Obituaries

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Gabriel Richard Camacho, 34 of Goodyear, Arizona died June 19, 2022. He was born April 21, 1988 in Chandler, Arizona to Richard and Josephine Camacho.

Gabriel played flag football, basketball and bowled. He played basketball at Westview High School. He attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Tempe and graduated from Westview. Gabriel received an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Estrella Community College.

Gabriel was well loved by all his family, friends, and people he met. He worked for Gila River Casino as a Food and Beverage Manager for 12 years. Gabriel loved bow ties and the Arizona Cardinals.

Gabriel was taken from us way too soon! But he leaves us with fond memories, many of which involved lots of laughs. We will miss you, Gabriel!

Gabriel was preceded in death by his Aunt Diane Fimbres, Grandfather Manuel Camacho, Grandmother, Alice Camacho, Great-Uncle Robert Salazar, Great-Grandmother Luz Salazar, Grandfather Joseph Cafiero and grandmother Matilda Cafiero. He is survived by his parents Richard and Josephine Camacho and his brother Anthony Camacho.

A visitation and funeral service will be held at 8AM on Friday, July 1, 2022 at Thompson Funeral Chapel. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Avondale, Arizona. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held at 1:30pm at Christ Lutheran Christ Church (next door to Thompson Funeral Chapel) following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to their GoFundMe page (https://gofund.me/726abab2).

Pat Cachin, aged 90, formerly of Avondale, Arizona died June 11, 2022 in Chandler, Arizona. She was born April 6, 1932 in Dagupan, Philippines to Santiago Patunḡan and Leonora Villacorta.

Pat was an active long-time parishioner of St. John Vianney Catholic Church. She was a devoted member of the Legion of Mary and a Eucharistic Minister. She retired from the Avondale Elementary School District.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Romualdo Cachin who passed away in 2013. Pat is survived by her son Policarpio (Vevilyn) Cachin, and daughters Imelda (Ken) Jacox and Judy (Carlos) Quintero. She is also survived by six grandchildren.

A public visitation will be held at 7PM on July 6 at Thompson Funeral Chapel. The recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7:30PM. A funeral service will be held at 10AM on July 7 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. John Vianney Catholic School.

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Mr. Emmanuel A. Flores, 32 of Phoenix, Arizona, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 18, 2022 in Buckeye, Arizona. He was born in Pomona California to Christina Flores and Rafael Flores.

Emmanuel “Manny” graduated from Buckeye Union High School on January 2007. He obtained his Associate of Arts with Distinction, Degree of Science in Public Administration, Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, Private Pilot Airplane-SEL & Certificate of Navigation. He was a Pilot & Flight Instructor. Manny was always kind & had a soft spot for helping others. Manny was a beloved son, a wonderful brother, and a funny & loving father & uncle. He has one daughter, a beautiful girl that he loves. His departure left a hole in our hearts, nevertheless the joyful moments that we shared with him fill our hearts & our thoughts.

Beloved son, your Father and I are very grateful to God, He gave us the privilege of having you with us for 32 years. Now you have returned to the place where you have always belonged, we have the firm conviction that we will see each other again and hug each other strongly.

When Dad prayed to Jehovah God for a son, his prayer was: “Lord, if you give me a son, I will name him Emmanuel Amos {God with us – Man of God}. Your Father promised God that he would give you to Him. Well… God has collected the gift that He lent us.

I would like to be able to say that we are fine, but the truth is that pain and sadness have overwhelmed our hearts, but every beautiful memory you left as you walked through this life gives us strength and comfort to continue waiting until that day when we meet again. We love you mom and dad.

Izzy’s Dad

He was funny and playful. Pranking Izzy with jokes now and then to keep her on her toes. Didn’t matter how preoccupied he was when she was around, he always stopped what he was doing to play with her. Video games, board games, and her love for anime all come from him. Her curiosity is inspired by his love for reading, with many trips to the library every couple of weeks. He made sure to take her on walks, to the lake and also tried his best to get her to fly… reassuring her that everything will be ok every step of the way.

He worried about her constantly. Always dreading her teenage years. He asked how we would handle that part of the journey to which I would say “we’ll figure it out when we get there.” He lived his life the way he chose, but no matter what… Izzy remained his constant. He loved her, I have no doubts. In his best Stitch voice he’d say to Izzy, “Ohana means family.”

He’s gone too soon. – Alyssa Suniga

Emmanuel is survived by his daughter Isriana Yvonne Flores, parents Christina and Rafael Flores, sister Juliet C. Flores, brother Rafael Flores, nephew Julian Green, and grandfather Porfirio C. Acevedo.

A memorial will be held at 06:00pm-09:00pm on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Thompson Funeral Chapel 926 S. Litchfield Rd, Goodyear, AZ 85338.

Burial to be announced will be at Sunset Meadowview section of the Better Place Forests, 18218 N Hart Prairie Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Dedicated tree Heritage Ponderosa Pine Tree #178.

The family suggests that donations for his daughter be made to https://www.gofundme.com/f/isrianas-future

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Bill Behem Buck, aged 96, of Goodyear, Arizona died June 17, 2022. He was born November 14, 1925 to James G. Buck and Dorothy M. Buck (neé Behem) in Carlisle, Indiana. He served in the United States Navy from January 18, 1943 to February 12, 1946 as a QM3C USNR.

After serving three years in the Pacific Theater in WWII, Bill started a family in northern California. He later took his family back to Indiana to become the owner of Kitterman Machine Company, where he worked for over 30 years. He moved to Goodyear, Arizona in 1996 to be closer to his family.

He is survived by his wife Beverly Ann Buck of Noblesville, Indiana, daughter Dianne Hackett, son Steve Ehman, granddaughter Amber Hamilton, and grandsons Steve Tippie, Brian Tippie, Jason Buck, and Sawyer Hackett. He was preceded in death by his daughter Nancy D. Buck, son Stephen R. Buck, his first wife Lorene Buck, and his beloved dog Bebe.

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Mrs. G. Estelle Tench, 87 of Buckeye, Arizona passed away surrounded by her family on June 15, 2022. She was born October 15, 1934 in Oklahoma to John Butler Wier and Eva Mabel Williams.

Estelle grew up in Southern Arizona and was a resident of the state for 73 years. While working full time and raising two children, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Arizona State University. She worked for many years as a tax accountant for the Arizona Public Service Company. After her “retirement,” she and her husband owned and operated the Pine Meadows Country Club in Overgaard, Arizona. Along with filling “head chef” duties, she also kept the country club’s financials in strict order. After selling the country club, Estelle lived in Wickenburg, Arizona where she volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity and did accounting work for a local businessman. When she wasn’t working with numbers, she was an avid reader with many, many books to her credit.

The most important part of Estelle’s life was the time spent loving her family – her children, grandchildren and especially her great-grandchildren were the love of “Gigi’s” life.

Estelle is survived by her husband James Tench, daughter Wendy (Gregory) Brown, and son Jeffrey Tench. She is also survived by two grandchildren: Mackenzie (Mark) McLaughlin and Logan (Kelli) Brown, and four great-grandchildren: Tyson McLaughlin, Vonn Brown, Knox Brown, and Taylor McLaughlin. She was preceded in death by her parents Eva and John Wier.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gateway for Cancer Research.

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Mr. Honorio M. Solis, 72, of Avondale, Arizona died June 14, 2022 in Avondale, Arizona. He was born November 16, 1949 in Sushil, Durango Mexico to Gregorio Solis and Felicitas Moreno.

Our Father Honorio M. Solis was a wonderful, friendly, humble, outgoing, forgiving, hard worker. He came to the U.S.A. with our mother to work and have the best future for his family. He worked two jobs as a butcher. They lived in California for 15 years, until they decided to move to Phoenix, Arizona, for a better future. He worked at Garcia’s Market (Little Food City) for about 10 years. He owned a home at Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point, Mexico) and loved to stay and have his own small business. When needed as a father, he would come to us for support. There were no boring moments when he was around. He will be missed always and forever loved in each of our hearts.

Honorio is survived by his daughters Elda G. Solis and Adriana A. Solis, sons Ricardo H. Solis and Miguel A. Solis, son-in-law Eliceo Nuñez, daughter-in-law Regina Solis, and sister Maripaz Solis. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Yamylex, Emily, Miguel, Yalytza, Abbie, Orlando, Yahayro, Derick, Mia, Jason, Laura, Michael and Dylan, and three great-grandchildren: Ismael, Sophia, and Gloria. He was preceded in death by his wife Laura Solis, father Gregorio Solis, and his mother Felicitas Moreno.

