Obituaries

Marian Gerton,76, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2017. She was born in Visalia, California on August 30, 1941 and subsequently moved to Arizona after graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Fresno, California, where she became a lifelong resident. Marian worked for the Banner University Medical Center (formerly Good Samaritan Hospital) for over 30 years, retiring in 2002. She...

Theresa Chieffi Ryan born on September 1, 1928 in New York City, Theresa died in her home on October 9, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. Theresa was the only child of Ethel Mae and Nicholas Gaetano Chieffi, an Italian immigrant from Chietti, Italy. She attended the City College of New York where she graduated in 1950 with a degree in Business...

Frank Ray Ruiz, 64, passed away peacefully with his family surrounding him on October 5, 2017. Frank attended St. Mark’s Grade School and went on to attend St. Mary’s High School, graduating class of 1972. Frank was a great athlete and a friend to everyone. He started his career working at Maricopa County Hospital working in the ER department and...

Esther Amelia Andrade 89, of Phoenix AZ passed away peacefully on October 9, 2017. She was born on July 14th, 1928 to Ramon and Rachel (Gastelum) Andrade, a southern Arizona ranching & dairy family. Her great great-grandfather, Augustin Marquez, did sculpting work on the San Xavier Mission near Tucson. The Andrade family moved from a family ranch in Tubac to...

Alex was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona. He graduated from Brophy College Preparatory, where he played varsity football and nurtured a passion for mathematics, the sciences, and service to others. He went on to study Electrical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, from which he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2017. He was a graduate student at the...

Steven K. (Kenneth) Widmayer, age 56, died on September 5, 2017 of natural causes while hiking on desert trails near his home in in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born August 28, 1961 in Dearborn, Michigan to Warren W. Widmayer and Ruth C. (Najor) Widmayer. He grew up in south Dearborn Heights, Michigan where he graduated from Annapolis High School in...

TerriLynne Collins, born December 19th, 1962 in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, to Jim and Mary Blakney. She graduated from Alpena High School in Alpena, South Dakota in 1980 and attended college at University of South Dakota, where she met and married Ernest Collins Jr. on November 9th, 1996. In 1997 TerriLynne and Ernie moved to Arizona, where she continued the role...

Seeley, Lynda Christine, age 62, of Scottsdale, AZ died on October 2, 2017. She will be remembered for her big heart and quick sense of humor. Lynda was born in Boulder, Colorado on February 2, 1955 and was raised in Horseheads, New York and Scottsdale, Arizona. She graduated from Coronado High School in 1973 and Arizona State University in 1980....

George William Murphy Jr., 74 passed away peacefully on September 30th, 2017 surrounded by his loving family in Chandler, Arizona. George was born on December 7, 1942 in Phoenix, Arizona and was a proud graduate of ASU Teaching College and later received his Master’s Degree from NAU. While at ASU, George met the love of his life Beverly and celebrated...

Jesse Sesma 62, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away on Friday, September 29, 2017 after an extended illness. He was a loving father, brother and grandfather. Jesse loved music, sports and bright colored clothes. Most of all he adored his 3 grandchildren who brought much joy to him. His passing is truly heart breaking. Jesse is survived by his two children;...

Manuel L. Garcia Jr., 79, passed away peacefully in his home with his family by his side on Saturday, September 30, 2017. Manuel was born March 25, 1938 in Phoenix, Arizona to Manuel Espinoza Garcia and Lucia Lopez. He attended Lowell Elementary School and graduated from Phoenix Union High School, enlisted and served in the Army National Guard and was...

Michael Peter Cheknas, 66 of Phoenix Arizona passed away September 17, 2017. He was a loving brother and uncle. Michael was a painter in the valley for about 40 years. He is survived by 2 nephews Nick Ketcios, Tom Giatron and 1 niece, Joanne McIntire and also a great uncle to 3 boys. Visitation will be at Whitney & Murphy...

Gabriel Martin Gastelo Sr., 51, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 25, 2017. He was a loving brother, father and grandfather. Gabriel adored his grandson Elliott, who brought tremendous joy and happiness to his life. He was a lover of music and family both immediate and extended. His passing is truly heartbreaking as he was at his...

Rossow, Clarence Christian 92, passed away on Monday, September 25th 2017. Clarence was born March 7, 1925 in Danbury, IA. He was preceded in death by his wife Laurencia (Haindfield) Rossow. He leaves loving memories to be cherished by his sister; Joyce Mullen, his six children; Randy, Keith Neil, Jean Hassler, Melody Lee and Tony, along with eleven grandchildren and...

Carmen Stewart, a long-time resident of the Phoenix area, died Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center. She is survived by her beloved children – her daughter; Kris and son; Scott, as well as her son-in-law; Joe, daughter-in-law; LeAnn and grandson; Nathan and step-grandson; Zach. Born on September 4, 1937, in Memphis, TN, to her parents Roger...

Orlyss Claire Kessler, 90, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2017. Mrs. Kessler, of Scottsdale, was born in Toledo, Ohio and moved to Arizona in 1959. Before retirement she was an advertising sales manager and real estate broker. She loved to play golf and was very active at St. Theresa Catholic Parish. Orlyss was married 35 years to Joseph V....

Dr. Timona Miller Pittman 91, died on September 20, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. Her beloved husband Dr. Hal W. Pittman predeceased her in December 2004. Dr. Pittman is survived by her four children: Dr. Eric Pittman (ex-wife Kathy) and Dr. Janet Pittman, Melissa Pittman Fischer and Arthur Pittman (Tami) and grandchildren Michael, Esq. (Cindy) and Dr. Patricia Pittman, Maxwell and...

Lillian A. Curtis, 86 of Phoenix, passed away September 12, 2017. She was born on February 2, 1931 to Edward and Rosalie Lloyd in Charleston, South Carolina. She is survived by her 2 sisters; Biddy and Frances, her daughter; Karen, sons; Tommy and Michael, 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren with one on the way and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in...

James (Jim) Mark Meloy, 76, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend joined his many loved ones in heaven on September 14, 2017. Jim was born in Kent, Ohio and the oldest of four boys. He moved his family to Phoenix in 1973 where he co-owned Arizona Tree Experts with his brother in law. Jim and his wife, Sandy eventually...

Letta Bishop 82 of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on September 15, 2017. Letta was born in Greece and came to AZ in 1968. She worked alongside her husband Angelo as a bartender and was named “Best Bartender” by the Phoenix New Times in 2003. She was beloved by all who knew her, and most just called her “Mama.” Letta was...