Obituaries

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With profound sadness for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Lorenz “Larry “ Steer on February 14th, surrounded by his loved ones. Born January 7, 1939, Larry was known for his quick wit, his larger than life laugh, his strong presence, whether writing, directing or acting in community theater or his passionate pursuit of any cause near and dear to his heart.

An entrepreneur from early on, he parlayed his skills into the plastics industry, where he pioneered a successful engineering company. Upon retirement, he continued in sales and ultimately became a “kind, kick butt” personal fitness trainer until the age of 80.

Larry took great pride in his children and grandchildren. Mentoring them in a style only “Papa” or “Pops” could pull off. He loved traveling whether to Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, or most recently, to his bucket list, Panama Canal. Also on that love list was his many summers spent entertaining at the family’s cabin in Lake Arrowhead, California, as well as his dedication to his grandchildrens’ baseball travels around the country.

Larry is survived by his wife, Sue, his children Robyn (Jeff) Hamilton of Newport Beach, Ca, Darla (Vince) Irrizary of Costa Mesa, Ca, and Chris (Dana) Steer of Long Beach, CA. and his grandchildren, Marlena, Jeffrey and Sara Hamilton and Connor (Cassie), Tyler (Shannon), Spencer, and Trevor Steer.

A private memorial service will be held in Buckeye, AZ. Friends may sign the memorial guest book at thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Celebrate Larry’s life by donating to The Animal League of Green Valley, The community Food Bank of Southern Arizona: Green Valley, St. Mary’s food Bank, or a charity of your choice.

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Raymond M. “Go Go” Gonzales, Jr. of Avondale, Arizona went to be with the Lord February 16, 2023. He was born December 14, 1971 in Phoenix, Arizona to Raymond Gonzales, Sr. and Alice (Samaniego) Gonzales.

He is survived by his father Raymond Gonzales, Sr., mother Alice Gonzales, sister Sandy Costa, fiancé Evette Escobar, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, other extended family, and friends.

A visitation will begin at 9AM on Saturday, March 11 at Thompson Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will follow at 10:30. His final resting place will be at Holy Cross Cemetery (time yet to be set).

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Edward G. Kensek passed away on February 17, 2023 in Goodyear, Arizona at the age of 88.

Ed was born on January 21, 1935 to Alexander and Constance Kensek in Chicago, Illinois. He lived most
of his childhood on Superior Street in Chicago with his parents and 9 siblings. His father passed away in
1949, when he was only 14 years old. He proudly graduated from Crane Technical High School in 1954.
He was the only sibling that was able to attend high school due to the harsh years of the Great
Depression. After high school, Ed joined the Army. After his military service, he became a police officer
in Harwood Heights. His law enforcement career was cut short due to an accident while directing traffic.
This accident, however, resulted in his dating Carol. He married Carol on his birthday, January 21, 1961.
After marriage, the couple had 3 children and settled the family in Schiller Park, Illinois. The couple loved
to spend their weekends camping. In 2002, Ed and Carol then retired and moved to Arizona. Ed loved
joking, spending time with family and friends, camping, games, playing cards and even doing crafts in
earlier years. He made and sold “bingo nuts” in support of Carol’s love of bingo at the campground.

Ed is preceded in death by his wife Carol, his father and mother, as well as his sisters, Nellie, Maryanne,
Alice, Kay, Rose and his brothers Mike, Joe, and Artie.

He is survived by his son Alan (Laura), his daughters Connie (Stuart) and Dawn (Richard); his
grandchildren Samantha, Nichole, Joseph, Nicholas, Stephanie, Dakota, Miranda, Rhiannon, Destiny,
Tiffany, and Christian; his great grandchildren, Timothy, Eli, Jack, Erianna, and Weston; his brother
Wally.

Viewing will be held at Thompson Funeral Chapel on March 3, 2023 in Arizona.

A wake will follow at Cumberland Chapel in Norridge, Illinois, on March 9th, 2023. His funeral mass will
be held at St. Beatrice Church in Schiller Park, Illinois, followed by his entombment at St. Adalbert
Cemetery in Niles, Illinois on March 10, 2023.

We are grateful to all those who loved and cared for him.

Rest in peace! We love you forever!

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Ms. Jacquelyn Schmidt, 72, of Sun City, Arizona died February 6, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born June 4, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois to Arthur Schmidt, Sr. and Ruth Murray. She is survived by her brother, Arthur Schmidt, Jr., sons Kenneth and Timothy Smith, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, February 27, 2023 at the New Life Community Church (8155 W Thunderbird Rd, Peoria, AZ 85381). Her final resting place will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jerry Morris on January
31st. He was Jerry to his friends, but to his family he was Dad, Papa Jerry, Uncle
or Sweetheart. It seems unfathomable to describe the inspiration he was and the
love that we feel for him in mere words on paper… and limited words at that.

From growing up in Washington State to living, working, and traveling all over the
world, Jerry lived a full and beautiful life, and was the proud father of 3 children.
His oldest son Craig sadly left this world too soon, after a valiant battle with
cancer. Christy, who is his only daughter, recently moved to Arizona to embark on
a new career, and to live closer to her dad. Jerry was honored that she chose to
move closer to him, and VERY PLEASED to see what an incredible woman his
little girl had become (those who knew Jerry, know he used “pleased or very
pleased” to express satisfaction, happiness, pride or as an overall stamp of
approval). Last but not least is his youngest son, Steven. Their zip codes weren’t
close, and they weren’t big on phone calls or texts, but their father/son bond didn’t
require it. They chose to look at their connection in terms of quality/ not quantity
of time shared, and how they chose to use it. They’ve been co-pilots on airplanes,
road warriors on their motorcycles and co-navigators for both: cross country road
trips and for the twists, turns and detours they encountered on life’s bumpy road to
finding true love and happiness.

Jerry found “true love and happiness” with Helen, and for over a decade they loved
each other deeply, traveled the world, danced the night away at community dances,
enjoyed local theatre performances, and took in the scenery on long motorcycle
rides… the list goes on. They lived between Michigan and Arizona with the shared
goal of loving each other, living their best life together and living each day to the
fullest. They both did that every day until January 31st when he was unexpectedly
taken from us.

In the beautiful collage of Jerry’s life, we can’t forget his positive outlook on life,
quick wit and broad smile that brightened a room. He cherished his motorcycle
rides with old friends, had boundless energy on the Pickleball Court, and
prioritized making trips to Kansas City to spend time with his grandsons (and
Nikki) every chance he got.

Jerry is pre-deceased by his Son Craig, and is survived by his Daughter Christy,
Son Steven (Melissa), Helen (loving companion), Patricia (ex-wife, dear friend and
mother of his children), Daughter-in-Law Nikki, Grandson’s Noah and Adam, and
countless family members and friends that meant a lot to him including Helen’s
family: Daughter Shelli (Jim), Granddaughter Monica (Jim) and all his Michigan
great grandchildren who all loved him very much.

Instead of saying good-bye, we prefer to think he rode off into the sunset to hang
out with Craig. Until we are together again, we will work on living “our best
lives” and will make certain his legacy lives on …

To Jerry: You will forever be missed and will continue to live on in our hearts.

Please note: Jerry requested that no services be held.

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Everett Burgett of Goodyear, Arizona passed away February 8, 2023. He was born September 24, 1945 in Kansas City, Kansas to Everett and Margaret (nee Tucker) Burgett. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force.

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Jack Dagro of Goodyear, Arizona passed away February 11, 2023. He was born August 19, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph and Christine (nee Kahler) Dagro.

Services are pending.

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Msgt. Danny Cabinatan, Sr.  of Litchfield Park, Arizona passed away February 13, 2023. He was born May 4, 1968 in Phoenix, Arizona to Danford Cabinatan and Maria Cabinatan (Zepeda).

