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Obituaries

Obituaries

Rory Dewain Hardesty

Rory Dewain Hardesty

May 18, 2024

On May 18, 2024, Rory Dewain Hardesty passed away after losing his long & treacherous battle with cancer at Gateway Banner Medical Center. He was 66 years old. Rory was born in Coulee Dam, Washington on February 23, 1958 to Rex and Shirley Hardesty. The family moved quite a bit and Rory spent some time in Florida, California, and Arizona,...

Stephen Richard Yannone

Stephen Richard Yannone

May 17, 2024

Stephen Richard Yannone, born in April 1943 in Canton, Ohio, passed away in May 2024 at the age of 81. Stephen was a dedicated and honorable man who served his country with distinction as a Specialist 5th Class in the US Army, where he held the vital role of CH-21 Helicopter Crew Chief.In 1971, Stephen relocated to Arizona, where he...

Very Reverend Elias K. Ziton

Very Reverend Elias K. Ziton

May 17, 2024

The Very Reverend Father Elias K. Ziton (Blessed Memory), age 84, entered peacefully into repose on May 17, 2024. Loving husband of the late Kh. Lorraine Ziton (Haddad). Fr. Elias was born on April 19, 1940, to the late Elias and Julia Ziton in Toledo, Ohio.  His loving brothers, Wasfey Ziton and the V. Rev. Fr. Theordore E. Ziton (Blessed...

Ilse Liebscher Avery

Ilse Liebscher Avery

May 12, 2024

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ilse Liebscher Avery, who departed from this world on May 12, 2024, in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Born on August 29, 1942, in Görlitz, Germany, Ilse's journey came to a peaceful end at her home.Ilse's life was marked by her brilliant mind and an energetic spirit that radiated love and vitality. Ilse’s...

Rupert Vizzera Ruiz Sr.

Rupert Vizzera Ruiz Sr.

May 12, 2024

Rupert Vizzera Ruiz, 94, of Tempe, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2024, surrounded by his  loving wife and family.Rupert was born on November 18, in Tempe to Jose Francisco and Sophia (Vizzera) Ruiz. He got his GED and attended Mesa Community College.  Rupert was a dedicated public servant, working for the City of Tempe for more than  34 years....

Paul F. Muscenti

Paul F. Muscenti

May 12, 2024

Paul F. Muscenti died on May 12, 2024. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he moved with his family to Phoenix when he was nine years old. He graduated with honors from Murphy Grammar School and West Phoenix High School. He graduated from the University of Arizona College of Business Administration and did graduate work then. While at the University, he became...

Christine Madrid

Christine Madrid

May 12, 2024

Christine Madrid, age 67, passed away on Sunday May 12, 2024.  She was born on July 11, 1956, in Phoenix, Arizona to Ignacio F. Madrid and Alicia l. Reyna. Christine came from a large family which included five brothers and four sisters. She grew up in the Marco's De Niza neighborhood in Phoenix.  As a young girl, Christine assumed the...

Aaron M. Clark

Aaron M. Clark

May 10, 2024

Aaron Michael Clark passed away very unexpectedly at his home in Chandler, AZ.  Born at Scott Air Force base in Illinois he started his journey as a military brat at 2 months old.  He lived and moved 7 times during his father’s service in the US Navy.  Norfolk, VA., Brunswick, ME., N. Charleston, SC., Goose Creek, SC, Key West, FL.,...

Wendell Sabal

Wendell Sabal

May 10, 2024

Wendell Sabal, a beacon of warmth and kindness, departed this world at the tender age of 51, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter.  Known for his infectious smile and considerate nature, Wendell touched the lives of all who knew him.  His passion for life was evident in his love for biking, running, hiking, travel and lately motorcycle riding.But...

Susan "Sue" Schmitzer Darrington

Susan "Sue" Schmitzer Darrington

May 9, 2024

Susan "Sue" Schmitzer Darrington, born Susan Mary McKillip, passed away on May 9, 2024, at the age of 88 in Phoenix, AZ. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sue cherished her life centered around family, friends, and service to others. She readily welcomed many into the family fold and treated everyone with a dose of motherly love.

