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Shirley A. Wingate
1942 - 2005
Shirley Ann Wingate was born July 4, 1942, in Cushman, Ark., to Clyde and Josephine (Scott) Gordon. She left this world behind to join the angels on March 19, 2005.
She lived in Northeastern Arizona for all of her childhood and some of her adult life before she came to reside in Benson, in 1981.
She was a proud member of The Living Faith Fellowship church. She loved to sing gospels and she could never resist a great poem.
Family was the most important thing to her, and in her eyes you did not have to be related to be considered family. She could make you feel welcome when others could not.
She was a mother, she was a grandmother, she was a sister, she was an aunt, she was a cousin, but most of all she was a friend to all who knew her. Now she is an angel, and we will miss her dearly.
Survivors include four children, Robert (Cindy) Wingate of Benson, Carl Wingate of Tucson, Nettie Wingate of Benson, and Kenneth Wingate of Benson; three sisters, Gwenn (John) Bowler of Woodruff, Ariz., Dee (Lester) Price of Benson, and Helen (Leland) Magee of Tulelake, Calif.; also six grandchildren, Terry, Ashley, Samantha, Jacob, Katelin and Maxwell; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at the Living Faith Fellowship church on Wednesday (today), March 23, at 2 p.m.
Sheila Busby Tharp
Sheila Busby Tharp, 77, of Mesa, Ariz., passed away Aug. 27, 2009. She was born Oct. 2, 1931 in St. David, Ariz. to George Melvin Busby and Gladys Juline Lofgreen.
Sheila is preceded in death by her brother, George Busby, sisters, Lois Cluff and Faye Stout, as well as her parents.
She attended Chandler High School and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sheila loved music, genealogy, animals and sewing.
She is survived by her loving husband of 18 years, Charles A. Tharp; three children: Brenda Andrews, Marsha Chapman, and Charles Anderson; 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m., at Meldrum Mortuary, located at 52 North Macdonald in Mesa. Services will be held Thursday, Sept. 3 at 10 a.m., at the L.D.S. chapel located at South 72nd Street and Fairview in Mesa. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until funeral time.
Meldrum Mortuary handled the arrangements.
Kathleen Marie Shoemaker
1949 - 2005
Kathleen M. Shoemaker, age 55 years, of Pomerene, passed away on March 16, 2005, at home. Kathleen was born Oct. 18, 1949, in Hudson, Wis.
Her parents were Harold Deal and Josephine Janish Deal.
Kathleen lived in Arizona off and on, for a total of 25 years. She raised a family, enjoyed country music, and was skilled in cooking.
Early on she was somewhat of a seamstress. She enjoyed the outdoors with her family, camping and fishing.
Survivors include husband, Ray, of Pomerene, Ariz.; son, Brad (Tammy) Shoemaker of Pomerene, Ariz.; daughter, Michelle (Lowell) Samuel of Montana; daughter, Pamela Severson of Montana; 10 grandchildren; father, Harold Deal; four sisters, Brenda, Sherri, Sandy, Debbie; two brothers, Jim and Bob Deal, all from Wisconsin.
A family memorial will be held at a place and time to be determined.
Parker Cremation Center and San Pedro Funeral Home assisting the family.
Jack S. McRae
1910 - 2005
Jack S. McRae, 94, of St. David, Ariz., died March 21, 2005, in St. David. He was born on July 20, 1910, in Bisbee, Ariz., to Parley McRae and Nellie Sevey.
He worked as a mining hoisting engineer. Jack was a hospital board member and St. David School Board president.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visitation will be held at the L.D.S. Church in St. David, at 9 a.m., on Saturday, March 26; services will follow at 10 a.m., with Bishop Carter Mayberry officiating.
Casket bearers are Marc Goldberg, Brent Goldberg, Ben Gibson, Craig Goldberg, Danny Goldberg, David Thomas and Greg Sherman. Interment is at St. David Cemetery.
Survivors include daughters, Shirley Sherman of St. David, Patsy (Truman) Thomas of St. David, Jacque (Leon) Goldberg of Santa Anna, Calif. and Marilyn McRae of St. David; 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren; sister, Nora Barrows; and sister-in-law, Peggy McRae.
Arrangements under the direction of Richardson's Remembrance Center, Benson.
Laura Ann (Wilson) Keith
Laura Ann (Wilson) Keith, 67, a 50-year resident of the Benson, Ariz., area, died Aug. 26, 2009 in Benson. She was born Oct. 23, 1941 in Tucson, Ariz. to Leland D. Wilson and A. Inez (Lemons) Wilson. Laura was a 1959 graduate of Benson Union High School. She was a licensed insurance agent. She was a member of the 4-H, FFA, and Cochise County Independent Agents Association.
Services were held Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. at the Pomerene L.D.S. Stake Center, officiated by Bishop Ashby. Interment and graveside services followed at the Pomerene Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Dwaine Hinskey. Casket bearers were Marion H. (Guy) Keith, John M. Keith, Rick Sherman, Justin L. Keith, M. Colt Keith, and J. Marshel Keith.
Survivors include husband, Marion F. (Rick) Keith; daughter, Barbara-Jo VanSomeren and (Floyd); sons, Marion H. (Guy) Keith (Cassandra) and John M. Keith; grandchildren, Justin L. Keith, Gideon R. VanSomeren, Marion C. Keith, Kymber M. Keith, Lyndsay R. (Keith) Davis, J. Marshel Keith, Cheyanne M. Keith, Virginia Ann VanSomeren, Codie J. VanSomeren and Cheylene L. Keith; great-grandchildren, Justin Cash Keith, Kasen Davis, and Laura Irene Keith; sisters, Jacqueline Ragan, Ina L. Jones (Max), and Bess Morrison; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, sister, Jean Russell and granddaughter, Jessica A. VanSomeren.
Instead of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Benson Hospice or American Cancer Society in Laura Ann Keith's name for lung cancer research.
Naomi P. Kitchens
Naomi P. Kitchens, a longtime resident of Benson, Ariz., passed away on Aug. 23, 2009 in Hollis, Okla.
She was born in Muskogee, Okla. Jan. 2, 1924. She had worked as a Desk Clerk at Quail Hollow Inn in Benson for the last 21 years that she resided in Benson. She was presently living in Eldorado, Okla. with her daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Johnny LaVin. Naomi P. Kitchens is survived by her daughter, Barbara Kitchens LaVin of Eldorado, Okla., a son, Jim Cole Kitchens of Tucson, Ariz., four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Her final resting place will be in Deming, N.M., and a memorial will be held at Baca Funeral Chapel in Deming on Sept. 26, 2009, at 1 p.m.
Anna Mae Beeson
Anna Mae Beeson passed away Oct. 12, 2009 at her home in Benson, Ariz., surrounded by her loving family.
Anna Mae Welch Bellis Beeson was born June 12, 1914 in Louisa County, Iowa to Arthur and Rachel (Newman) Welch. She was raised in Coburg, Iowa by her adoptive parents, Josephine and Jefferson Bellis.
On Feb. 19, 1936 she was united in marriage to Edward Junius Beeson in Red Oak, Iowa. Ed and Anna Mae farmed in Humboldt and Montgomery counties, raising nine children. In 1978, Anna Mae and Ed retired in Montgomery County, Iowa, and in 1987, they moved to Benson, Ariz.
She was always active in her local Catholic church. She was also an active member in Humboldt, Iowa County Democratic Party, Benson Hospital Auxiliary and Benson Diabetes Support Group. Anna Mae was a volunteer at the Benson Library, Benson Museum and other organizations. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, traveling, and reading. Being with her family and friends was her favorite pastime.
She is survived by her children, Julie (Gordon) Lonning of Oregon, Gerry (John) Pedersen of Iowa, Tom (Betty) Beeson of Washington, Jack (Diane) Beeson of Nevada, Ann (Gary) Malkhasian of California, Jim (Barb) Beeson of Illinois, Kathy Beeson of Iowa, Patricia Beeson of Minnesota, 23 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, son, Mike Beeson, infant daughter Therese, great-grandson Joseph Stein and son-in-law Gordon Lonning.