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Jennifer Cabinatan, son, Paul (Katrina) Cabinatan, Jr., daughter, Desiree (Adam) Cuellar, and his parents Danford and Mary Cabinatan. He is also survived by his two beloved grandchildren Isaiah P. Cabinatan and Danette Cabinatan.

Danny attended St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School and Bourgade Catholic High School in Phoenix, Arizona. He married Jennifer in 1987 and together they had two children: Paul Jr. and Desiree. In May of 1987, he joined the Arizona Air National Guard. While in the Air Force, he served in many military campaigns including Desert Shield/Desert Storm, the Iraq War, and others.  He was a KC 135E/R aircraft mechanic, working as a crew chief on the line and in the ISO Dock.  He also worked in Fuels and Fabrication as a sheet metal mechanic. He traveled to Saudi Arabia, Italy, Germany, Wake Island, and many other locations while in the military. He retired from the military in May of 2012 but continued his relationship with them by working as a Quality Insurance Inspector for the Defense Contract Management Agency.

Danny had a huge heart for all living things. He helped rescue, trap, and release a feral cat colony. Once, he even “re-adopted” a kitten from the Humane Society that Jen had dropped off just before deployment. His love for animals brought him much joy. He also spent his free time installing car audio and alarms – often at a great discount to others.

Danny never lost his love for travel once he retired from military life. Together with his wife he traveled to Canada, Las Vegas, and other stateside locations for SEMA. They also frequently visited family in Hawaii and San Diego. He also loved to cook and was known for replicating his grandmother’s dishes.

Danny loved his family. He adored his grandchildren, and loved playing with them. He was quiet, unless he was trying to make you laugh. He would tell you what was bothering him, but never wanted to burden others with his worries. He was sensitive and protective over Jen.

A visitation will be held from 9am to 10am, Monday, February 20 at Thompson Funeral Chapel. A recitation of the Holy Rosary and a Funeral Service will begin at 10am.  Interment will take place at 1:30pm at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Avondale, Arizona.

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Noemi Marabel of Goodyear, Arizona passed away on February 11, 2023. She was born February 4, 1997 in Phoenix, Arizona to Gerardo Marabel Gonzalez and Liliana Avila.

A visitation and funeral mass will be held from 9:30 to 11:00, Thursday, February 23, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church.  Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery at 12:30pm.

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Fred Amrhein, age 73, passed away in Goodyear, Arizona February 1, 2023. Fred was born July 27, 1949. He graduated from Cheyenne Central High School in 1967 and attended University of Wyoming with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Survivors include Gretchen Nimmo of Cheyenne, Joan Petersen (Gary) of Maquoketa, Iowa, and Emmajean Amrhein of Denver, Colorado. He has three nephews Eric and Greg Petersen, and Matt Nimmo. He has several cousins and multiple friends. Fred was preceded by his parents Herman and Bernice Amrhein, Brother-In Law, David Nimmo, and niece Sara Nimmo.

There will be no Services.

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It is with great sadness that we let you know about the passing of our father, Isidro Francisco Ramirez, on Wednesday February 8, 2023.

Dad was the life of the party and always enjoyed being with family and friends eating and drinking. He was especially proud and happy of his grandchildren and watching them grow up.

Dad was born in Mexico City and was the oldest of five children. His family settled in Cupertino, California when he was 5 years old. He met his high school sweetheart, Gloria Lopez at the age of 15. After high school, Dad proudly served in the U.S. Navy and during his service he married Gloria.

He later worked for the California State Lottery from its inception in 1984 until his retirement in 2011. His work took him all over the state of California fulfilling one of his passions of traveling.

This past year was a struggle with his health and he gave a good fight to keep living. He died surrounded by his wife, children, and sister Louisa.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Gloria, his daughter Laura and son-in-law Carey, son Juan, daughter-in-law Chinny and grandson Aiden, son David, daughter-in-law Arlene, granddaughter Violet and grandsons Marcos, Roman and Sebastian, brother Alex, and sisters Louisa and Alicia.

