In memoriam: Funeral notices, May 15, 2022

Arnett, William "Bill" L.

09/27/1956 - 05/05/2022

Bill loved the water, sun and boating. He designed the pool of his dreams. A true craftsman, when he needed something, he built it. After graduation from Prescott High School in 1974, he served as a U.S. Marine for 3 years. In 2011, after 26 years of employment, he retired from Raytheon Missile Systems as a metrologist. Bill is survived by wife Deena, along with sons Casey (Angie) and Toby (Katherine), daughter Kelli, step-son David (Kelly) and step-daughter Janelle. He will be missed by sisters Brenda (Van), Julie and Ellen (David) and sisters-in-law Denise (Don), Debra (Andrew) and Linda. He so loved his grandchildren Anallyssa, Vincent, Rose, Kaylin, Lyla, Riley, Hunter, Jubilee, Jenesis and Alyssa and will be missed by many nieces and nephews, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins. A celebration of life is scheduled for June 25, 2022, from 10:30 to 12:00 at Rotary Park, Ramada 3, 2315 Balboa Drive, Bullhead City, AZ 86442, with lunch to follow at Hooches 95 Bar & Grill, 5575 S. Hwy 95, Fort Mohave, AZ 86426. Arrangements by Diamond & Sons Valley View Funeral Home.

BENCIC, Robert

(December 8, 1937 - April 29, 2022)

Robert Bencic, 84, of Tucson, AZ, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2022. A native of Chicago, IL, he moved to Tucson in 1973 and lived in the area for 49 years. Bob had a lifelong passion for automobiles and began servicing them in high school. After graduating from Chicago's Parker High School in 1957, he served in the US Marine Corps. In 1958, he was selected as Marine driver of the quarter while serving with the 1st Division at Camp Pendleton, CA. While still young, Bob later turned his love of automotive technology into service "in the pits" at the Indianapolis 500 and in support of the drag races at the Bonneville Salt Flats. He worked at Samsonite in quality control capacities for many years in Tucson, and also worked in automotive parts and products. He was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn (Bencic) Schroeder and brothers Lawrence Bencic and George Bencic. He is survived by cousins Michael Bencic, Philip Bencic, Bud Bencic, Chuck Bencic, and Ernie Lindstrom, and by nephews, Wayne Schroeder and Randolph Schroeder. Funeral Service and burial will be on Monday, May 16, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.

Copenhaver, Larry

Larry Copenhaver of Tucson, Arizona, passed away April 27, 2022, after a valiant struggle with Parkinson's disease. Larry was a beloved husband and father, and a friend to many. He was born in Iowa but was deeply engaged in the Tucson community for most of his life. He graduated from Rincon High School and U of A, then worked as a smokejumper in the mountains surrounding Tucson before committing to his lifelong passion of education. He started his career as an English teacher and track coach at Sahuarita High, then went on to spend over 20 years as a journalist for the Tucson Citizen, where he informed the Tucson community on his beats of education, science, home improvement, and whatever other topics he had opportunity to report. After leaving the Citizen, he worked to connect young people with trades apprenticeship training opportunities. In his spare time he was a ski instructor at Sunrise Mountain, where he taught aspiring skiers to swish down the mountain. Other favorite hobbies included tinkering, genealogy, spending time with his family, enjoying the company of dogs, and starting friendly conversations with random strangers. In the realm of his endless supply of puns and dad jokes, he was an Iowa farm boy outstanding in his field. His wit, humor, and kindness will be sorely missed by those close to him. Larry is survived by his wife Shirley, son Rob, stepchildren Robert and Julie, grandchildren Kate and Elizabeth, and brother Harold. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Arrangements by Desert Sunset Funeral Home.

DEBOUGH , Donald DuWayne

Our beloved Donald DuWayne DeBough passed away on May 2, 2022. Don will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Don was born on October 31, 1956 in Slayton, Minnesota to Adrian DeBough and Ora McConnell DeBough. Don was greatly loved by his wife, parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, colleagues, and all who knew him. Don would never miss a Minnesota Vikings game; he was a lifelong fan. Additionally, he enjoyed traveling, repairing things, and motorcycle riding. Don's professional life included a successful career in Information Technology. He was a dedicated and hard-working employee at Sunquest Information Systems and Tucson Medical Center. He was a software engineer and a manager; he took great pride in his work. He is survived by his wife, Lori DeBough, as well as his five children: Joshua (Longmont, Colorado), Anastasia and her children: Madison and Evan (Bordentown, NJ), Jonathan (Bordentown, NJ), Kaitlyn and Cameron (Tucson, AZ). In addition, Don is survived by his siblings and their spouses: Richard/Kate (Northfield, MN), Tom/Mary (Janesville, MN), Dennis/Faye (Phoenix, AZ), Jerry/Barb (Rochester, MN), Sue/Mike (Duluth, MN), James/Christine (Albuquerque, NM). He was preceded in death by his mother, for whom he provided loving and nurturing care in her final years, his step-father, John Dalleska, and his brother Charles. A Memorial Service and a Celebration of Life will be held for Don DeBough on Saturday, May 21st, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Bring's Broadway Chapel - 6910 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85710. Please feel free to come, share your memories, and celebrate his life and legacy.

Geehan, Betty

Longtime Tucson resident Betty Geehan died at age 95 May 1, 2022, in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Our mother was a smart, strong-minded, caring person who was passionate about politics, educated voting, travel, the ocean, chocolate and her family. Betty Brown was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and graduated from Newton High School. She took piano lessons at the Boston Conservatory of Music and played piano much of her life. She went on to Wellesley College where she majored in English composition and earned a Master's degree in English. This is where she met her future husband, Jim Geehan, whom she married in 1949 in Hazardville, Connecticut (always a joke between them!) They moved to Rhode Island where Jim worked for the Providence Journal and Betty taught high school English.

During this time they bought a tent camper, and the family spent many happy years traveling to Canada every summer and one summer across the country and back. When Jim had the opportunity to become the publisher of the San Bernardino Sun, they took a deep breath and moved to Redlands, California, a huge change for two New Englanders! Mom immediately joined the local League of Women Voters and the Assistance League. In 1977, they moved to Tucson, Arizona, where Jim was publisher of the Tucson Citizen. Once again, Mom joined the League and worked extensively on local issues, such as public schools, water rights and voter forums. She believed strongly in Planned Parenthood and volunteered at the Tucson Public Library.

She moved to Tiverton, Rhode Island, in 2018 to be near her children. She is survived by her three children, Barbara Geehan and Jim Geehan of Bristol, Rhode Island, and Janet Hoffman (Ken) of Alamo, California; grandchildren, Andrew Hoffman, Casey Krueger, and five great-grandchildren. Mom had a rapier intelligence, a brilliant smile and a love of books, especially mysteries. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her memory to your local League of Women Voters or Planned Parenthood. Memorial will be in July. Sansone Funeral Home, Bristol, R.I.

KIME, David Sherman

David Sherman Kime, born May 25, 1939, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 6, 2022 at 82 years of age.

David was born to Quintin and Shirley Kime in Toledo, OH where he spent his younger years. He was the youngest of two brothers (Timothy Q.). He moved to Moscow, ID with his mother and stepfather (J. Neil Stahley). He attended high school at Moscow High School and later attended the University of Idaho. He graduated in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. He was a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity a.k.a. Fiji. While in college, he met his wife of 43 years, Patricia Ann Albrethsen.

David entered the United States Navy in 1961 as 2nd Lieutenant and was stationed at Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Honolulu, HI. He was honorably discharged in 1964. While in Hawaii, Patricia gave birth to their first child David Scott. They relocated to the mainland and settled in Tucson, AZ in 1964. Patricia gave birth to their second son, Patrick Michael, in 1965. David worked for his Aunt Nancy and Uncle John where he managed Miracle Mile Drug Store. He later went to work for the State of Arizona as a social worker in Child Protective Services. During his time with CPS, he was instrumental in in providing numerous children with more favorable opportunities to have successful lives. He retired from the State of Arizona in 1997. In 2005, David's wife Patricia lost her battle with cancer. David and Barbara met in 2006 later on got married and they were together until the day he passed, so those were the happiest days of his life.

David and Barbara were avid travellers. He loved history and challenged your knowledge frequently. He had a big love of sports, especially football and enjoyed watching his sons and grandkids play their games.

David is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia A. Kime; father, Quintin D. Kime; his mother Shirley Stahley; his stepfather J. Neil "Skip" Stahley. David is survived by his loving wife of 17 years Barbara, which were the happiest times of his life along with his sons David and Patrick Kime (Lidia); his brother, Timothy (Barbara); grandchildren, Kristin, Quintin, Madison, Lexi, Preston, Nicole, Michael and several nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held Monday, May 16th, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Adair Funeral Homes-Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Avenue. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 at Summit Ridge Community Church 505 W. Hardy Rd. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Lance, Pearl I.

(Irene)

Irene was a kind and caring wife, mother, and friend.

She passed away peacefully on May 8, 2022 at the age of 88. She was born on March 2, 1932 to Pearl and Clarence McConnell. The oldest of four girls she out lived them all.

She was a cheerleader and valedictorian of her high school in Hackettstown, NJ. Later she was an avid tournament bowler for over 40 years with the USBC and traveled the country. She supported many charities and was a generous giver.

She married Floyd L. Lance in 1952 and they lived happily together for 69 years.

Irene was preceeded in death by her daughter Pamela and is survived by her husband Floyd; children, Steven (MaryAnn), Douglas (Lisa); his daughter, Jennifer (Bill) her children Edgar, Harrison, and Oliver. Pamelas son Lance (Maranda) and his children Chloe and Kenzie. She was a great 2nd mother to Doreen and a grandmother to her boys Michael and Stephen.

She will be greatly missed and the love she shared will live on in our hearts and memories forever.

Her final wish was there be no memorial service. Arrangements by Avenidas Cremation and Burial.

Lewers, Boss

Boss Clark Lewers went home to be with the Lord at the age of 91 on April 30, 2022, in Tucson, AZ. He was born in Memphis, TN to Guy and Nell Lewers. The Lewers family moved to Tucson in the 1930s and Boss spent his early years at Sunset Dairy where his father worked and he explored the desert with his younger brother Billy.

Boss attended Laguna Elementary and Amphi High School, then moved back to Barr, Mississippi to work on the family farm with his grandfather, "Pap," where he finished high school in 1948 and met his future wife, Dimple. They married shortly after graduating high school and moved back to Tucson in 1953. Boss worked for the Teamsters Union as a truck driver and dock foreman. Boss then started his own business installing carpet for AAA Mobile Homes until he retired in 1993.

Boss was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and throughout his life taught bible studies for people of all ages and walks of life. He was an artist at heart and found inspiration in the southwest for his paintings. His gentle demeanor and great sense of humor will be forever missed by all.

Boss is survived by his brother Billy, son Darryl, daughter Pam, grandchildren Jodie, Jason, Andrew, and Alea, great grandchildren Norah, Leila, and Benjamin.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 2pm at Mission Park Baptist Church, 2101 W Ajo Way #5610, Tucson, AZ 85713. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Saavi Services for the Blind or the American Diabetes Association. Boss's ashes will be spread between Tucson, AZ and Thyatira, MS. Cremation services provided by Adair Funeral Homes, Dodge Chapel.