Donations in her name may be made to Friends of Benson Library, 300 South Huachuca St., Benson, AZ 85602.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Richardson's Funeral Home, 725 East 4th St., Benson, AZ 85602.
Glenn M. Maynard
Glenn M. Maynard, 58, of Benson, Ariz., died June 23, 2008 at home in Benson. He lived in the area three months, and previously resided in Summerville, Ga.
He was born Oct. 8, 1949, to Gibbson and Jewel Maynard.
Glenn served two years with the U.S. Marine Corp and 22 years in the U.S. Air Force. He was a flight line tech for aircraft.
Services were held at Richardson's Remembrance Center in Benson.
Survivors include wife, April Maynard and son, Brian Maynard of Benson; mother, Jewel Maynard; brothers and sisters, Austin, Buster, Sandra, Brenda, Nadine and Melinda, all of Summerville, Ga.; his children, Mitch Maynard, Misty Cordel and Kristy Maynard, all of Summerville, Ga.; and grandchildren, Melissa Maynard, Tiffany Maynard, Cody Maynard, Zoe Cordel and Danielle Cordel.
Arrangements under the direction of Richardson's Remembrance Center in Benson.
Michael "Chopper" Sowersby
Michael "Chopper" Sowersby passed away peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning.
He was born March 3, 1952. He was a free spirited soul and lived life with zeal and adventure. He was always happy to help anyone in need, even when he had little to give. He loved camping, hunting, shooting, cooking and partying (all at the same time). He was always making people laugh, even strangers he just met. He leaves behind his loving family and many, many friends.
Services will be held at Richardson's Mortuary on Friday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, bring food to share for a potluck at the Arena Bar at 3 p.m.
Louise Getzwiller
Louise Getzwiller, 79, of Benson, Ariz., died Dec. 18, 2008 in Benson. She was born Nov. 14, 1929, in Willcox, Ariz., to Olan and Louise Sims.
She graduated from high school and was a housewife. Louise was a charter member of Tastiota, Sonora Yacht Club.
Services are Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, at 2 p.m., at Richardson's Remembrance Center, officiated by Cecil Richardson.
Survivors include husband, Don W. Getzwiller; son, Joe Getzwiller; daughter-in-law, Lori A. Getzwiller; grandchildren, Tyler J. Getzwiller, Bryce A. Fleming, Mike Brock, Jaimi Getzwiller and Kristin Fleming; niece, Fran Whatley; and sister, Olene Whatley.
Eileen T. Tavolino
Eileen T. Tavolino, 79, of Tucson, Ariz. passed away Oct. 2, 2009 peacefully with her loving family at her side.
Eileen was born in Chicago, Ill. on April 5, 1930. The Tavolino family moved to Benson, Ariz. in 1970, where they owned and operated the Arena Bar. In 1975 they moved to Tucson.
Eileen is survived by her husband, Gerald, of 62 years; children, Jerry (Molly), of Austin, Texas; Kathleen (Willis), of Willcox, Ariz.; Wayne, of Tucson, Ariz.; Colleen (Greg) Babich, of Tucson, Ariz., and Joleen, of Tucson, Ariz.
Also 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren survive her.
She requested no formal service and will be cremated.
We will cherish all the great memories close to our hearts.
Edward V. Frankove
Ed was born and raised in Detroit, Mich., the son of John and Rose Franckoviak. He was born March 6, 1914.
Ed was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and a life member of the Knights of Columbus. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a machinist by trade and moving to California, he worked many years for General Dynamics before retiring and moving to Benson, Ariz. in 1979 with his wife.
He is the beloved husband of Mary Lorene Frankove and will be greatly missed by her and nephews and nieces and all who knew him.