He is now reunited with his parents and sister celebrating his full and remarkable life. He made a wonderful and loving impact on all who met him.
We love you dad and you will be missed.

SALUD!

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Anthony Madden of Goodyear, Arizona passed away February 2, 2023. He was born August 24, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois to Willie and Victoria Madden.

Anthony graduated from Bloom Township High School in 1972. He joined the army and was proud of his service as an MP. In 2005, he married Ledester White. He loved to race cars and motorcycles, and going on road trips.  He was also fond of “shooting the breeze” with his buddies and family. But, if you needed him, he was there. If you needed help, he’d do everything in his power to be there for you.

Anthony is survived by his wife Ledester, daughter Marry Madden, and sister Naomi April Madden. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Victoria Madden and his sister Dollie Briggail Madden.

A graveside service will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (Phoenix, Arizona) at 1pm on Wednesday, February 15. Pall Bearers will be Michael Franklin, Don Nicks, Fred Mars and Marvin Dillard.

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Janet Busby Larson of Buckeye, Arizona passed away on February 1, 2023, at the age of 87 while surrounded by her family. She will be missed by her four children, Steven Ray Larson of Buckeye, AZ, Maryanne Jordan (Norman) of Flower Mound, TX, Jane Winegar (Wallis) of Park City, UT, and Nancy Cooper (Todd) of Calgary, Alberta, 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, her brothers Abraham Jay Busby (Irlys) and James Gordon Busby (Marilyn), and many other dear relatives and friends.

Janet was born to John William and Frances Bogard Busby in Tucson, AZ on November 16, 1935. She was the sixth of nine children and was abundantly blessed to have loving parents who worked hard to provide for their large family. Through their example, she learned the value of faith, love of family, service, patience, hard work, and the wisdom of counting blessings. Her childhood was filled with happiness in a close-knit family whom she adored. Often, she shared fond memories of life during a simpler time, playing with her siblings and many cousins who all lived close together. These relationships continued throughout her lifetime and brought her tremendous joy. A favorite pastime that she excelled in was playing softball (shortstop) with family, church, and school.

During Janet’s senior year of high school, she attended her first Institute dance, where she met Ray Price Larson. After two years of courtship while attending the University of Arizona, they married on April 7, 1955, in the Mesa, AZ Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, they raised four children who felt the influence of the values she learned throughout her childhood. She exemplified motherhood and her entire family benefited from her infinite goodness.

Few could match her level of energy as she kept busy balancing her many responsibilities and roles in life. She was industrious and always sought to improve herself. While raising her four children, she returned to earn her master’s degree in teaching at Arizona State University and continued to teach elementary school for 11 years. She also worked side by side with her husband in many business ventures.

As a talented cook, she spoiled everyone with her delicious food. Even during her busy years of working, she would rise early to ensure her family had a hot breakfast and never missed preparing dinner. She loved to perfect a favorite dish such as pecan pie or homemade bread, and spent many hours canning, making jam and freeze-drying. Specialties she will be remembered for are green chili and red chili burritos, enchiladas, tacos, German chocolate cake, and – of course – beef jerky.

A few of her other loves were sewing and gardening. Her great-grandchildren were delighted when they received a cute little dress or other clothing made by her. In her later years, she sewed hundreds of blankets and dresses to give away to those in need. She had a generous heart.

Without a doubt, being a grandmother was her favorite role in life. Every grandchild adored her and felt they were her favorite. They cherished the opportunity to be with their fun-loving, kind grandmother.

Everyone will miss this great woman, who was without guile and never spoke ill of anyone. Janet could be counted on as a loyal friend and confidant who was fun to be with and could laugh at herself. She never complained, was full of gratitude, and looked for the good in life. Every person whose life she touched felt special and loved; she was a true example of Christ-like love and service. She loved the Lord and was full of faith; it was of the highest importance to immerse herself daily in the scriptures.

