Huge Marriages Search Engine!
Nanna Mae Williams
Nanna Mae Williams, 94, a lifelong Dallas, Tex., resident, born to the Dallas pioneer family of George Jesse and Annie B. Winn Parten, passed away Jan. 29, 2003.
Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her husband, George W. Williams, and daughter, Gwendolyn Ann Maass. She is survived by two daughters: Nan Carolyn Caraway and her husband, William D. Caraway of Fountain Hills, Ariz., and Judy Milosavljevic and her husband, Damjan Milosavljevic of Hot Springs, Ark. as well as by a nephew: George J. Parten III.
Mrs. Williams is also survived by seven grandchildren: Charles Murrah, Henry Maass, Nancy Brumbeloe, Mona Neaville, Michael Maass, Charla Burton and William Caraway II.
Her great grandchildren are: Trey Murrah, Stephanie Murrah, Kelsey Burton, Derek Franks, Ryan Burton, Madison Neaville, Austin Franks, Mason Neaville, Cory Murrah, Ethan Brumbeloe, Hayden Caraway, David Brumbeloe and Aaron Maass.
A graveside service was held at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas on Feb. 1.
Frank Caponera
Frank J. Caponera, 76, passed away at 4 a.m. on March 2, 2003.
Born in Chicago, Illinois of Italian parents who came to America from Rome. Frank attended Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, Illinois. During World War II Frank was trained as a GI Cook in the Army Quartermaster Corps and later served in the 749th Military Police Battalion, Asiatic Pacific Campaign. Following the war, Frank graduated from Old St. Patrick’s High School in Chicago. He soon met Adele DeiTos and they married in 1949 at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Chicago. Their only child, Paul, was born in 1950. Within three years Frank and Adele founded the United Dial Gage Precision Instrument Company that they were to own and operate until retiring in 1988. They moved to Fountain Hills in 1990, joining their son and daughter-in-law who moved to Mesa in 1986.
Frank was active in the Boy Scouts of America Chicago Area Council serving as the Scoutmaster for Our Lady of the Angels Parish Troop 3 and was later appointed District Representative. Frank’s long service career with the Knights of Columbus began over 50 years ago in Chicago where he served as Grand Knight for the General Sherman Council, became a 4th Degree Member and a District Deputy. He continued his membership, achieving "life membership" status with the Fountain Hills Council #9188.
Frank was an advocate of lifelong learning, first utilizing his GI Bill to graduate from the Chicago School of Watch Making, this served as the skills foundation for his business of 35 years. He also attended DeVry Institute and a variety of training activities to keep pace with the changing technology of quality control and instrument certification. Frank took pride in completing an arduous series of courses that led to his membership in the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers and GIA Certification. Frank joined his son in pursuits of paleontology, collecting fossils for over 20 years in quarries and mines across the country. He practiced lapidary, faceting and developed skills in ceramics, winning a number of awards in central Arizona competitions. Much of his spare time in the past few years was spent assembling and painting over 350 HO model railroad structures for his son.
Frank was well known for his sense of humor. He’d say, "Humor was in his jeans." People who met Frank were usually in stitches before very long. His jokes, often botched in the telling, were funnier than originally written. You would soon be immersed in his smile and enveloped in his optimism, though often reduced to tears by his grammatical gymnastics. Raised in an orphanage, Frank always remembered the children during his lifetime. Lately, he would carry a supply of stuffed animals in the car and hand them out to kids at local restaurants.
Most of all, Frank will be remembered by his wife of 54 years, Adele, their son Paul and their daughter-in-law Sheryl who survive him. His many friends will join family in a memorial mass at the Church of the Ascension on March 8 at 10 a.m. Internment will be in St. Joseph’s cemetery, River Grove/Chicago. Please, no flowers.
Phoebe Pevear
Phoebe Pevear died Feb. 26, 2003 in Scottsdale after a brief illness.
Phoebe was born on May 11, 1938 in Connecticut and spent most of her adult life in Danvers, Mass.
Before retiring to Fountain Hills in 1997, she worked as a travel agent and enjoyed extensive travel with her husband, Henry. Phoebe was a steward with the McDowell Sonoran Land Trust, served as a volunteer for Hospice of the Valley and was actively involved in the Southwestern Culture Club.
Her favorite activities included spending time with her family and friends, reading, hiking, cooking and playing tournament bridge.
Phoebe is survived by her husband of 40 years, Henry A. Pevear Jr.; her three daughters, Alison Kelly of Barrington, N.H., Holly Blaney of Rochester, N.H., and Paige Tomczak of Framingham, Mass.; and her son, Henry A. Pevear III of Danvers, Mass.
