna and son-in-law, Chris Hammond; and her five grandchildren, Katie Morgan, Daniel Morgan, Shelby Morgan, Morgan Monashefsky, and Cecelia Hammond.

Rosary services to remember Josephine will be livestreamed on October 12, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. PDT from Our Lady of Angeles Catholic church located at 1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame, Calif. A Celebration of Life in remembrance of Josephine will be held in Tucson, AZ on her anniversary of October 4, 2021, or communicated sooner when gatherings can be held safely.

O'ROURKE, Terrence Shawn

our beloved husband, father, and brother entered eternal life on September 30, 2020. Terry, a proud Tucson native and Rincon Ranger, was born September 16, 1960 to John and Clare O'Rourke.

Terry worked at Raytheon for 38 years in the assembly and inspection areas. He was a skilled welder and metal worker, a gun enthusiast with appreciation and knowledge of fine products, and member of the Tucson Cactus Club who enjoyed nurturing and growing various plants and cacti. In addition to these interests, Terry shared his knowledge and love of Tucson history and the desert with his daughters and step-son on trips throughout southern Arizona and northern Mexico.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents and step-father Raymond Birenbaum. He is survived by his loving wife Antonia; daughters, Genesis and Shannon; step-son, Anthony Sotelo; nephew, Kevin O'Rourke; brother, John (Jill) O'Rourke; sister, Kay (Gordon) Williams; step-brothers, Carroll (Millie) and Courtney (Jean) Birenbaum; step-sister, Sheila Birenbaum.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to Akshay Amaraneni, M.D. and the staff at Peppi's House Hospice for the care and comfort they provided to Terrence.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite charity or Tucson Medical Center's inpatient Hospice -Peppi's House Foundation, 5301 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712 in Terry's memory. Arrangements by HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.

VERDUGO-BEATY, Dorina

AKA "Honey"

86, died peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family October 4,2020. She will join her late husband Gilbert Beaty in heaven. She was the daughter of Anita Buerras-Verdugo and Isidoro Verdugo. She was the only daughter out of eight children. She is survived by daughters, Leticia (Richard), Dianna (Richard), and Patricia. Grandchildren are Ernest, Angelica, Bridgett (Jose), Nicole, Kristina, Erick, Jake, and Luke. She had 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was a humble, native Tucsonan that loved life. Those that knew her would agree that if her family was happy, she was happy. She was a gentle, fragile soul that always persevered despite life's heartaches and tribulations. It is no doubt that she is now someone's angel. Special thanks goes out to Tradition Hospice Staff Juan, Wendy, Myra, Jill, Gary, Terry, Jessica, Maria and all others who gave loving, compassionate care during her last days. We are very appreciative. It is with great honor that her pallbearers will be members from the Tucson and Madera Arizona Ranger companies. She is the proud daughter-in-law of the legendary Clarence "Chapo" Beaty (one of the 107 original rangers). There is no doubt our grandfather is very honored that our family still and will always treasure his history. "Few but Proud, Then and Now" our dear Grandpa. She will be laid to rest in Patagonia, AZ with the rest of the Beaty Family. Enjoy those mountains Mom. Mom/Nana AKA "Honey" there are no words to describe how much we will miss you. Thank you for all you did for us. Always remember you're our "Tesoro" para siempre. Arrangements by CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY.

WOODBREY, James Calvin, PhD,

85, of Sebago Lake, ME, St. Louis, MO and Green Valley, AZ, died peacefully on September 29, 2020. A graduate of Standish High School, University of Maine, Orono and Michigan State University, Jim was a distinguished Senior Research Scientist at Monsanto from 1961-1989; a pioneer in MRI and polymer technology and owner of many patents. He enjoyed history and politics and was a gifted photographer, carpenter and handy-man. He is predeceased by three brothers, three sisters, and daughter, Peggy Edwards (Eric). He is survived by wife, Connie (nee Douglass); elder brothers Herbert, Henry and Victor Woodbrey, all of Maine; son, Dorrance (Woody) Woodbrey; daughter, Alison Taylor (Bill); grandchildren, Jenny Pennycook (Mike), John Edwards, Alison Bryar (Dan), Conor Taylor; step-grandchildren, Bill Taylor (Meghan), Brendan Taylor (Tricia); great-grandchildren, Mairin, William, Alexa and Alice, and many nieces and nephews.

Services: A private family service was held in St. Louis. As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory.