Thelma Gene “Cookie” Speed

71, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on June 30, 2014.  Thelma was the daughter of Eugene Ghiotto (d.) of Yuma, and Thelma Ghiotto Cooke (d.) of Phoenix.  Cookie was a graduate of Yuma Union High School (1961).

She was a prodigious reader and had a degree in storytelling from South Mountain College.  One of her great loves in life was entertaining school children and adults of all ages with her creative, colorful tales. She enjoyed being an active member of the Roadrunners Ham Radio Club.  She generously shared the produce of the multi-generational garden she created, truly an oasis in the desert.  She was also accomplished at needlework.  Nothing pleased her more than preparing a gourmet meal for her family.

Most of all, Cookie enjoyed spending time with her family.  She is survived by her husband, Charles “Chuck” of Phoenix, her son, Gary Paprocki (Lisa) of Redlands, CA, grandchildren Christopher, Melissa, Megan, and great grandson, Jaxson; sisters, Linda Clarke (Coronado, CA), Rachel MacDougall (Tallahassee, FL), and Susan Green (Jordan), of Phoenix; nephew, David Thorn (Lori), grand-nieces Amelia and Stella of Bisbee, niece Stephanie Fillmore (Jeffrey) and grand-nephews, Stephen and Samuel, and niece Laurel Murphy of Bisbee, AZ.  Our beloved “CooCoo” is sorely missed.