Phoebe also leaves her mother, Rhoda Werner of Sudbury, Mass.; her sister Deborah Forbes of Rio Verde; and three brothers, Charles and Joel Werner of Massachusetts and Christian Werner of San Francisco, Calif. She also had six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held March 3. at Church of the Ascension Roman Catholic Church in Fountain Hills, and one is scheduled for March 8 at 1 p.m. at Lyons and Sons Funeral Home in Danvers, Mass.
Jon M. Moller
After a brief illness, Jon M. Moller of Fountain Hills passed away Nov. 13, 2002.
Mr. Moller was born Dec. 17, 1915 in Stenungsund, Sweden.
An avid adventurer, Mr. Moller loved the mountains and the water. His passion was skiing, and he spent the majority of his career in the ski and hotel business beginning at resorts in Sweden (Salen) and Switzerland (St. Moritz).
After coming to the United States in 1947, Mr. Moller lived and worked in Lake Placid, Sun Valley and Vail.
Outside of the ski industry, Mr. Moller’s sense of adventure also took him to work in Point Barrow in Alaska, Vietnam and the West Indies.
Since moving to Fountain Hills from Vail, Colo. after his retirement in 1987, Mr. Moller made many good friends through his interest in ham radio. He loved Fountain Hills and served as an unofficial ambassador telling ham radio operators around the world about the town.
Among the things that Mr. Moller will be remembered for are his quick wit, sense of humor, creativity, artistic abilities, practical problem-solving skills, his gift for storytelling and letter writing, his great pride in the United States and his love for his friends and family.
Mr. Moller is survived by his son, Jon Michael; daughter-in-law, Janet; and granddaughters, Kara and Allison, of Sammamish, Wash.; and by his nieces, Monica Hanson and Marie Jonsen, of Sweden.
The family requests that donations in his memory be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Janie Hedlund
Janie Hedlund, 52, a former Fountain Hills resident, died Feb. 27, 2003 in Wichita, Kan.
She was born May 12, 1950 in Concordia, Kan. to Clovis Hodgson and Florence (Stensas) Billings.
She had worked as a gate agent for America West Airlines and at one time owned and operated a Fountain Hills landscaping company.
Ms. Hedlund is survived by a son, Payson Hedlund of Anthony, Kan.; three daughters, Britt Gates and Amy Hedlund, both of Anthony, Kan., and Heidi Hedlund of Chandler, Ariz.; and one grandchild.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, March 4, at Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church.
The family is suggesting memorial contributions to the Zoie Foundation or to the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church.
Leo Leroy Hively
Leo Leroy Hively, 85, peacefully passed away Friday, March 7. He was born in Gilead, Ind. on Sept. 30, 1917.
He was a Scottsdale resident for 43 years.
Mr. Hively was a production manager at Motorola before retiring. He was a member of the Scottsdale Masonic Lodge #43.
Mr. Hively is survived by is wife, Vera; two sons, Ronald and Dennis; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Services for Mr. Hively were held Tuesday, March 11, at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Elizabeth Anne Ryan
Elizabeth Anne (Nee Schulte) "Betty" Ryan joined her beloved husband of 42 years, Robert H. Ryan, and her loving sons Bob and Bill when she began her eternal life early Sunday morning. Born in Chicago, IL, she lived a blessed and extraordinary life in Evanston, IL. Shorewood and Mequon, WI. and Fountain Hills, AZ.
Betty is survived by her devoted daughters Mary Nell Ryan (Mequon, WI), Anne (and Bruce) Cooke (Williamsburg, VA.), and Jeanne Ryan (Duluth, MN). She was the proud and beloved "Nana" of Tori Cooke and Katie and Molly Ryan. She is further survived by her brother Robert (and Elizabeth) Schulte (Carefree, AZ), brother-in-law Jack (and Betty Jane) Ryan, daughter-in-law Rhonda Ryan Wallingford (Portland, OR.) and many other relatives and dear friends.
Last Friday, she was honored by her entire family and many friends in Fountain Hills, AZ to celebrate her 80 wonderful years of life! A devout Catholic, in practice and example, she relied on her faith, family and friends to sustain her through many challenges. Everyone who met Betty was enriched and inspired by her indomitable spirit. She will b e deeply missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service in Fountain Hills, AZ will be finalized through the Church of the Ascension. Visitation in Wisconsin will be held on Friday, March 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Feerick Funeral Home (2025 E. Capitol Drive, Shorewood, WI. 414-962-8383). Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 15 at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, followed by committal services at Resurrection cemetery. Memorials in Betty’s honor: the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Clinic (Seattle, WA); or the St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o Church of the Ascension (Fountain Hills, AZ); or the Altrusa Foundation for Hugging Grannies in Chinese Orphanages.