We love you, Mom, and will miss you every day.

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Mrs. Karen Kay Myers (nee Batsell) of Goodyear, Arizona died February 1, 2023 at 12:09am in Goodyear, Arizona. She was born January 13, 1946 in Bethany, Oklahoma to Randolph “Buddy” Batsell and Estella Maxine Batsell (nee Schuman).

Though small of stature, she exhibited large athletic ability equaling or exceeding the maximum national requirements for physical fitness and performance. From middle school forward, boys’ track coaches had potential sprinters run against her. She once beat Ralph Mann who became an Olympic medalist. She didn’t take up tennis until after age 30, but won the very first singles tournament she entered. At her peak, she rose to a USTA rating of 4.5.

She graduated from Carson High School in Carson, California in 1964 with the first graduating class from that school.

She married Gene Myers July 1, 1966 at Wayferer’s Chapel in Portuguese Bend, California and gave birth to Peggy Gayle (1967) and Geoffrey Eugene (1970). She was married for 56 years and seven months.

For the last five years, she volunteered at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church Outreach, an organization that provides food on a weekly basis for 50 to 80 families. She was the Outreach Director for four years.

Her selfless kindness and service to others was legendary.

She was preceded in death by her parents Randoph “Buddy” and Estella Maxine Batsell, brothres Bob Schuman and Richard Batsell, and sisters Roberta Jean (RJ) Whisler and Linda Bailey. Kay is survived by her husband, Gene Myers, daughter Peggy Kalama, son Geoffrey Myers, brothers Larry, Jerry, and David Batsell, and grandson Ryan Kekai Kalama. She is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and several great-great nephews and nieces.

A funeral will be held at 1:00pm on February 14 at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Goodyear, Arizona.

A VENMO for donations has been set up. Click HERE to be taken to that page.

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Thomas “Tom” Logan Morris, 81 of Goodyear Arizona, passed away on February 2, 2023 due to complications of Alzheimers, surrounded by his loving family. Tom was an easy-going and good-natured man who enjoyed family and made friends wherever he went, sharing stories/laughter with those he met. Tom was born March 5, 1941 in Chinook Montana, the son of Albert and Pearl (Kessel) Morris. He was schooled in Chinook, graduating in 1959. He served in the Air Force Reserves. In 1961 he began a 37-year career with the JC Penney Company.

In 1962, Tom married Loretta Tyson in Kalispell Montana and they had four children. They lived in five states during his career with the longest in Grand Forks, ND. Upon retirement in 1998, they moved to Arizona. Tom was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather and loved spending time with family. He had a special relationship with each of his grandchildren. Tom enjoyed skiing, golfing, hiking, traveling, rodeos, and watching his favorite sports teams (Nebraska Cornhuskers Football and UND Hockey). Two of his most memorable activities were golfing with his son-in-laws and grandsons and spending 8 summers in retirement building fences in Montana with his brother-in-law, John.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Don and Ralph, and family members Helen Morris, Howard Cowan, and Doug Morris. He is survived by his wife and children: Charlene (Jamie) Kuntz, Grand Forks ND, Teena (John) Swangler, Maple Grove MN, Chad Morris, Muscatine IA, and Kathy (Todd) Braunschweig, Fargo ND; grandchildren: Ryan (Vanessa) Kuntz, Derek (Rachel) Kuntz, Hayley Kuntz, Caitlin Kuntz, Krista (Jose) Chapa, Daniel Swangler, Grayson Morris, Cody Braunschweig, and Taylor Braunschweig; great-grandchildren Ava, Mila, Kyla, Josie, Kennedy, Easton, and Hudson; siblings Betty Cowan and Ben (Faye) Morris, and sister-in-law Dee Morris. Also survived by Loretta’s family, whom he had a special relationship with, considering them as his own.

