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Michelle J. Holmes
Michelle J. Holmes, age 36, of Northfield, Minn. and a former Fountain Hills resident, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Memorial services were held Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Community of Hope Church in Rosemount, Minn. Arrangements were made by the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home of Northfield.
Michelle Jennifer Wirth, the daughter of Donald and Julie (Kenison) Wirth of Fountain Hills, was born June 22, 1974 in Edina, Minn.
She attended Apple Valley High School and graduated with the class of 1992. After graduating from high school, she continued her education at Iowa State University graduating in 1996 with a degree in communications.
On Sept. 24, 1999 Michelle was united in marriage to Brent Holmes at the Murphy-Hanrehan Park in Savage, Minn. On Aug. 30, 2005 they were blessed by the birth of their son, Evan.
Michelle obtained her Yoga Teaching Certificate in 2009 and she became a certified and accomplished Yoga Practitioner and a lover of the practice.
Michelle pursued life with a passion. She loved her family, being a mom to Evan and her hundreds of friends and their children. Michelle was amazing in so many ways and a gift to all. We could all learn a lot about how to live and what’s important by being near her and paying attention to what she did and said and how she thought.
Michelle knew exactly who she was and what she valued. She loved to have fun. Michelle lived life flat out as fast as she could go, always interacting with friends. She always ensured that Evan was involved and connected and knew how to make and maintain friendships.
Michelle lived life doing a lot of what she loved and liked. She started a tradition with Evan of making sure that people were not only lived but liked for who they were. Each morning she and Evan would say goodbye to daddy from the front porch with a pronouncement of their love and like for daddy, “daddy we love and like you” over and over again until daddy was out of site. What a wonderful legacy to leave a child.
She was a woman who loved spending time in nature, especially with her horses and dogs – Michelle and Brett met while riding horses and Michelle continued that passion throughout her life.
Anyone who knew Michelle knew instantly that Jack and Tension were not only dogs, but they were full fledged members of the family. She was a woman of non-violence and non-harming, a vegetarian and was a consistent recycler and composter.
She proactively strived to influence those who who came in contact with her to adhere to principles of peace and personal responsibility to care for the planet and its creatures. She was a devotee of Jane Goodall and intended to volunteer in Jane’s work in Africa. She enjoyed traveling with her family.
She is survived by her husband, Brent, and their son, Evan, of Northfield, Minn. and a loving extended family and a life’s worth of amazing friends.
Cecelia Mackiewicz
Cecelia Mackiewicz, age 86, of Rio Verde passed away suddenly of natural causes on Tuesday morning, Sept. 7, 2010 at the Mayo Hospital in Phoenix.
Cecelia was born on July 3, 1924 in Bayonne, N.J. to Cecelia and Michael Jankowski. She was married on Oct. 21, 1950 to Ted Mackiewicz in Cranford, N.J.
Cecelia attended high school in Lodi, N.J. run by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Afterwards she attended Woods Secretarial School in New York City. She worked for six years as an executive secretary at DC Heath publishing in New York City after which time she became a full time homemaker.
Cecelia lived in Bayonne, Cranford, Colonia, Stirling and Mendham, N.J. before moving to Arizona where she lived in the communities of Desert Mountain and Rio Verde. Cecelia traveled extensively with her husband, Ted, visiting the USA, Europe and South America.
She is survived by her husband, Ted Mackiewicz; children, Edward and Doris Mackiewicz, Susan and Matt Lanzara, John and Karen Mackiewicz, James and Christine Mackiewicz, Glenn and Lisa Mackiewicz and Jeffery and Claudine Mackiewicz; 11 grandchildren; and her sister, Florence Eichenlaub.
Services were held on Sept. 10 at the Church of the Ascension in Fountain Hills.
Cecelia touched the lives of many. She was loved by all that met her for her selfless acts of kindness and caring. She will be sadly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing her.
Mattie Roeder
Mattie (Mae) Roeder, 90, passed away Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. She was born June 25, 1920 in Rainell, W.Va.
She was the oldest of five and graduated from Baptist Missionary School. As a proud member of Eastern Star, she held many positions in the OES, including Past Matron of OES of Canoga Park, Calif., Past Matron of OES of Palms, Calif., six year President of the Scottish Rite Women’s Assoc., a member of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, six-year President of the Westlake Canoga Park Shrine Bunnies, as well as a Member of The Ebell of LA, Calif., the Daughters of the Nile and an eight-year member of the Patrol. She was proud of her service to these organizations.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; two daughters one sister and one great grandson; she is survived by three daughters, Norinne (Paul) Norton of Goldfield, Ariz., Wilma Lanting of Sun City, Calif., and Warna Marcum of Riverside, Calif.; 15 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
A service will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 16, at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary, 12065 Saguaro Blvd and concluding services and burial in West Virginia.
The wonderful Hospice team made it possible for Mae to be comforted with her loved ones at home. Contributions should be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ. 85014
Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.
