Thompsons Valley West Funeral Chapel

Frederic T. Kolman, 47, of Goodyear passed away on July 25, 2010 in Phoenix. He was born August 10, 1962 in Jersey City, NJ to Fred and Frances Kolman (Johnson). Frederic moved to Arizona in 2001.

He graduated from Marist high school, Drew University and Rutgers University. He was a school teacher and taught elementary through college level students. He is preceded in death by his father Fred Kolman. He is survived by his mother Frances M. McGimpsey; sisters, Jane Kolman; Judith Simko and Barbara (Blas) Urena.

A service will be held Wednesday July 28 at 6pm with a 7 o’clock rosary at Thompson’s Valley West Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear, AZ 85338.

Clifton Brandt Lopert, 60, died on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at his home in Litchfield Park. Clif was born April 26, 1950 to Robert C. and Betty Lopert of Camarillo, California. He graduated from Aldolfo Camarillo High School in 1968 where he was MVP on the tennis team. Clif received an appointment to and attended the United States Air Force Academy and graduated as a commissioned officer in 1972. His dream was to be a pilot. Clif attended Undergraduate Pilot Training at Williams AFB, flew the F-4 and was an IP at Luke AFB, where he flew F-15 fighters. He served in both Europe and Korea. After retiring from the Air Force, Clif started his second career with Southwest Airlines and became a captain.

Clif is survived by his mother Betty Lopert, brother Robert Brian Lopert, son, John Lopert, daughter Suzanne Lopert Allen, and granddaughter Elizabeth Allen. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted son, father, and grandfather. A viewing will be held Thursday, July 29, 2010 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Thompson's Valley West Funeral Home, and a memorial service will be held Friday, July 30, 2010 at 10:00 am at The Church at Litchfield Park.

Jacinta A. Silva, 78, of Litchfield Park, died July 25, 2010 in Goodyear. She was born August 17, 1931 in Havana, Cuba to Paulino Gonzalez Quincoces and Caridad Jimenez Quincoces. She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Avondale, AZ.

She is survived by her children; daughters Silvana B. Cancanon, Irene Millman, Gertrudes Diaz, son Lazaro Silva and 8 grandchildren.

A visitationSaturday is at 5:00pm and a service will be held Saturday, July 31 at 6:00pm at Thompson’s Valley West Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear, AZ.

Je’Don Anderson, 36, of Goodyear passed away July 26, 2010 here in Goodyear. She was born September 27, 1973 in Los Angeles to Richard and Janell MacEnery. She graduated from Thousand Oaks High School in Thousand Oaks, CA. She was married to Matthew Anderson May 29, 1999 at 1st Christian Church in Newbury Park, CA. They moved to Arizona 9 years ago. Je’ Don was doing her C.N.A. internship at the VA Hospital in Phoenix. She was a parishioner at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Goodyear, AZ.

Je’Don is survived by her husband, Matthew Anderson, her son Austin, her daughters Bailey and Dory, and her parents Janell and Richard MacEnery.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, August 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Thompson’s Valley West Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear, AZ, with a rosary to be prayed at 7:00pm. The funeral Mass will be held Thursday, August 5 at 9:00am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 539 E. La Posada Blvd., Goodyear, AZ, with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Avondale, AZ.

Susan Marie Barry, 58, of Avondale, AZ, died on July 14, 2010 in Avondale, AZ. She was born March 23, 1952 in Greenfield, MA to Robert and Elaine Budrewicz. She was an elementary teacher at Rainbow Valley.

She is survived by her husband Mark Barry; son Patrick Michael (Amy); daughter Jennifer Leigh Carpenter (Scott); brother Robert Budrewicz. Also surviving are four grandchildren.

A service will be held Wednesday July 21, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Thompson’s Valley West Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Rd. Goodyear, AZ. In lieu of flowers, Glendale Crisis Response Program 6835 N. 57th Ave. Glendale AZ. 85301

Mary Patricia Cook of Litchfield Park passed away peacefully July 15, 2010. Mary was born in Long Beach, CA to Cecil C. and Charlotte B. Harsch, on Novemebr 25, 1927. She graduated from Long Beach Woodrow Wilson High School in June 1945. She married Charles T. (Chuck) Cook on May 5, 1950.

She is survived by Chuck, three children; Melinda Lomas of Barrington, IL, Michelle Cook, of Crestview, FL, Edward M. Cook II of Enterprise, AL; four grandchildren, Crystal Cook of Huntsville, AL, Shannon Cook of Mobile, AL, Dean Cook of Crestview, FL and Peter Lomas of Barrington, IL.