Jesus F. Haro
Jesus F. Haro, 48 years old, passed away early Friday morning, Jan. 29, 2010. He was a lifetime resident of Benson. Jesus was the son of the late George L. Haro. He leaves behind a family that loves him more than words can say. Survived by his mother, Maria Jesus Haro; two brothers, George Haro and Joaquin (Debbie) Haro; three sisters, Lisa Mayhall, Lina (Danny) Gamez, and Olivia Cardenas; eight nieces and nephews, April Mayhall Carroll, Amy Mayhall, Kenny Mayhall, Kendra, Kayla, Jay Haro, and two that he took in and helped raise as his own, Bert and Gabi Cardenas; five great nieces and nephews, Anne Marie, Jace, Adelina Carroll, Ty Hutchison and Harley McCabe.
To some he was known as Tio Tus, Buddy, Coach, Kareem, Sus, Chuyito, Watussi, or Bubba. He was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend. He was a great LPN, loved to play the guitar, draw, and loved the game of softball.
He was employed for 15 years at Community Medical Services in Tucson, Ariz. He described his job as very rewarding.
He dedicated his life to serving the Lord, his family and friends, and was an inspiration to all. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten. He was a wonderful man.
Services will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 3 p.m., Arrangements by Richardson's Remembrance Center, Benson.
Marlene Clare Cook
Marlene Clare Cook, 75, was born in Seattle, Wash. to Harry Gaugh and Virginia LeClair. Marlene lived in many states, Washington, New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Idaho and Arizona.
She was one of eight children. Her siblings, Mary and Bill, preceded her in death. Marlene had six children: John Barker, California; Mark Barker, Tucson, Ariz.; Jeanette Sears, Benson, Ariz.; Janice Pack, Taft, Ga.; Roy Cook, Tombstone, Ariz.; and Charles Cook, Tucson, Ariz. She also left 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She leaves sisters, Lorraine Ford of Redland, Calif.; Betty McCurdy, California; Delores Larson, Murrieta, Calif.; Valerie Jarvis, Riverside, Calif; and one brother, Harry Gaugh in Jamul, Calif.
Marlene wrote poetry and was known for her kindness to others. She always helped others even in her illness. She shared what she had at one time. She worked as a cook at a nursing home. Even though she was only given a small amount to buy food, she managed to provide tasty, nutritious meals for the patients.
In Tombstone, she walked to daily Mass until she could no longer walk that far. We will remember her gentle soul and wicked sense of humor.
Rosary was held Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. Mass was held Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tombstone.
Waldon "Paul" William Meeks, Sr.
Waldon "Paul" William Meeks, Sr. of Benson, Ariz., passed into life eternal Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010 in his home at age 96.
He was born in Columbus, Ohio, and moved to Benson, Ariz. in 1960. In 1977, he began serving as pastor of Full Gospel Assembly, Benson, continuing until his death.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia "Abigail" Meeks, three sons: Larry, Don, and Tom, two daughters: Ann Allen and Debby Lees, 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, brother, Richard "Enoch" Meeks, two stepdaughters, two stepsons, 11 step grandchildren, 12 step great-grandchildren, and 15 step great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation hours were Tuesday, Sept. 7, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Full Gospel Assembly. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at 10 a.m., at Full Gospel Assembly, with interment following at High Street Cemetery.
Paul will be greatly remembered and loved by his congregation and loved ones.
Rockne Lane Hegel
1941-2010
Rockne (Rocky) Hegel passed from the presence of many loved ones, to meet his Heavenly Father on Sept. 2, 2010, at the age of 69, after 8 months of stage 4 gallbladder cancer. Rockne was born in Tucson, Ariz. to Fred and Betty Hegel. At this time his father was working for the Fox Theater but soon started a dairy in St. David, where he and his siblings grew up and helped on the dairy 'till Rockne went into the Army to proudly serve his country.
