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Jean H. Stukel
Jean H. Stukel, 79, of Fountain Hills passed away Monday April 12, at the Eckstein Center in Scottsdale.
Mrs. Stukel was born April 13, 1924 in Joliet, Ill. She worked as a telecommunication customer service representative. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, Fountain Hills.
Mrs. Stukel is survived by her husband, Lawrence Stukel of Fountain Hills; a daughter, Lisa of Cave Creek; two brothers, Bruce of Mesa, and Dean of San Jose, Calif.; and two grandchildren, Ryan and Brandyn.
A memorial service for Mrs. Stukel was held Monday, April 19, at the Church of the Ascension, Fountain Hills.
M. Louise Brader
M. Louise Jones Brader, 79, of Glen Oaks Ct., Mooresville, N.C., died May 6, 2004 at her residence.
Born May 9, 1924, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. she was a daughter of the late Arnott Lewis Jones Sr. and Florence Louise Perkins Jones.
Mrs. Brader was a retired controller for NVF Company, Willow-Grove, Pa.
She was a member of Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Mooresville.
Mrs. Brader, lovingly known as "Gran," was also an avid quilter.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Stuart William Brader; son Jeffrey William Brader; sisters Ruth Jones Mouat and Elizabeth "Bicky" Jones Porter; and a brother, William "Billy" Jones.
Mrs. Brader is survived by a daughter, Judith Louise Sachs and husband, Jeffrey, of Aurora, Ill.; brother, Arnott Lewis Jones Jr. and wife, Winnie, of Shreveport, La.; sister-in-law E. Elaine Brader of Philadelphia, Pa.; grandchildren, Kenneth William Sachs and wife, Ari, and their child, Noah, and Karen Louise Sachs Vaughn and husband, Randy, and their children, Jacob, Bo and Makenna.
A memorial service was held May 10 at Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Mooresville, with Dr. Terry Moore officiating.
Burial will take place at Ft. Snelling National cemetery, Minneapolis, Minn.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Iredell County, 403 E. Statesville Ave., Mooresville, NC 28115, or Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 575 Brawley School Rd., Mooresville, NC 28117.
Joseph R. Chiavari
Joseph R. Chiavari, a resident of Fountain Hills for the last 10 years and a former longtime resident of Magnolia, Ohio, passed away on April 20, 2004.
Mr. Chiavari was born on Nov. 24, 1930 in Malvern, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio Northern University and was the pharmacist and owner of Williams Pharmacy in Magnolia for 32 years. Since living in Arizona, he had been working for Walgreen’s Pharmacy.
Mr. Chiavari was the loving husband of Ruth Chiavari for 50 years. He was adored by his daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Scott Logozzo of Fountain Hills, and Natalie and Frank Wardega of Bedford, Ohio.
He adored and loved his five grandchildren Vito and Sophia Logozzo and Jakob, Toby and Norah Wardega.
Mr. Chiavari was a very compassionate and loving man and will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
A Catholic funeral was held at Green Acres in Scottsdale on April 23.
Carol Pellegrino
Services for Carol Ann Pellegrino, 59, formerly of Fountain Hills, were held April 24, 2004 in Tyler, Texas.
Officiating the ceremony were Pastor Art Hill and Chaplain Bernadelle Bezner.
Mrs. Pellegrino died April 20, 2004 in Tyler. She was born Aug. 19, 1944 in Waukegan, Ill. to the late Herbert and Margaret Bystrom Chrysler.
She was a retired medical reimbursement manager an lived in Smith County for two and a half years. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by son Jay Fassbinder.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Pellegrino, Flint, Texas; sons, Jeff Fassbinder, Oak Creek, Wis., and Joel Fassbinder, Bozeman, Mont.; daughter, Jill Fassbinder, Frisco, Texas; stepchildren, Robert Pellegrino Jr., Phoenix, N.Y., Janice Pellegrino, Orange County, Calif., and Carol Ann Pellegrino, Phoenix, Ariz.; and five grandchildren.
