Obituaries

Svoboda, F. Mike, 91, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2014.  He is survived by his wife of 69 years, A. Joan, 3 sons, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.  Mike was mentally and physically fit throughout his life, attributing it to the caring, just and upright way he tried to live by.  He will be greatly...

Mary Louise Reed passed away peacefully on June 17th, 2014 in Scottsdale, with loving family by her side. Mary Lou was born March 1st, 1928, to John and Eleanor Thompson in Hannibal, NY, a small farming community in Oswego County.  One of six siblings, her education began in a one-room schoolhouse taught by her two aunts. Mary Lou was an...

Nell D. Smith, beloved Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, passed from this life into the presence of God on June 9, 2014, after a long battle with stage 4 ovarian cancer.  She was born April 10, 1935 in Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island, Washington. Nell was preceded in death by husband George A. “Johnny” Smith, veteran of U.S. Navy, and...

Robert J. Traut, 89, passed gently in his sleep Friday, June 13, 2014 in the presence of his wife and children in Paradise Valley, AZ.  He is survived by his loving family: beloved and devoted wife of 62 years, Ann Petkac Traut, his son Bob Traut (Susan Avery) and daughter Lee Bethancourt (Dr. Bruce Bethancourt).  He also leaves behind his...

Martha Baker Taylor, born July 31, 1925 in Memphis, TN., passed away on June 14, 2014 in Phoenix, AZ.  She is predeceased by her husband Dan E. Taylor, and leaves behind her sister Alice Jean Clifton, Memphis, TN., and her sister-in-law Juanita Baker, of Phoenix, AZ., along with many nieces and nephews.  Martha was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church...

Danny R. Valdivia, beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend passed from this life into the presence of God on June 9, 2014.  Born on January 28, 1924, Danny was named Manual Daniel Robles Valdivia.  When he started first grade, his sister registered him as “Danny” and it is the name he’s used ever since.Danny is survived by his current...

74, of Phoenix, passed away on June 8, 2014.​He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Suzanne; 3children – Tracey (Sjoerd Benschop), John (Kristy) and June (Josh Owens); 5 grandchildren – J.T. and Lauren Hanson, Jordan, Belt and Sarah Owens; sister – Betty (Dr. Paul Hayes) and numerous nieces and nephews.  Howard was a man of strong faith...

Dick Masica, 77 of Scottsdale, AZ died on June 4, 2014 following a brief illness.  Dick was born on January 9, 1937 in Saginaw, Michigan to Leo and Clara Masica.  After graduation from Holy Rosary High School, Dick received his civil engineering degree from Michigan Tech University and his master’s degree from Cornell University.  He then began a 39 year...

Marvin E. Thomson, 96 of Phoenix passed away June 2, 2014.Marvin was born in Grafton, North Dakota on February 7, 1918.Marvin grew up in Minto, North Dakota and attended school in Minto as well. He graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation he married Katherine Pearson. He worked at Philco Corp....

E. Kenneth “Ken” Ritter, 87, of Phoenix, Arizona, died at home on June 2, 2014.Ken was born March 30, 1927 in Cumberland, Maryland to parents Alfred and Effie Ritter.  He attended LaSalle High School in Cumberland Maryland, where he was senior class president.  After serving in the United States Army from 1947 to 1950, he went on to attend Pasadena...

Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1920 to Lorraine and Herman Meyer.  Lorraine was rescued from Alzheimer’s and taken back to our Lord on June 1, 2014, while a resident of The Terraces.  She grew up in New York and married Charles Campbell Jr., of Franklin, Tenn.  They lived on Long Island, New York for many years where she was...

80 of Glendale, AZ., passed away on May 31, 2014.  He was born on September 2, 1933 in Wheeling, WV., to Clark and Martha Adams.  Ron was the loving spouse of Diane and the father of Linda Rodgers , Sharon Vadness, Ronald C. Adams Jr., Deborah Weidman, William Adams, step-children Christine Minatree, Karl Abert, Jeffrey Abert, 11 grandchildren and 8...

Madeline R. Jakubczyk passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at the age of 83.  Married to Stanley W. Jakubczyk on May 26, 1951 in New Britain, Connecticut, the couple just celebrated 63 years of marriage. Madeline was born on December 3, 1930 in New Britain and attended St. Joseph Catholic School and graduated from New Britain High School in...

51, of Phoenix passed away on May 24, 2014.  He was born on January 7, 1963 to Manuel and Linda Lopez.  He was a graduate of West High School and attended Glendale Community College.  He was a tile installer.  Fernando was preceded in death by his father Manuel and his aunt Selia Hunton.  He is survived by his mother Linda,...

Foster G. Mori went to join his mother, father and brother on May 23, 2014 at the age of 91.  He was born in Eatonville, Washington of his parents, Albert and Libera Mori, Italian immigrants from Tuscany.  Foster served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Second World War.  After that, he attended law school, receiving his JD from the...

Boris William Dimitro, beloved husband and dad, former Motorola Vice President, Phoenix resident for 44 years, returned to his holy father on May 26, 2014.  William was born July 6, 1929 in Rochester, NY to Valjean William Dimitro and Helen Tajak Dimitro, the first born child of 3 – Michael William of Florida and Patricia Helen (deceased).  He attended Roosevelt...

88, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2014.  She was born January 1, 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio moving to Phoenix, Arizona with her husband Tony in 1948. She will be greatly missed by her family who loved her dearly.  She is survived by her sons Mark and Jeff (Oregon) daughters-in-laws Gina and Robin (Oregon) and two grandchildren...

Hector L. Duarte (“Toy”), passed away on the 22ndof May 2014.  Toy was born in Phoenix on November 24, 1924 to Jesus and Artemisa Duarte.  He grew up in the Golden Gate neighborhood.  Toy was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific Campaign.  He was also a life-time member of the American Legion Post #41 and...

Pauline Elizabeth “Polly” Welsh was born on June 5, 1918 to Stephen and Anna Borovichka.  On May 19, 2014, Polly lost her battle of life to join her family in Heaven.  She had a wonderful, fulfilling life of family and friends.  She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.  Services are private at the request of...

Richard E. Bunger, 76, long-time Arizona pioneer and successful entrepreneur, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2014 at his Dutch Joe Ranch located in the Arizona rim country.  Richard was born to Claude Turner and Naomi Loretta Bunger on August 29, 1937.  He grew up in the rim country being taught the dairy, cattle, and sawmill business.   At the age...