Slaven, Lewis

Lewis Elden Slaven, 88, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2022, in Tucson, AZ. A loving husband, father, brother, and friend to many, he brought joy and laughter to those he met. Especially memorable were his truck driving tales, enthusiastically shared with everyone, which included specific details that not only added to the stories, but remained clear in his mind to the end. Lewis loved to drive and made it his profession. His early career included hauling ore in Colorado, and later drove for IML and Ryder PIE. He befriended many drivers and others during his 25+ year career. He stopped driving in 1984 due to a disabling disease which he endured the rest of his life. Lewis was one of twelve children and was born in Kendall, KS in 1933. He served our country in the US Army where he was honorably discharged in 1959. He later lived in Salt Lake City, UT and Tucson, AZ. Lewis's condition required extensive care and his family would like to thank the many caregivers who lovingly provided for his needs and significantly improved his quality of life through friendship and support. Viewing and funeral services will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary at 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT, at a time to be determined, followed by interment at Valley View Memorial Park, 4335 W. 4100 S., West Valley City, UT, beside his wife Ruth. Funeral and burial arrangements will be updated on the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary website. Lewis is predeceased by his children Eldon and Donna, and survived by his children Glen (Mary), Gary, Vicki and Susan (Michael), and all of their children and grandchildren. He is predeceased by siblings Ruby, Win, Lily, Frank, Maurice, Melissa and Teddy, and survived by siblings Paul, Charles (Marcelle), Isabel (Silas) and James, and all of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

SMITH, Edith Ann

On April 27, 2022, Edith Ann Smith passed away at her home in Tucson, AZ.Edye was born June 27, 1953, in Tucson, AZ, where she was raised. She graduated from Catalina High School in 1971.Edye was a housewife who raised two sons. Later in life, she graduated from Pima Community College and began her career at Carondelet St. Joseph's Hospital, where she spent 20+ years as a Pharmacy Technician.Edye is preceded in death by parents Glenn and Barbara Smith, and great-grandson, William Henry Gero. She leaves behind two sons, Andrew Gero (Nicki) and Matthew Gero (Faith); seven grandchildren. Matthew (Hailey), Justin (Liah), Cody, Gabi, Georgia, Elijah and Julianna; two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Noah; brothers, Paul Smith (Nancy) and Ed Smith (Debbie); aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.A Memorial in her honor will be held at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd., Tucson, AZ, 85716 on May 19, 2022 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm in the Chapel. Reception to follow at the family's home.

Smith, Kimberly

Kimberly Ann Smith passed away on 5/9/2022 with her family at her side. She was a loving wife, mother, grandma, and best friend to her husband Dave. She loved to travel & go to the beach. She is survived by 4 children: Tracie, James, Matt, and Brittany. & 8 grandkids. She will be missed & loved by all. Oasis Cremation and Funeral Care.

SUBA, Mike Ray

Mike passed away suddenly on April 20, 2022. He is the son of Mike and Armida Moreno Suba, and was born in Tucson, Arizona at the Stork's Nest on March 29,1937. He was raised on his Dad's hog ranch with his brothers, Ted (Cynthia) and George (Jane) Suba and Don Phelps (Martha) and sister, Jody (Ron) Eaton. He worked on his Dad's ranch from the time he was a small child and attended Tucson schools. He joined the Carpenter's Apprenticeship Program in 1956 and worked as a carpenter on many local construction projects. He took classes and worked his way up to Project Supervisor and General Contractor. His favorite projects were the Flandrau Planetarium, Gates Lear Jet, and the school complex on the O'Odham reservation at San Simon. He also served as Union Apprenticeship Coordinator. He was a musician and played the steel guitar in bands in local clubs. After he retired, he had regular jam sessions with friends. He married Carolyn Gwinn in 1956, and is the proud father of Mike Jr. (Vicki), James (Melissa) and Robert (Veronica) Suba. He has 12 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. Mike and Carolyn had 65 years of marriage. Mike was a member of the YMCA Indian Guides and did volunteer construction work at the Triangle Y Ranch Camp. He was also a member of Tucson Masonic Lodge #4. He served on the Board of Trustees and worked on the building of their new lodge, and on construction maintenance projects. After retirement, he and Carolyn traveled in their RV across the United States and Canada to visit National Parks, family, and friends. A celebration of Life will be held at East Lawn Cemetery, 5801 E. Grant Road, on May 28, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of PACC or Triangle Y Ranch Camp or give back to your community by volunteering. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.