Russell Henderson
Russell H. Henderson, 83, of Fountain Hills died May 2, 2004 at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea.
Born Oct. 23, 1920 in St. Louis, Mo., he was a U.S. Army Veteran and had worked as a contract hauler of explosives in the Midwest during his adult career.
He also was a member of the Arizona Woodcrafters Association, Southwest Wood Carvers, member of Payson Art League and member of a VFW chapter in Illinois.
Survivors include his wife, Claudia Henderson of Fountain Hills; daughters, Barbara Henderson and Gwen Talbert, both of Scottsdale; son-in-law, Todd Talbert of Scottsdale; and four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A gathering will be held at a later date.
Dr. Ray Gifford Jr.
Ray W. Gifford Jr., M.D., an internationally renowned expert on the nature and treatment of high blood pressure, died May 4, 2004 at his home in Fountain Hills. Dr. Gifford, 80, had pancreatic cancer.
As a researcher, Dr. Gifford investigated the causes and treatments of high blood pressure (hypertension) and as chairman and member of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of Hypertension, he coordinated and produced standards for medical professionals across America in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and related disorders.
Dr. Gifford spent much of his career at The Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, where he achieved great rapport with those under his care and enjoyed a high level of patient loyalty. Although he attempted to retire in 1993, strong patient demand brought him back to active practice until 1999.
Dr. Gifford was a graduate of Otterbein College and the Ohio State University (OSU) School of Medicine. He completed his residency at OSU School of Medicine and a fellowship in internal medicine at the Mayo Foundation.
As a lieutenant commander in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1954 to 1956, Dr. Gifford served as assistant attending physician to the U.S. Congress, and treated then Senator Lyndon B. Johnson when the future president suffered a heart attack in 1955.
Dr. Gifford was appointed to the Cleveland Clinic from the Mayo Foundation, where he practiced from 1953 to 1961. At the Cleveland Clinic, he was chairman of the Department of Hypertension and Renal Disease (now Hypertension and Nephrology) from 1967 to 1985, and he strengthened the clinic’s relations with referring physicians as chairman of the Office of Regional Health Affairs and Physician Outreach from 1986 to 1993.
While Dr. Gifford was chairman of Hypertension and Renal Disease, he linked the Cleveland Clinic’s strong research programs in the humoral, hemodynamic and neurological aspects of hypertension, with clinical programs that focused on treatment options and their benefits, as well as patient and physician education.
The author of more than 460 scientific papers and the textbook Clinical and Experimental Pheochromocytoma (1996, co-authored by William M. Manger, M.D., Ph.D.), Dr. Gifford conducted long-term studies of hypertensive patients, evaluated medications and surgical treatments for hypertension and contributed to knowledge of arteriosclerosis and aneurysms, Raynand’s disease, renal artery disease, renal transplantation, the effect of hypertension on the extremities, and the effects of dietary sodium, among many other subjects.
Dr. Gifford was in international demand as a lecturer on hypertension, and spoke and served as a visiting professor around the world.
He was president and chairman of the board of the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland from 1982 to 1983, president of the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, president of the Heart Association of Northeast Ohio (AHA), and a trustee of the American Medical Association, American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association Northeast Ohio affiliate, along with numerous posts in other medical societies and organizations.
Local and national honors include the 1986 Distinguished Membership Award from the Academy of Medicine in Cleveland, American Heart Association Council on High Blood Pressure Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb Lifetime Achievement Award in Hypertension, and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Individual Achievement Award for Outstanding Contributions to Blood Pressure Control.
Born Aug. 13, 1923, in Westerville, Ohio, Dr. Gifford was the son of Ray W. Gifford Sr. and Marie Wagner Gifford.
Dr. Gifford is survived by his wife, Frances Moore Gifford of Fountain Hills. He is also survived by his daughters, Peggy Gifford (John Fitzpatrick) of New York City and Briarcliffe Acres, S.C., and Susan (J. Patrick) Gifford-Lewis of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; son, George Graydon Gifford of Las Vegas, Nev.; and two grandchildren, Kelly Gifford Marceau and Scott Grifford Marceau.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 8, at The Fountains – A United Methodist Church in Fountain Hills. Burial was held at Holy Redeemer cemetery in Phoenix.