Mary created a loving and fun home for Chuck and the children in the Philippines, Okinawa, Panama, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Korea, Italy, Hawaii and numerous Army posts throughout the USA.

She will be interred in Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA. A private ceremony will be held at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

Alberto R. Esquivel, 65, of Avondale, passed away July 18, in Goodyear. He was born June11, 1945 in Mexico to Alberto and Josefina Esquivel. He moved to Arizona 1 year ago.

Alberto was a carpenter. He was a hard worker, a good husband, a dedicated father, uncle, and grandpa. He was a perfectionist. As a young man in Tijuana, he was a successful boxer.

Mr. Esquivel is survived by his wife Linda Esquivel, his daughters Norma and Maria, his sons Alberto, Andrew, Manuel, and Albert, his sister in law Norma Kittelson, and 24 grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, July 30 from 5-9pm at Thompson’s Valley West Funeral Chapel, with services the following day, Saturday, at 11am at Thompson’s Valley West Funeral Chapel with burial to follow at East Resthaven Cemetery.

Margaret A. Norman, 69, of Surprise passed away July 16, 2010. She was born March 30, 1941 in Tama, Iowa to Estel and Clara Pilgrim.

Margaret was a graduate of Drake University, where she met her future husband, Bud. They were married June 23, 1963. They had 3 children. They moved to Arizona in 1970, where she went to work as head of the English Department at Deer Valley High School. She loved to garden. She had an acre garden at the previous family home in Phoenix, and more recently a greenhouse and outside garden in Surprise. Her family built her a waterfall on her property as well.

Mrs. Norman is survived by her husband Clarence “Bud” Norman, daughter Mary Sarver, her sons Mark and Larry Norman, her sister, Mary Kay Donahoe, and 8 grand children: Levi, Kristin, Taylor, Ryan, Madison, Cole, Emma, and Aly.

Visitation and services will be at 2pm on Wednesday, July 21 at Mountain Ridge Baptist Church, 23104 N. 67th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85310, with a reception to follow.

William Jursik, 87, passed away on July 15, 2010. William was born on April 5, 1923 in Havana, Cuba, moving as a young boy with his parents to the United States.

William was a devoted husband and loving father who enjoyed the simple things in life like fishing, working in his garden and listening to the music of the Big Bands. He will be remembered for his caring nature and good sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

William is survived by his wife Amelia (Mimi), daughters Deborah (Jim) and Katherine (Chris), grandchildren Jessica (Aaron), Lisa, Eric and Peter, great grandson Noah, his sister Jean and brother Jim. Services were private. In lieu of flowers memorials in Bills honor can be made to Hospice Family Care at www.hfc-az.com or to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Litchfield Park Building Fund at 400 S. Old Litchfield Rd • Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 • 623 935 3279 or www.stpetersaz.com.

REV. JAMES EDWARD TOWNS, 80 of Buckeye passed away June 23, 2010. He was born October 21, 1929 in Jenifer, AL. to Fred and Elsie Towns. James came to Arizona in 1987. James was a clergyman, owned a BBQ Restaurant and worked as an excavation contractor.

He is survived by his wife Eula Mae Towns, two daughters Rhonda Conrad and Vanessa Williams. Two sons James Eric Towns, Mark Edward Towns, and preceded in death by son, Ronald Leonard Veldhousen. 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial service will be Thursday July 1, 2010 from 5-8 pm at Thompson’s Valley West Funeral Chapel.

Gary Lee, 67, of Avondale died June 14, 2010. He was born July 22, 1942 in Detroit, MI to Albert Earnest and Eleanor Joan Copeland. He moved to Arizoan in 1976. He was in the United States Army. He worked at Fry’s Grocery Stores for 27 years.

Mr. Copeland is survived by his daughter Tammy (Roy) Williams, his son Gary (Liana) Copeland Jr., his sisters Sherry Maric MeClish and Bonnie Ann Rieier, brothers Clifton Copeland and Albert Paul Dupis, 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Services are Tuesda, June 29 at 10:30am at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, on Cave Creek Road in Phoenix.