Thompson, Virginia H.

Virginia H. Thompson-Born April 30th, 1940 in Jackson, Michigan and passed away May 9, 2022 peacefully in hospice at Peppi's House in Tucson, AZ.

Virginia Thompson graduated from Jackson Highschool, married James David Hill (PGA Professional), had three children, and traveled the U.S. and world supporting the career of her husband. Once divorced "Ginny" met William Thompson, finding love and contentment on his ranch in Kremmiling, Colorado. They were snowbirds in Tucson, AZ.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents (Frank and Virginia Stage), her twin brother (Lynne), her son's (David and Robert Hill), her husband's (J. David Hill and William Thompson).

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law (Laura and Jeff Lempe); her grandchildren (Amber, Christine, Carrie and Gabe), her daugher-in-law (Meredythe Hill-VanDusen), her favorite cousin and his wife (Howard and Carol Miller) as well as extended family and friends.

Virginia loved gardening, water aerobics, cooking, shopping at Chicos, picnics, and most of all spending time with her family and friends. Private services. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your local animal shelter. The family would like to thank Virginia's kind neighbors and friends for brightening her days at her home in Tucson, AZ. Bring's Funeral Home.

VAVICH, Marcia Williams McCrary

Marcia died peacefully in Tucson on May 9th , 2022 after 98 years of an adventurous life. She was a brilliant nurse, artist, professor, world traveler, and a widow twice over. Marcia lived in mining camps in Peru, Brazil, and Liberia with her husband R.J. McCrary and their five children. She established prenatal clinics in Africa, fought for birth control for her clients, and made a difference in the world. She attended UCLA and Columbia University, where she earned a MA in Nursing Education. She met and married Dr. Mitchell Vavich when she taught at the U of A.

Marcia is survived by her five children and a large extended family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Tucson Museum of Art, where Marcia was a docent. The service will be private. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.

Walton, Paul S.

Paul S. Walton, 94, passed away on April 10, 2022. Son of the late Harry B. Walton and Helen K. Walton, Paul was born and raised in Asbury Park, NJ, where his family owned a plumbing business. Paul joined the Navy during WWII and later graduated from Lehigh University as a Mechanical Engineer. He married Dessie L. Hart in 1947 and raised a wonderful family for 48 years; cancer took Dessie in 1995. In 1996, Paul smiled again when he married Edna Gerson and for 26 years they happily shared their "second lives" in Tucson, Arizona. Paul and Edna are long-time, active members of the New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson.Paul is survived by his loving wife Edna; sons Jeff (Chris), Steve (Cherie) and daughter Bonnie Gibson, grandchildren Erin Creekmur (Rex), Paul Gibson, Michael, Nathan and Alyssa Walton and two great-grandchildren. By marriage: son Bruce Gerson, daughter Linda Kurowski, grandchildren Christina, Carol (Josh) and Rina (Adam), and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harry Jr. and first wife Dessie.Paul loved life and his family, and he taught his children how to be kind and self-sufficient. Always the handyman, he passed many skills on to his kids. He loved a challenge and enjoyed communicating with friends and family throughout his life. Though he slowed down in the last couple of years, he was always there for his family. His mind kept going until his body finally gave out. He was with his family and friends until the end and knew how much his family loved him.A celebration of life will be May 21st at New Spirit Lutheran, 8701 E. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85710, at 11 a.m. with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Interfaith Community Services at the church address.

Cremation arranged by the Neptune Society