Funeral arrangements were handled by Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Lerner Research Institute, c/o the Cleveland Clinic, P.O. Box 931517, Cleveland, Ohio 44193-1655; the American Cancer Society; the American Heart Association; Otterbein College; or The Fountains – A United Methodist Church in Fountain Hills.
W. Lowell Hooper
W. Lowell Hooper, 74, of Fountain Hills, passed away on May 7, 2004, at the Eckstein Center in Scottsdale.
Mr. Hooper was born on April 14, 1930, in Gridley, Calif. He was the founder and pastor for 18 years at Miramar Community Church in San Leandro, Calif. He built and operated a roller skating rink in San Ramon, Calif. for 15 years. He also did financial consulting for many years.
Mr. Hooper was a member of the Pinnacle Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale and was a past member of Rotary International.
He is survived by his wife, Pat, of Fountain Hills; sons Dwight Hooper of Walnut Creek, Calif., Kevin Hooper (Janet) of San Luis Obispo, Calif., and Wayne Hooper (Sylvia) of Fallbrook, Calif. He is also survived by daughters Susan White (Robert) of Los Osos, Calif. and Karen Morrison (Daniel) of Houston, Texas as well as by sister Joan Edwards (Robert) of Sonoma, Calif. and six grandchildren.
A memorial gathering was held Monday, May 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the family residence.
The family of Mr. Hooper has requested that a donation be made to the Fountain Hills Parks Department for a park bench. They feel this is a thoughtful way to honor Mr. Hooper while at the same time making a meaningful contribution to the community.
To make a contribution, mail a check to Town of Fountain Hills, Attn: Fountain Park Memorial Program, Lowell Hooper Memorial Park Bench, Parks and Recreation Department, 13001 N. La Montana Dr., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.
Maureen Bennett
In loving memory of Maureen Allely Murphy Bennett, who passed away on June 19, 2004 in Scottsdale.
Maureen was born on March 11, 1930 in Mount Dennis, Ontario, Canada.
She is survived by her husband, Rex Bennett, of Rio Verde; two daughters, Lynn (Paul) Ingersoll of Indian River, Ontario, Canada and Kim (Michael) Wendt of Edwardsville, Kan.; and two stepchildren, David (Eileen) Bennett of Scottsdale and Richard (Gwen) Bennett of Phoenix.
She has three grandchildren, Kristen and Michael Ingersoll and James (Lynn) Wendt. She was preceded in death by sisters Margaret Stephenson and Doris Kelter, and has one surviving sister, Verna Phenix of Leeside, Ontario, Canada.
Maureen was active in business, holding positions at A.B. Roew and Facelle of Canada and was a member of the start-up team for a new Facelle plant, now the Procter and Gamble Plant in Camarillo, Calif.
With her deceased first husband, James Murphy, they formed TEC 15 in 1972, which is a group of business owners and CEOs who meet monthly to discuss business and other issues. The Murphy TEC Group is still in existence and thriving. Maureen was the first female TEC chairwoman worldwide.
Maureen was a student of the "Plato Philosophy" that those having torches pass them to others. She led by example and was a respected leader and mentor.
Maureen made a difference to those who had the good fortune of sharing a part of life’s journey with her. She will be missed but never forgotten.
Maureen was active in the Camarillo, Calif. and Rio Verde communities until more recent years, enjoying golf and many activities.
A memorial service was held at the Resurrection Chapel, Rio Verde Community Church, on June 25, 2004. The family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.
Roland Gross
Roland E. Gross, 65, of Fountain Hills died suddenly Thursday, June 24, 2004 in Scottsdale.
A funeral was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 28, at the First Baptist Church in Fountain Hills with Rev. Barry Berger, Rev. Todd Knock and Kendahl Gross officiating.
A solo, "Come to Jesus," will be by Kathi Gross.