He lived his daily life to serve and honor his Lord every day of his life. He married Linda Grace Vernon on July 23, 1966 at Benson Heights Baptist Church. They raised a family of two children, Lane and Grace. He and Linda were married 29 years when God called her home. He worked with many co-workers at AEPCO for 41 years, retiring Feb.7, 2007, living all those years in Willcox. He with his wife Linda owned and operated Linda's Fabric corral. Rockne was a Deacon, Trustee, and Sunday School Teacher at First Southern Baptist Church. He also would take his vacation time many years to lead and teach many Willcox kids in Vacation Bible School. He also did pulpit supply for many area churches that were without a pastor and went to Dillingham, Alaska with a mission team to help build a teen youth center. On Nov. 15, 1997, he married his loving wife Vivian Childers and added her two children, Glenn and Stephanie, to his family.
Rockne is survived by his loving wife Vivian Hegel of nearly 13 years and their four children: His son, Lane Hegel of Safford; daughter Grace (Brian) Green of Tucson, Ariz.; son Glenn (Cheryl) Childers and daughter Stephanie Childers of Willcox, Ariz. Also survived by a brother Fred Hegel of Greensburg, Pa.; Sisters Bonnie (Andy) Anderson of Texas City, Texas and Sheila (Gray) Gordon of J-6/ Benson, Ariz. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Matthew and Katelyn Hegel of Safford, Ariz.; and Chase and Hunter Childers of Willcox, Ariz.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his father Fredrick Hegel and mother Betty Hegel; sister Lita Lewis; and brother Kenny Hegel.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at the First Southern Baptist Church. Memorial contributions can be made to Charles Wm. Leighton Jr. Hospice, The Cancer Research or Gideon Bibles.
Services under the direction of Westlawn Chapel, Mortuary & Cremation of Willcox, Ariz.
Funeral notice: Rockne "Rocky" Hegel
Rockne "Rocky Hegel of Willcox died at home on Sept. 2, 2010 at 69.
A Celebration of his life will be Saturday, Sept. 18, from 10 to noon at the First Southern Baptist Church in Willcox.
Contributions may be made in his name to the Charles Wm. Leighton Jr. Hospice, P.O. Box 115, Willcox, AZ 85644. Complete obituary will appear next week. Services entrusted to Westlawn Chapel, Mortuary and Crematory of Willcox.
Russell Edward Treu
Russell Edward Treu was born July 10, 1928, in Benson, Ariz. He died peacefully in his sleep Sept. 6, at his home in Benson, with his family present. He was blessed to die just the way he wanted to.
Russell loved camping, fishing, hunting and his family. Fond memories for his children are camping and Dad making big breakfasts and dinners over the campfire. Taco Saturday night became a tradition. He instilled a love of sports in all his children, and coached them all as they grew up. He helped build the Shamrock Dairy Little League field in the 1960s.
He worked for CTI for 42 years, and his favorite job there was hauling cattle for the 77 Bar and 10X Ranch. In the winter, he would haul cattle to Wickenburg and back to the ranch at the Grand Canyon in the spring. Though he sustained many injuries, including having teeth kicked out, he still enjoyed working with the cattle.
Russell is preceded in death by his parents, Max and Ida Mae, and his first wife and high school sweetheart, Hazel Lundquist Treu.
Russell is survived by his loving wife, Mary, and their dog, Buddy. They enjoyed a good life in their Benson home.
Russell is also survived by his brother, Jerry Treu and sister, Mary Clark. Also his children, Darrell (Laurie), Gary (Karen) and Cathie. Russell's grandchildren are Amanda (Blake) Mertz, Jennifer Treu, Travis (Yolanda) Treu and Jalynn (Saul) Andrade. Wayne and John Arrington were also like grandsons to him. The great-grandchildren are Axel, Brianna, T.J., Amalia, Estephana, Julia, Avery and one on the way. Also Mary's sister, Alice, and her husband, Carmelo Tellez. There are several nieces and nephews and cousins and one special cousin, Joy Roberts.
Russell enjoyed watching his favorite teams, the New York Yankees, the Dallas Cowboys and the Boston Celtics.
If there is a porch in heaven, you can be sure Russell is sitting there enjoying an ice-cold beer and waiting for the rest of us.
Vaya Con Dios, Dad.
A mass was held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 386 E. 5th Street in Benson, Ariz., Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, at 9 a.m., with Fr. Michael Bucciarelli officiating.