A visitation will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear, Arizona. A funeral mass will be held at 10AM on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at St. John Vianney Church. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Zelle (602) 632-3603.

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Frederick Sprain, 66 of Goodyear, Arizona died May 8, 2022. He was born June 14, 1955, in Millbrae, California to Thomas Sprain and Mabel Pennington. He is survived by his wife Debi, son John (Jess) and daughter Anna (Agustin).  His grandchildren Johnathon, Sydnee, Qiesha, Destiny and Kalepa. His brother Sam, sister Darlene and nephews Sebastian and Sean.

Fred grew up in California and enlisted in the US Air Force after high school. As an Airman, Fred traveled around the world. His travels included: New Mexico, Nevada, Korea, Taiwan, Canada, Idaho, and Alaska. Fred met his wife, Debi at 19 while stationed in New Mexico. Fred was working under Debi’s father, John, at the time.

Fred Sprain was an opinionated man with a traditional “my way or the highway” mentality. Strong in his convictions (some might go so far as to say stubborn), he was never at a loss for words during conversations over a Canadian Club Whiskey. Fred was also a “take the shirt off my back” kind of man; “quietly providing” for his friends and family while asking for nothing in return. Fred loved spending time with his family and was always willing to listen if they needed it. Fred was known as “Papa” or “Papa Smurf” because he was the man with the answers. He enjoyed being a grandparent and taught his grandkids how to detail their cars. He was proud of being an airplane mechanic, planning analyst, being a father and grandfather.

Fred was the kind of man that would wake up early to take care of yard work, take a nap, then wake up and strum a guitar, then cap the day off with watching baking/cooking, Battlestar Galactica, or the occasional zombie survival show. He also religiously watched the movie “The Proposal ” every weekend. And when Sandra Bullock and Betty White danced around the fire singing the “To the Window ” song, he would get up and dance too, to make his family laugh. He was known for his chocolate chip cookies, chocolate pie, and his amazing meatloaf and veggie lasagna. Every night before bed, he had to have a handful of M & M’s. His favorite hobbies were golf, bowling, and naps…lots of naps. Fred also doted on his “grand-dogs,” Rocky, Jax and Bruno.

Fred was a man too big to be put into any box; both figuratively and literally. Fred was a big man with a bigger heart and for that will be forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. When the information is available, it will be posted.

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Bruce Luber, 67, of Buckeye, Arizona died June 10, 2022 in Buckeye, Arizona. He was born February 6, 1955 to Harold and LaVerne Luber Luber in Great Falls, MT.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 40 years, Laurie Luber, son Adam Luber, daughter Caitlin (Luber) Ornelas, sister Stacia Julian, and his mother LaVerne Luber. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Ava, Lilly, Finley, and Ainsley.

Bruce touched all of us in his own unique way. He had an infectious smile & there are many ways to describe him…

Funny, energetic, passionate, driven, perfectionist, generous, athletic, loyal and most of all kind-hearted.

Bruce was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother & friend to all. Bruce loved life which was demonstrated through all of the activities he was involved in. He enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball as a kid, doing karate with his family, golfing, camping with family and friends, traveling to tropical places, hiking, riding bikes, playing Pickleball and chocolate.

Bruce enjoyed playing with his grandkids and watching them grow. He loved to BBQ and share with whomever was around.

We were all blessed to have known Bruce. He will be missed but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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Kay Cee Christenson (KayCee), age 63 of Goodyear, AZ passed away on Friday, June 10, 2022 at Hospice of the Valley in Glendale, AZ. A service will be held June 17^th, 10am at Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear, AZ for immediate family. A celebration of life for friends and family will be held at a later date.

KayCee was born in Pomona, California on September 18, 1958. Her father worked for the US Border Patrol, and the family moved to multiple border cities in the states of Texas, Michigan, Vermont, and North Dakota. However, she spent most of her early life in Portal, ND and considered it her hometown. She graduated from Burke Central High School in Lignite, ND in 1976, where she excelled in basketball and track. KayCee attended The National College of Business (NCB) in Rapid City, SD where she met her future husband Todd, who was attending South Dakota School of Mines. Following graduation, the young couple moved to Traverse City, Michigan to start their lives together. They were married on July 17, 1982. They moved from Michigan to Texas where their first son (Matthew) was born. After three years in Texas, the family moved to Anchorage, Alaska where their second son (Daniel) was born. They spent the next 25 years raising their family in the 49^th state.

KayCee was a stay-at-home mother to her two boys in their early years, and later worked for the school district as a teacher’s aide, and librarian’s assistant. She enjoyed weekends at the cabin, fishing, clamming, berry picking, quilting, attending her boys’ soccer games.

In her retirement years she spent her summers in Alaska, and winters in Arizona. She enjoyed golfing, whether it be in her couple’s groups or women’s 9-holers’. Genealogy was a passion of hers. She was a daughter of the American Revolution, and could trace her roots back to the Mayflower. Traveling internationally and experiencing the world was a passion of KayCee’s. She traveled to Europe, Central American, South America, and Australia. Her favorite experience was her European River cruise.

Grateful for sharing her life are her husband, Todd Christenson of Goodyear AZ; their sons, Matthew Christenson (Lindsay Weingartner) of Anchorage, AK; Daniel Christenson of Goodyear, AZ; brother, Steve (Barbara) Cudney of Hollis, NH; numerous nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.

Kaycee was proceeded in death by her parents Loren and Maureen (Muralt) Cudney.

I Thought of You

I thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday,
And days before that too.

I think of you in silence and often speak your name,
All I have are memories and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is my keepsake,
With which I’ll never part.
God has you in His keeping,
I have you in my heart.

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Donnie Thomason, age 93, of Avondale, Arizona passed away June 13, 2022 in Goodyear, Arizona. She was born November 1, 1928 in Custer County, Oklahoma to Fred and Zelma Baumann.

Donnie, or known as “Ms. Donnie,” moved to Arizona in 1941. She attended Avondale Elementary and Litchfield high School. She settled in the West Valley, married, and had five beautiful children: Linda, Tommy, Sherry (Don Dew), Star, and Lori. She was employed for 20 years at Community Methodist Day Care. She made a connection with each and every child who walked through that door. She loved family get-togethers. Her signature dishes were her Thanksgiving cornbread stuffing and Christmas peanut brittle. Her family will never forget the Sunday banana bread, home-made ice cream, and fried chicken.

Ms. Donnie leaves behind her daughters, Sherry (Don) Dew and Star Erickson, son Tommy Thomason, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughters Linda and Lori.

Funeral services will be held at 9am June 25 at Thompson Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley (1510 E Flower St., Phoenix, Arizona 85014 or www.hov.org/donate)

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Lisa M. Hatton, 52 of Goodyear, Arizona died June 6, 2022 in Goodyear, Arizona. She was born May 23, 1970 in Flint, Michigan to Robert Troller and Trudy Pigg.

She is survived by daughters Priscilla Bojorquez, Amanda Aguilar, Stephanie Villero and Helen Hatton, and brothers Robert Berry Troller and Lanny Troller. She is also survived by her grandchildren Issac Bojorquez, Vicente Bojorquez, and Aria Villero.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30pm, June 18 at Thompson Funeral Chapel.

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Emma June Morgan, 14 of Glendale, Arizona died June 4, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born July 16, 2007 in Ontario Oregon to Gabe and Jen Keely.

Emma was one of the kindest, most thoughtful young ladies we knew. Family always came first, no questions asked. Emma always loved to be the center of attention. She would spend countless hours perfecting abilities to look her best, even though she didn’t need the help. Emma was one of the most stubborn people you would ever meet. God forbid she an answer she did not like. She would do all she could to change your mind. And let’s not get started about her amazing ability to shop.

Emma love for her sisters knew no limit. The love for her brothers had no bounds. Her love for her niece, family, and friends was unmeasurable. Those who did not know her missed an amazing opportunity to love her.

Emma is survived by her parents Jen and Gabe Keely, sisters McKaylee and Rylee, brother Jordan, and grandmother Barbara Keely.

We love you, Emma.

All services are private.

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Mr. Ralph D. Jones, 72 of Avondale, Arizona died June 2, 2022 in Peoria, Arizona. He was born September 23, 149 in Presque Isle, Maine to Malcolm M. Jones and Gloria (Dorsey) Jones.

A visitation and funeral will be held 9am, Wednesday, June 15 at Thompson Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson Research Foundation (www.parkinsonhope.org).

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Dorothy Jean Phillips (Dottie) passed away on June 6th, 2022. She was born on February 27th, 1941 in Edenton, Ohio to William Clifford Simons and Clara Mae Simons.