A celebration service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 1, at Grinnell Christian Church, 1331 Hobart, in Grinnell, Iowa with Pastor John Epperson officiating and Kendahl Gross giving the eulogy. Burial will be at Hazelwood cemetery.
Visitation hours are from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, Iowa.
An identical twin, he was born Nov. 22, 1938, the son of Clarence and Amy Lillian Gross who farmed in Newberg, Iowa.
After graduating from Newberg High School, he attended American Technical School in Des Moines and Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C. He served with the United States Army from Nov. 17, 1958 to Feb. 20, 1962, receiving an honorable discharge.
He married Effie Alean Groves on Dec. 23, 1960 in Grinnell while home on leave. They were married 43 years. He spent most of his life in the Des Moines area and worked as an electrician and then electrical contractor in his own business, Gross Electric Company.
For a time, he and his family worked as missionaries for the late evangelist Lester Roloff in Zapata, Texas. He and his wife, Effie, moved to Arizona in 1990 where he continued his business in Fountain Hills.
He served as an elder in his church and taught Sunday school for many years. Since moving to Arizona, he actively participated in a Messianic ministry.
In 2003, fulfilling a lifetime desire, he visited the Holy Land. For the past year, he enjoyed teaching a weekly Jewish Roots of Christianity class for the community.
A recent highlight of his life was meeting President George W. Bush at the Iowa State Fair in 2002.
He is survived by his wife, Effie of Fountain Hills; one daughter, Mynita Boll and her husband, James Boll of Fountain Hills; two sons: Kendahl Gross and his wife, Kathi, and Jonathan Gross and his wife Camile, all of Fountain Hills; eight grandchildren: Isaac, Elias, Hannah, and Jesse Gross, and Keith, Serraya and Ashlee Boll, and Weston Hartzell; three brothers: the late Richard Gross; his twin, Ronald Gross of Pella, Iowa; and David Gross of Sanford, N.C.; and one sister, the late Glorianne Perry of Sanford, N.C.
The family suggests memorial contributions be given to the Christian Jew Foundation Ministries, P.O. Box 345, San Antonio, Texas, 78292-0345.
Marieta D. McThrall
Marieta Donne (Duke) McThrall, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, died June 25, 2004 after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was a Fountain Hills resident the past 15 years.
Born March 7, 1927, in Amarillo, Texas, Marieta married the love of her life, Joseph E. McThrall, in Carlsbad, N.M. The couple moved to Roswell, N.M. where both their sons were born. They later moved to Crane, Texas and lived there until moving to Scottsdale in 1961.
Marieta spent the next 43 years touching the lives of numerous people she befriended.
She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Joe; son, Joseph Jr., his wife Joane and their daughter Marci and son-in-law John Ziegler; son David and his wife, Linda, and their daughter Elizabeth; special friends Mr. and Mrs. Larry Wolf and family, Mr. and Mrs. Dail Borst and family, Michael Heyberger and the Heyberger children; and dozens of other friends from around the world.
A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 29, at Messinger Mortuary in Fountain Hills. Flowers may be sent or donations made in Marieta’s name to the charity of your choice or to Hospice of the Valley, 1515 E. Flower, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Florence Sirico
Florence E. Sirico, 92, died June 23, 2004 in Fountain Hills.
Born Feb. 26, 1912 in New York, N.Y., she had worked as a seamstress during her career.
A member of Church of the Ascension in Fountain Hills, Mrs. Sirico was a very loving mother and grandmother. She loved to sew, especially drapes, and she loved to cook and bake for her family.
Survivors include her sons, Santolo Esposito of Old Tappen, N.J. and Domenick Esposito of Westwood, N.J.; daughters, Marie Tancredi of Fountain Hills and Theresa Lopano of Cave Creek; sister, Elizabeth of Fountain Hills; 10 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held June 25 at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary. A funeral mass was held June 26 at Church of the Ascension. Additional services will be held in New York.
Interment will be at St. Raymond’s cemetery in the Bronx, New York.