Carol M. Bodnar
Carol Maxine Bodnar was born in Emporia, Kan. on Dec. 21, 1925 to Willard “Bill” Colburn and Leona Mae Quakenbush-Colburn.
She married Robert Webb and had a daughter, Jo Webb. Carol’s second husband was Julian “Boot” Hill and the couple had two children, Bill and Steven.
Donald Bodnar was Carol's third husband. Carol was very active in women’s groups, civil rights organizations and was an accomplished vocalist. She was honored by her peers for her management and organizational skills. Her lively wit and generous nature will be missed by those whose lives she touched.
Carol passed peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 15, 2010. Carol is survived by her sister, Pearl Robinson; daughter, Jo Schwartz; sons, Bill and Steven Hill; grandchildren, Bryan Schwartz, Melanie Guion, Michael Hill, Julie Hill, Ari Hill, Mekaylay Hill; and great-grandson, Michael Guion.
A memorial service will be held at The Fountains Methodist Church, 15300 Fountain Hills Blvd., on Friday, Oct. 29, at 1 p.m.
Donations may be made to Hospice Inspiris, 2025 North 3rd Street, suite 205, Phoenix, AZ 85004; phone: (602) 712-1000.
Shirley J. Brewer
Shirley Jane Brewer was born in Roanoke, Va. on Nov. 14, 1938 and went to heaven on Oct. 19, 2010.
She became a follower of Jesus as a teen-ager. She was known for her kind spirit, exceptional handwriting, and for being soft spoken.
She was a banker for 33 years. Along with her husband, Robert Henry Brewer, she had been residing in Fountain Hills since 1998 and could regularly be seen walking their dog. She was a lover of animals, life, people, her family, and God.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Henry Brewer; and son, Dr. Robert “Bobby” Kent Brewer, who is on the pastoral staff at City of Grace Church, Scottsdale.
A memorial service was held Monday, Oct. 25, at City of Grace Church, Scottsdale.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Messenger Fountain Hills Mortuary.
Carlita K. Judge
Carlita K. Judge (Couch), 69, of Fountain Hills, passed away on Monday Oct. 18, 2010 at the home of Marsha Brizzie, her wonderful caregiver for the last several months.
Carlita was the beloved daughter of Carl and Violet Couch of Des Moines, Iowa. She was married to husband, Jim Judge, on Oct. 19, 1963. Carlita met Jim while working at the John Deere Works in Des Moines as a secretary.
She loved crafting and sewing. She participated in several craft shows in Minneapolis with daughter, Jill, and was a professional cake decorator for many years.
Carlita was an extra in the movie “Field of Dreams” and an episode of “Unsolved Mysteries.” She loved acting in community theater while living in Dubuque, Iowa. Modeling and making commercials was another love.
Carlita served as a volunteer for many organizations including The Finley Hospital Sunshine Circle.
She is survived by her husband, Jim; children, Timothy Judge and Jill Anne White and son-in-law Tim White; grandchildren, Gregory and Tiffany; her mother, Violet, and brother, Mike Couch; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl Couch.
Carlita bravely fought Parkinson’s disease for more than 20 years. She received wonderful help and understanding from The Fountains Hills Parkinson’s Support Group.
A funeral mass was held Oct. 22 at Church of the Ascension Catholic Church in Fountain Hills. A reception followed.
Donations may be made in Carlita’s honor to The Fountain Hills Parkinson’s Support Group. Checks should be made to Fountain Hills Senior Services, Inc., designate: for FH Parkinson Support Group. Send to: Walt Dunne, Fountain Hills Community Center, 13001 N. La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.
Marjorie L. Cleveland
Marjorie Lynette Cleveland, born in 1944 and a long-time resident of Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, died of complications of cancer on Tuesday, Feb. 1.
Marjorie was a homemaker, wife and mother and was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Bessie Mike; and sisters, Loretta and Marie.
She is survived by her sisters, Betty and Beverly; and sons, Delano, Nimrod Sr. and Bevan; and daughter, Pansy.
Services were held Feb. 5, at Fort McDowell.
Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.
Eugene R. DeWitt
Eugene Richard DeWitt, of Stillwater, Minn. and Rio Verde, died Jan. 29, 2011 at his Rio Verde home.
He was born June 9, 1928 in Florence, Minn. He is survived by Mary, his loving, devoted wife of 61 years; sons, Greg, John, David (Pam), Paul (Becky); and daughter, Nell Allen (John); grandchildren, Jennifer, Luke, Allison, Nicholas, Caitlin, Rodrigo and Magdalena. Gene and Mary owned and operated DeWitt’s Hair Design, in St. Paul and suburbs, and later founded DeWitt’s Construction Corp.
After retiring they wintered with dear friends in Rio Verde and spent summers in Stillwater with their family.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday Feb. 5, at St. Jude of the Lake, Mahtomedi, Minn. Interment was at Withrow cemetery.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Lakeview Hospice, Stillwater, Hospice of the Valley and Comfort Keepers of Arizona.