Dottie is preceded in death by her brother Bob Simons and sister Joyce Wise.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce Phillips, brothers Glenn Simons and Roger Simons, and a blended family of Julane Ritchey, Laurie Salazar, Stefani Probst, Catamara Rosarium, Shannon Black, Michael Phillips, and Kimberly Phillips. Along with 11 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren.

Dottie moved to Arizona in 1977. She married Bruce M. Phillips on July 15th, 1994. As a young girl she always loved horses and her passion for them continued to grow throughout her life. She married Bruce on July 15th, 1994, and shortly thereafter they moved to Waddell, Arizona to a home with horse property. She loved and continued to care for horses until her passing. Dottie and Bruce enjoyed many travels and vacations over the years, traveling the world from Alaska to New Zealand.

She sang in the choirs at Shepherd of the Valley, New Song, and Christ Community Methodist Churches. She crocheted newborn baby hats and small lap blankets for cancer patients, which were donated to the area hospitals, through Hooks and Needles. She also served as a Steven Minister for many years. She served on the Walk to Emmaus many times and loved the Lord. She was a dear friend to so many.

A celebration of Life will be held at Christ Community Methodist Church. 104 W. Western Ave. Avondale, Arizona 85323 on July 16th, 2022 at 11:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.

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Valentina “Tina” Montano, age 94 of Goodyear, Arizona (previously of Santa Fe, NM) passed away on June 4, 2022. She was born on February 14, 1928, in Bernal, New Mexico to Reymundo Padilla and Angelica (Castellano) Padilla. Tina was a Homemaker and Nanny for many years. She adored children and taking care of others, raising several generations. Tina dedicated her life to her faith and family and had a great love for music and dancing.

Tina is preceded in death by her husband Robert Montano. Tina is survived by her daughter Yolanda Martin, son in law Danny Martin, granddaughter Leslie Montano, grandson Daniel Martin, and great-grandchildren Isaiah Vasquez, Jaiden Vasquez, and Isabelle Martin, brother Nat Padilla, sisters Gavina Valencia, Mary Tapia, Angie Martinez, and Odelia Tapia, several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Services will be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico (date and time pending).  Donations in her memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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Rosemary J. Moore, 87 of Avondale, Arizona died May 28, 2022 in Surprise, Arizona. She was born February 3, 1935 in Howells, Nebraska to John and Mary Svitak.

Rosemary loved her career at Honeywell and the friends she made there. After retirement, Rosemary liked to immerse herself in crafts of all sorts like yarn wrapped hangers, jewelry making, and canvas creations. She also collected owls and thimbles from her world travels with her husband. One o her most favorite and memorable vacations was to Australia, where the couple “never saw so many roundabouts.”

Rosemary is survived by her daughter Tobie Anderson, son Todd Ward, and brothers Richard, Rainold, Larry, and Leonard Svitak. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Charles Moore, brother John Svitak, and sister Marjorie (Svitak) Niewohner.

A private Celebration of Life will be held on June 26, 2022 at a location yet to be determined. Notifications and invitations will be sent privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital.

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Barry Anson Winters was born May 26, 1942 and passed away on June 1, 2022.

Barry was born in Jamestown, New York.  He grew up there and in Fredonia, Pennsylvania, then moved to Fairport, New York where he finished high school and then attended Rochester Institute of Technology.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in Photographic Fine Arts, but more importantly, was a strong member of the RIT debate team, competing throughout the area.  He made lifelong friends through that time.  He earned his Masters Degree at the University of Oregon in Communications and Speech Pathology, then taught at the university level for several years.  After a relocation to Phoenix, he moved into the field of training and development, where he worked in that field for the AZ Dept. of Corrections, Arizona Public Service and AZ Dept. of Economic Security’s Department of Administration.  After personal computers began hitting homes and workplaces, he self-taught his way to a high level of expertise and finished his career at DES managing computer networks including hundreds of PCs.  He loved his work throughout his life and took great pride in it.

In 1979, he met his wife Phyllis and they married the following year.  They enjoyed many long years of being best friends.  Barry retired in 2004 and soon became interested in the world of amateur radio.  He had great fun with his fellow “hams” both in Phoenix and in Oregon where he had a summer home for many years.  He adored his step-daughter and granddaughters, and greatly valued and enjoyed his friends in both states.  Barry would admit to being a bit of a curmudgeon, which was mostly due to his high ideals for himself and the world.  He was generous to others in need and was deeply thankful for what he himself had.  He was intellectual and funny, and will be missed by many.