He leaves his wife of 43 years, Enriqueta Torrez; his daughter, Antonia Valdes and her husband, John Valdes; his son, Ramon Torrez, Jr. and his wife, Monica Torrez; his daughter, Ana Jimenez and her husband, Art Jimenez; his daughter, Frances Torrez; his son, Rogelio Torrez and his wife, Natalie Torrez; his six grandchildren, Alexander, Isabella, Mia, Andres, Nicolas, and Mariah; his sisters, Angelita Federico and Mary Winters; his nieces, Magdalena Torres Foley and Irma Federico; his nephews, Harold Barber, Joe Torrez, Art Torrez, Abel Federico, and Gilbert Federico, Jr.; his extended families, Castillon family, Kronik family, McLaughlin family, Pena family, Peterson family, and Vasquez family; his god daughters, Hilda Llerenas and Gloria Burbage; many close friends; and his faithful companion, Tyson.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Benny Torrez, and his faithful companions, Figuero, Sampson, and Chica.

Ramon was born in Buell, Arizona on September 1, 1931. He was the youngest child and son of Jose and Antonia Torrez. Following his mother’s death, his father sent Ramon and his sisters to live with their paternal grandmother in Mexico. His grandmother raised him until the age of 12 years old. After leaving Mexico, he returned to Arizona and joined his father and siblings in Gila Bend, where he lived until adulthood.

During his youth in Gila Bend, he worked at the Seashell Café. He also worked with his father at Southern Pacific Railroad laying railroad tracks. Ramon attended Gila Bend High School and was the Valedictorian of his senior class. He then attended University of Arizona for a short time. Unfortunately, he abandoned his studies because he lacked the financial resources needed to pay for his schooling.

In 1955, the U.S. Army drafted Ramon at the age of 24 years old and proudly served his country. He was stationed in Germany, but it is unknown whether he spent his entire military career there. While stationed in Germany, he and his army pals took a holiday where his travels took him to several beautiful countries across Europe such as Luxembourg, France, Spain, and Italy. He indulged in the ambiance of each country’s culture by visiting historical landmarks and churches. He also shopped and took delight in the local cuisine and nightlife. While in Paris, he had lunch at the Eifel Tower. He observed a bull fight in Madrid and journeyed to the Spanish Riviera while in Barcelona. In Milan, he visited Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church known for its renowned mural of The Last Supper painted by Leonardo da Vinci. His military service lasted for two years and then he returned stateside.

In 1967, he married Enriqueta in Gila Bend. They soon started a family and had five children together. After the birth of their first child, they moved to California, but returned to Arizona within a few years. They resided in Phoenix for over 30 years. He worked very hard to provide a good life for his family. In his mid-40s, he made the decision to complete his academic studies. He worked full-time and attended evening classes at Arizona State University. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Information in 1980. In the early 1990s, he worked as a highly successful computer programmer for the Arizona Department of Revenue. He enjoyed his job and stayed with the state for about 15 years. In 2007 at the age of 75 years, Ramon decided it was time to enjoy his golden years. Upon his retirement, the State of Arizona presented him with a Service Recognition award.

Ramon was passionate about sports and exercising. In his early years, he tried his hand at boxing, but realized he did not have ability to become a fierce competitor. His love of boxing continued throughout his life. He enjoyed watching boxing matches on television and old boxing matches featuring Muhammad Ali or Sugar Ray Leonard. Ramon was an avid jogger and used the tracks at Maryvale High School and at Glendale and Phoenix Community Colleges. His nephews Joe and Art would often go jogging with him. In addition, he was a member of the Phoenix College’s Silver Sneaker program, an exercise program for older adults. He also enjoyed playing handball whenever he could find someone to join him in a game.

Ramon liked to take various classes at the local community colleges. His daughter Ana remembers fondly that he would always have a textbook in his hand.

He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Being a grandfather was a role that he cherished above all. Talking and playing with his grandchildren brought him tranquility and happiness.

Ramon also had a passion for food, coffee, and diet soda. He always had a cup of Folgers’ coffee every morning and a diet soda with his lunch and dinner meals. He enjoyed snacking on his sugar free cookies. He loved eating his wife’s scrumptious homemade tamales and menudo during the Christmas holidays.

Above all, Ramon was also a man who absolutely loved to tell stories about an array of subjects. Many of his family and friends have vivid memories of Ramon telling a story.

Thank you to Enriqueta who took wonderful care of Ramon, especially during the last seven months of his life. Thanks to Angelita Federico for helping take care of Ramon in the last few weeks of his life. Thanks to Mary Winters for visiting Ramon during the past few years. Thanks to Nena and Manuel Castillon for helping Ramon and Enriqueta during their time of need. Thanks to all of those who prayed for Ramon during his illness. Special thanks to Dr. Volk and his team at Palo Verde Oncology and to Stacey Campbell and all of the dedicated nurses that treated Ramon while a patient at Hospice of the Valley.