Sue attended Marquette University...

Mary V. Large

Mary V. Large

May 9, 2024

Mary Vetting Large, 102, passed away on May 9, 2024 at her home in Phoenix, Arizona. Mary was born in Arvada, Colorado on June 23, 1921 to Fredrick and Olive Vetting.Her husband, Robert, passed in 2003 after 55 years of marriage.Mary was a 2nd grade school teacher for 24 years in the Madison School District at Rose Lane in Phoenix....

Gail L. Early

Gail L. Early

May 9, 2024

Gail L. Early was born in South Bend, Indiana, to Leo E. and E. Irene Makela Horvath on July 4, 1940. She died peacefully in her sleep at home from complications of dementia on May 9, 2024.A loving wife and mother, devoting her life to her family, friends, and God defined her.She married Robert J. Early in 1958, and they...

Jonathan Henry Schwartz

Jonathan Henry Schwartz

May 9, 2024

Jonathan Henry Schwartz, 75, passed away on May 9, 2024, from liver cancer.  He was born September 16, 1948, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  He grew up in Pittsburgh and got his Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Pittsburgh in 1969.  Jon then went to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan from 1970 to 1973 where he got...

Ruben Felix Alejandro Lopez

Ruben Felix Alejandro Lopez

May 8, 2024

Celebrating the Life of Ruben Felix Alejandro LopezIt is with deepest sadness that we share the passing of Ruben Felix Alejandro Lopez, a cherished soul who graced this world with his presence for 45 years. On May 8th, 2024, in Chandler, Arizona, Ruben embarked on his next journey, leaving behind a legacy of love and warmth that touched the lives...

Terry Gene Bussert

Terry Gene Bussert

May 7, 2024

Terry was born in Boulder, CO December 4, 1952 to Eugene (Gene) and Orva Dee Bussert. He was the oldest of four boys and graduated from Fairview High School in 1971 where he played quarterback for the football team. He attended Western State College for one year until his lottery number came up first in the draft for the Vietnam...

Edward L. James

Edward L. James

May 7, 2024

Edward L. James "Ed" passed away peacefully on May 7, 2024 after a brief illness.   Ed was born in Norfolk, VA on February 20, 1945 to parents Charles T. and Edra (Waldeck) James.  He spent his early years in New Castle, PA and graduated from New Castle High School where he earned nine Varsity letters in multiple sports.  In recognition...

Colleen Draklich

Colleen Draklich

May 5, 2024

Draklich, Patricia Colleen (Burns) – Loving mother and Champion of Family; passed away on May 4, 2024. Born in Fresno, CA March 27, 1933. Colleen, ever the daughter of a Senator, was wonderfully and naturally situationally aware. Often, artfully navigating the circumstance or individual while earning the respect and admiration of those she met along the way. She married her...

Brian Joseph James Speese

Brian Joseph James Speese

May 4, 2024

Brian was called home by our Lord on May 04, 2024, surrounded by his family at the Veteran’s Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. Brian was a graduate of Camelback High School. He enlisted in the Army after graduation and served his country during Desert Storm. After his tour in the military, he became a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local...

Kaye Ellen Martin Temple

Kaye Ellen Martin Temple

Apr 30, 2024

Kaye Ellen Martin Temple, proud mother, grandmother and wife, elementary school teacher and longtime aid to the late Sen. John McCain, died April 30 in Phoenix. She was 79. Kaye was born December 6, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, and was the daughter of James and LaDonna Martin. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in education from Miami University in Ohio, she...

Susan B. Romig

Susan B. Romig

Apr 30, 2024

Susan Romig passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 84. She is survived by her two daughters, their husbands, four grandsons, their wives, and four great-grandsons, her brother and his family. Susan was born on May 15, 1939, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She raised her family in Los Angeles, California, later relocating...

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