Barry was preceded in death by his Mother Betsy and his step-father Anson.  He is survived by his wife Phyllis, daughter Jennifer, and granddaughters Kenn and Nora.

A celebration of life will take place this summer in his beloved Newport, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Agua Fria Food Bank.

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Mr. Terrell “Bruce” Koger, 83, of Buckeye, Arizona died May 30, 2022. He was born July 11, 1938 in New Mexico to Granville Koger and Nellie Brannin.
A funeral service will be held at 12pm June 4 at Skyway Church in Goodyear, Arizona.
A detailed obituary will be posted when available.

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Ronald Roberts, 81, of Goodyear, Arizona, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2022. He was born September 19, 1940, in Powell River, British Columbia, Canada, to William Roberts and Maud Anderson Roberts.

Ron lived an amazing life full of laughs, adventures, and memories that will last a lifetime. Ron spent his childhood years in Powell River, British Columbia, Canada, and has visited his hometown almost every summer since. In 1957, Ron and his family permanently moved to Arizona.

Knowing Ron was unforgettable and unlike any other interpersonal interaction. He had a unique way of carrying himself, which spread life through any room he stepped into. He was larger than life and is known never to go unheard. Ron was very outgoing, and he found enjoyment in going out and making new friends wherever he went. His ability to connect with any single person makes him memorable in the eyes of many. He would often be found, and most thought of, telling stories, describing the countless memories that he was a part of. Ron will forever be known for his lively sense of humor. If you were in a room with Ron, you were sure to be shedding tears from laughing so hard. He was proud of his work in the construction industry. Ron helped build some of the Phoenix Zoo enclosures and even created a pool for James Pierce, the first actor to play Tarzan. But construction wasn’t his only work; he also built and sold mobile homes and parks, and owned the Raven Inn bar. Ron’s adventures took him across the world throughout his life, including memorable visits to Australia, Europe, Greece, Fiji, Mexico, and all over North America. A lover of motorcycles, boats, cars (especially Rolls Royce’s), and motorhomes, Ron raced on one of the first Harley Davidson flat tracks. Ron was an avid fisherman and was happiest when he was out boating on the water, specifically at Queen Charlotte Lodge. A couple of his favorite hobbies included racing boats and playing tennis at John Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch. Ron was also a collector of pretty much everything, from tools to trailers to European swords. He had a menagerie of pets that included birds, dogs, a goose, and rabbits (but definitely not snakes).

Ron’s proudest achievement was his family. He would take them on long trips to Canada or Washington in the summer and force them to listen to country music on the AM radio. His family remembers him fondly as their own “Archie Bunker” and “The Godfather.” His passing leaves a gaping hole in their hearts, but they are proud holders of his memories and stories. His presence will be missed in so many lives, but it will always be a blessing to have had the opportunity to share part of their lifetime with Ron. Ron’s memories will be cherished by his children: Tina Hayes, Dan Roberts, Heidi Johnson, Rebecca Roberts, Steven Roberts, and Melissa Mullard, his 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of life on Sunday, June 12, 2022, at 4:00 pm to honor him at Dino’s Greek & Italian Grill at 1550 N Dysart Rd B-8, Goodyear, AZ 85395.

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Lupe “Lupi” Antunez of Litchfield Park, Arizona went to be with our Lord on May 23, 2022. She was born November 13, 1939 as the youngest of six children to Santiago and Guadulupe Antunez in Waddell, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her ex-husband of 18 years, Ernesto R. Garcia and her late husband of 8years, Isabel “Chango” Gutierrez Miranda. She is survived by her three children: Ernie Gracia, Jr., Christina Solarez, and Walter Garcia. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Lupe graduated from Agua Fria High School in Litchfield Park, Arizona and soon after became a housewife and mother to her three children. She was well known for her cooking, especially for her tamales and salsa. She loved to sew and over time she made hand-made Christmas stockings for everyone in her family. She was able to travel the country and prats of Mexico with her family, and later in life she loved to take cruises to exotic islands. Lupe had a long career with the City of Phoenix Municipal Courts working as an interpreter in the courtroom from where she ultimately retired comfortably.