Memorials preferred to the Andre House in Phoenix.
Simonet Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Nancy Love Field
Nancy Love Field, 76, of Fountain Hills, passed away Feb. 2, 2011.
Nancy was born in Montour Falls, N.Y., and raised in Burdett, N.Y. She was the middle daughter of Elizabeth and Ernest Love. She married Lawrence Field of Watkins Glen, N.Y. and raised three sons: David, Kevin and Steven.
She graduated as a registered nurse from Millard Fillmore Teaching Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y. in 1957. In 1982 she received a Master’s Degree from The University of Nebraska.
In 1983 they moved to Arizona to begin new careers. She truly loved the desert, even in the summer heat. She worked as a nurse, a counselor, a medical and vocational case manager and a business owner. We cannot measure all the good she did for others.
An accomplished artist throughout her life, Nancy was active in The Fountains’ annual “Love God With All Your Art” events. Nancy nurtured and encouraged the creative spirit of many.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Larry; sisters, Kay Anderson and Joyce Fudge; sons, David (Stacey), Kevin (Terry) and Steven; grandchildren, Alyssa, Ryan, Kailey, Shannon, Erin, Tyler, Tanner, Cameron and Jordan; and nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, at The Fountains United Methodist Church, 15300 N. Fountain Hills Blvd. A family committal service will be held in Watkins Glen, N.Y. in June.
Memorial donations may be made in Nancy’s memory to The Fountains United Methodist Church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Messinger Mortuary, Fountain Hills.
Stefan Koczerzuk
Stefan Koczerzuk, 89, passed away peacefully on Feb. 2, 2011.
Born on Jan. 8, 1922 in Nadvirna, Ukraine, he lived through the famine of the ‘30s in the Ukraine. He was a soldier in World War II, retiring as a 1st Sergeant of the Association of Ukranian Veterans. He was in a prisoner of war camp and then in a displaced persons camp in Germany. Stefan had the opportunity to come to the U.S. in 1950 with a pregnant wife and an 18-month old daughter.
He raised his family in New Jersey then retired to Florida in 1983. He suffered the loss of his wife Wilma in 1988. Stefan moved to Arizona in 2009 to be closer to his daughter.
He loved spending time with his friends and family. He was an excellent chess player and formidable debater about politics and history. He passed on his love of history to his only son Stefan Jr.
Stefan is survived by his daughter, Marta Ludwig (Dieter) of Rio Verde; son, Stefan Koczerzuk (Jan) of Waldorf, Md.; his grandsons, Mark Ludwig (Amanda) of Phoenix and Derek Ludwig (Kim) of Chapel Hill, N.C.; great-granddaughters, Abby, Madison, Harper and Mackenzie.
A memorial service is planned at the Church of the Ascension on Saturday, Feb 26, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Deloris L. Moone
Deloris “Dee” Lee Moone, age 74, of Overgaard, Ariz. went to be with the Lord on Jan. 29, 2011.
She passed away in her home as a result of breast cancer complications. She was born on April 13, 1936. On June 27, 1954 she married Jack Edmond Moone and resided in Columbus, Ohio.
She was a long-time resident of Fountain Hills and recently resided in Overgaard.
Dee was a member of First Southern Baptist Church of Overgaard.
Dee is survived by her husband, Jack Moone; children, Edna (Gary) Rowe of Columbus, Ohio, Patricia (Michael) Hamilton of Fountain Hills, Jack (Karen) Moone of Anza, Calif.; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; sister, Z. Jean Anderson.
She was preceded in death by a grandson and her siblings.
For memorial service information, please contact the Moone family at (928) 535-4947.
In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.
Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled arrangements.
Those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences, or to sign the online guest book, are invited to visit the website www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.
Scott B. Schaeffer
Scott Bryan Schaeffer, age 37, of Fountain Hills, Arizona lost his battle with cancer on Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, while surrounded by his family.
Scott was born in September 1973 in Chicago, Ill. He is survived by his wife, Gabrielle Schaeffer; his mother and father, Nancy and Ricky Schaeffer; and his half brother and sister, Cory and Devin Schaeffer. Scott was a devoted husband, son, brother, friend and businessman. He had a tremendous compassion for helping others and became an x-ray technologist in 1997. Scott was radiology manager at Lake Forest Hospital in Illinois for 2 years, before moving to Arizona in 2000.
Scott became an MRI technologist, while in Arizona and was director of radiology at Arizona Regional Medical Center in Mesa and Apache Junction at the time of his death.
Scott also owned a successful golf ball business in Mesa and was part owner of Extreme Motorsports in Tempe. Scott had a passionate interest in legal drag racing and was an avid lover of Corvettes.
Throughout too short a lifetime of working, racing and friendships, Scott touched the lives of many, many people.
A celebration of Scott’s life will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011 at Messinger Mortuaries: 12065 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268 at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Scott’s name to Hospice of the Valley, Sherman Home: 5801 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, Arizona 85054.
Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.
