In memoriam: Funeral notices, June 2, 2022

Christenson, Phyllis Lee

passed away May 17, 2022, in Tucson, Arizona. Born April 1, 1949 in Angola, Indiana, she was one of eight siblings, predeceased by her parents, Robert and Esperance Eff, several brothers and a sister, her beloved husband and best friend, Bobby Gillette, and her son, Kenneth Vessel. A Tucson resident for over 40 years, she owned and operated a trucking company and truck brokerage with her husband. She was the founder and Queen of the Red Hat Society chapter Rosie Hattitude. She enjoyed lunching with her chapter once a month every month since 2001. Phyllis was a spitfire; a very charismatic and stubborn woman who was worth looking up to. Not only did she keep a smile on her face throughout her battle with cancer, but she remained true to her ever-giving spirit and continued to put others first throughout her recovery. This year marked 16 years cancer free! She is survived by her brother, Daniel (Socorro) Eff of Tucson, AZ, and sisters Luetta A. Robbins of Denver, CO and Antoinette Irwin of Pinetop, AZ; her daughter Stephanie (Gabriel) Ruesch and grandchildren, Jolinda (Artan) Bela and Daniel Hundt. There will be a celebration of her life at the Randolph Golf Course starting at 11:00 am on June 4, 2022. Arrangements by Marana Mortuary.

PLASSE, Louis J.

Louis passed away Monday night, May 23, 2022, after a short illness. He was born, July 3, 1925, the son of Louis and Simone (Bonge) Plasse of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He spent his early years in Woonsocket and then (after graduating) enlisted in the Army, where he served in the European Theater. He was awarded 2 Bronze stars for his work stringing communication wires, behind enemy lines.

After the war, he returned and married Lillian Moutier (his High School sweetheart). They moved to Rhode Island where he earned a teaching degree. During these years their son David was born. They moved from Rhode Island to Arizona where the climate allowed their son David, (who was wheelchair bound) to move around easier and enjoy life more. During these years they managed to visit all 50 states, an enjoyment they continued after they lost David. They also enjoyed playing music and Ballroom dancing.

During their time in Arizona, Louis continued to teach, and retired as Dean of Chaparral Career College.

Louis leaves behind, his wife, Lillian and was preceded in death by his father, mother and son, David.

He will be laid to rest, with Military Honors, at East Lawn Palms Cemetery on June 2, 2022. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.

In Loving Memory

Willis, Cylisha

01/08/1972 - 04/01/2022

Cylisha Willis was born on January 8, 1972 to Chester Willis and Velma Taylor in Tucson, Arizona. Cylisha was 50 at the time of her unexpected passing in Houston, Texas, on April 1, 2022.

Cylisha was a 3rd generation (G3) professional hairstylist licensed in the states of Arizona, Illinois, California, and Nevada and had the gift of giving women confidence through beauty. Cylisha not only had four cosmetology licenses, but she also obtained her Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix.

She combined her business education with her gift of creating beauty and successfully operated salons in Phoenix and Las Vegas before taking on the role of a Human Resource Specialist with Common Spirit Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the U.S. She is survived by her grandmother Katherine Kelly, mother Velma Taylor, sisters Cyntha and Clarissa, brothers Patrick and Carl, along with a list of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Chester Willis Jr. There will be a Celebration of Life on June 4, 2022, at 11 a.m. at The Dunbar Pavillion, 325 W. 2nd Street, Tucson, 85705. Arangements by FDA Southlawn.