Many who knew her loved her sense of humor and her easy-going nature. She was always smiling, especially among family and friends. She loved to buy little gifts for everyone and was always willing to help her family and friends.

Lupe Loved her telenovelas and her favorite movies were Tombstone and White Christmas. She enjoyed watching the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals. Her favorite pastimes were going to lunch with family and friends and shopping. She had several pets, but she adored her chihuahua, Tiny.

Lupe was the last survivor from her parents and siblings and will be greatly missed. We will all miss her easy-going attitude and her colorful attire. Lupe was truly a blessing for all of us.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 8 to 11am at Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear, Arizona.

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Frederick Joseph Ringger, 68, passed away on May 26, 2022, in Phoenix, AZ, following a long battle with liver disease.  He was born May 1, 1954, son of the late Frederick W. and Alice M. Ringger, and raised in Towson, MD.  Third of four siblings, he graduated from Eastern Vocational Technical High School and worked for many years as a commercial printer until an industrial injury prompted his retirement.

Fred enjoyed a variety of hobbies, Baltimore history, Orioles and Ravens games, and days in Ocean City, MD with his family.  Most of all, he adored his children, Christin and Ryan.  In recent years he resided with his daughter and family in Florida and later in Arizona.

Fred is survived by his daughter Christin Johnson and husband Gordon; son Ryan and wife Jennifer; grandchildren Nick, Nate and Carley; sister Donna Easton and husband John; sister Irene Spangle and husband Joe; nephews, nieces, and many relatives and friends.  His brother George John Ringger and former wife Beth predeceased him.

No formal services are planned. A family graveside gathering will be held in Towson, Md at a later date.

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Bradley Ward Eklund, 61, of Goodyear, Arizona died May 25, 2022. He was born December 29, 1960 in Winchester, Massachusetts to Warren Oscar Eklund and Elizabeth Ann Schumacher Eklund, both who predeceased him.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Diana Lynne Maloof Eklund, and their children: Erik Bradley Eklund, Rachel Elizabeth Eklund Oswald, Kurt Francis Eklund, and Elise Faith Eklund. He is also survived by daughters-in-law, Samantha Pauline Hesley Eklund and Whitney Marie Holeva Eklund; and son-in-law John Caleb Oswald; brother, Ronald Neil Eklund; sister-in-law Cynthia Ann Eklund and his grandchildren, Audrey Sophia Oswald, Caleb Bradley Oswald, Asher Erik Eklund, and New Baby Eklund due August 1, 2022.
Brad graduated from Woburn High School in 1978. He went on to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Lowell in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1982. He continued his education by studying Energy Engineering for another year towards a Master’s Degree. After college, Brad worked for Combustion Engineering in Windsor, CT, Yankee Rowe Atomic Electric in Rowe, MA, Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Wintersburg, AZ, Wolf Creek Nuclear in Kansas, Bechtel Engineering and Enercon.
Brad married the love of his life, Diana Lynne Maloof Eklund, November 25, 1983. Together, they raised their four children. Brad loved the Lord and his family more than anything and was proud of his children and grandchildren. He was also passionate about America, the United States Military Services, helping the elderly and anybody who needed assistance. In his free time, Brad enjoyed going on adventures. He traveled often, and enjoyed going for a hike, sailing, and going on cruises, and in younger days repelling. Always the student, Brad loved to study history and about wars. He was also an artist and enjoyed woodworking, making a multitude of furniture, and leather tooling. He had a “mechanical brain” and could fix most anything. In his down time, Brad would watch war movies (especially “To Hell and Back” and “Patton”), movies like “Braveheart” and “A Knight’s Tale”, and televisions shows like Gold Rush and Pawn Stars.
Brad was known as a family man with honor and integrity. He was always willing to lend a hand, especially to the elderly. He had a big heart, was generous, and honest. He always stood up for what was right. His passing leaves a great empty space in the hearts of those who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the following organizations: One Tribe Foundation; Alzheimer’s Association; Crossings Church in Litchfield Park, Arizona; and Estrella Mountain Church in Goodyear, Arizona. Brad’s family is very grateful to their Lord and Savior and to you for your love and support.

A service will be held at Estrella Mountain church on Saturday, June 4, at 10:15am. Due to the size of the church, the family requests only family, close friends, and Brad’s coworkers attend in person. All other mourners are invited to watch the service via a livestream at www.emcaz.org (it will be on the homepage the day of the service).