We’d like to thank all of the staff at the Hacienda Del Rey and Hospice of the Valley for such good care. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Private memorial service to be held at a later date.

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On Wednesday February 1st, 2023, Andrea Lynn Lamb was called home at 50 years old after a short but courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family.
Andrea was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, to David and Sandra Kelty on September 23, 1972. She was the second of three daughters. She graduated from Neshannock High School in 1990. Andrea worked in a few different career areas, but found her passion in healthcare. She graduated from the Jameson School of Nursing, La Roche College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Arizona State University with a Master of Science in Science of Health Care Delivery, and University of Nevada – Las Vegas with a Master of Science in Nursing. She was proud to be a Nurse Practitioner for Banner Health Center in Surprise, Arizona, specializing in Family Medicine. She proudly provided volunteer healthcare services to the people of the Dominican Republic through multiple mission trips with Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church and La Iglesia Evangelica Dominicana.
Andrea is preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Joseph and Shirley Lamb.
Andrea is survived by her husband of 22 years, Joseph Lamb, daughter Lauren Brunke, sons David and Ryan Lamb, parents David and Sandra Kelty, sisters Michelle Sallmen and family and Renee Funderburk and family, nephew Justin Lamb, and many loving relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Andrea’s Life will be held at Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church in New Castle, Pennsylvania on Saturday March 11th, 2023. Visitation will be held from 11:00AM to 1:00PM with Celebration of Life to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church’s Dominican Republic Mission in memory of Andrea.

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Hilary Garrison Coltman, 70, of Goodyear, Arizona, passed away peacefully in her home on January 26, 2023.

She was born on January 15, 1953, in Calcutta, India where her parents and two younger siblings lived until relocating back to the United States in 1958. The family moved three years later to Palo Alto, California where they lived for the next 18 years.

Upon graduation of high school, Hilary attended UC Berkley and received her degree in Sociology. She went on to obtain her RN designation, and subsequently began work with Merck Pharmaceuticals where she embarked on a 20+ year career in the Pharma industry. In 2012, she moved to Cathedral City, CA to be closer to her father where she worked for Hospice of the Desert. After his passing in 2013, she moved to the Pebble Creek community in Goodyear, AZ in 2014.

Hilary had a passion for volunteer work, travel, and animals. Her volunteer work included acting as Treasurer for the Arizona chapter of The National T.T.T. Society – an organization dedicated to raising money for under-privileged teenage girls to attend summer camp. She served as a volunteer for Honor House – a non-profit dedicated to helping Veterans transition from military to civilian life where she coordinated the collection and delivery of numerous household items and furniture for the Veterans and their families. Additionally, she volunteered as a Unit Coordinator for the Pebble Creek Kare Bears House helping residents with their medical equipment and appointment needs as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the community animal rescue organization, The Pet Companions Club of Pebble Creek. It was through this organization that she found her two current Chihuahua’s – Peanut & Bingo, who she loved to spoil.

Her love of travel was sparked at the age of sixteen when her parents and three siblings started taking annual cruises. This passion for travel continued throughout her life. She especially loved taking an annual Windstar cruise between Europe and the U.S., with either her father or a friend which allowed her to spend many days at sea, a passage which she found to be peaceful and restorative.

Hilary is predeceased by her mother, Viola, and father, Kyle. She is survived by her three siblings: Kyle, Jr., Scott, Lucy; nephew and nieces: Chase, Alexandra, and Lauren; her aunt, Shirley; and cousins: Barbara, Craig and Jaymi.  The family will hold a private Celebration of Life service in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any of the following organizations that she cared about so deeply:

National TTT Society: www.nationaltttsociety.org (see both of the Arizona camps)

Honor House: www.thehonorhouse.org

The Pet Companions Club of Pebble Creek: The Pet Companions Club of Pebble Creek, POB 6106, Goodyear, AZ  85338-0619