Robert D. Turas
It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Robert D. Turas Sr. (Bob) on Feb. 10, 2003 of a heart attack at the age of 66. He was born on June 4, 1936 in Chicago, IL.
He was predeceased by his parents, Sophie and Edward Turas Sr. along with his brother Edward Turas Jr.
He was in the Air Force where he learned to repair airplane engines. He then worked as an airplane mechanic for American Airlines, a police officer in Streamwood, IL. And after retirement as a security guard. He was also a certified locksmith.
He married Margaret Bonk on April 7, 1956 and they were divorced in 1980.
He is survived by his daughters Debbie Ellis of Fountain Hills and grandchildren Tony, Shannon and Holli; Sheron Turas of Phoenix and grandchildren Vincent and Kelly; and Michele Turas of Mesa and granddaughters Ashley and Nicol; by his sons Robert Turas Jr. of Buffalo Grove, IL. And David Turas (Tracy) of Gilbert and grandsons Chris, Jacob and Kyle. He is also survived by his sister Elaine Figus and brothers John and Jim Turas.
A service was held at the National Memorial cemetery of Arizona in Cave Creek where he was buried.
Captain Alfred Gralinski
Captain Alfred Gralinski, retired, died March 9, 2003 after a short illness. He was born on December 18, 1911 in Newark, New Jersey. Captain Gralinski was an Army Logistics Officer whose career spanned World War II and the Korean War. Upon his retirement in 1955 he served as Adjutant for the American Legion Post in Munich, Germany for more than 20 years.
He is survived by three sisters, Sophie Nowakowski of Fountain Hills; Christine Starska and Martha Mazurek of Poland, and by many nephews and nieces, including Christina (Mike) Dacey of Fountain Hills. He was predeceased by three sisters and three brothers.
A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 8:30 a.m. at St. Bernard of Clarvaux, 10755 N. 124th St., Scottsdale, AZ. Burial will be at the National Memorial cemetery of AZ, in Phoenix.
Thelma Groves
Thelma Bernadine Groves, 92, died at Ridgecrest Healthcare Center in Phoenix on Saturday, April 19, 2003 at 5 a.m. She had been a resident of Fountain Hills, Arizona and Phoenix since 1996. She was born May 28, 1910 in Ottumway, Iowa and spent most of her life in Des Moines, Iowa.
She was married 46 years to the late Richard Elmer Valentine Groves. Also preceding her in death are two sons, John Groves and Richard Groves, Jr.
She is survived by one son, Paul Grove of Des Moines, Iowa and two daughters, Mynita Rubel and Effie Gross, both of Fountain Hills, Arizona. Surviving also are two sisters and two brothers: Effie Statler, Opal Radke, and Dave T. Smith of Des Moines, and Gene Smith of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Thelma Groves had 21 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
She was a retired office manager for Olson Carpet and Upholstery. Other employment included sales positions and work at Broadlawns Hospital, all in Des Moines.
Church affiliation includes Salorville Baptist in Des Moines and Christ’s Church in Fountain Hills. She taught Sunday school and sang when she was younger. Politically, she sponsored the Republican Party and volunteered regularly. She never missed voting in any election.
A viewing for immediate family was held at Messinger Mortuaries in Fountain Hills on Monday, April 21. In Iowa, a viewing is scheduled for Wednesday evening and the funeral service on Thursday at Hamilton’s Funeral Home; 605 Lyon Street; Des Moines, Iowa. Burial will be at Laurel Hill cemetery in Des Moines.
The family suggests contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
Robert Lee Mosier
Robert Lee Mosier, 86, born Oct. 2, 1916 in Evansville, Ind., to Elmer and Ethel Mosier, went home April 15, 2003 in Fountain Hills.
He had moved to Denver, Colo., when he was about four years old, due to his mother’s health. Robert attended North High School in Denver, Radar School in Philadelphia during World War II and worked at Lowry Field civilian radar installation repairs.
After the war, he worked in the Rockmont College Book Store and became interested in publishing Sunday School curriculum. He started Baptist Publications, which grew to become Accent Publications and Books. He was among several publishers who helped form Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, now a large worldwide organization.
Robert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lyda; one daughter, Janelle; as well as two grandsons and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held April 22 at the Scottsdale Bible Church in Scottsdale.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Marilyn Snearley
Dorothy Marilyn Snearley, 75, of Charleston, Ill., formerly of Fountain Hills, passed away at 9:06 a.m. Friday, April 18, 2003 at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Ill.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Oakland, Ill. Christian Church. The Taber Funeral Home, in Oakland, is in charge of the arrangements.
Marilyn was born July 2, 1927, at Arcola, Ill., the daughter of Howard O. and Lois Cuppy Miller She married Earl Snearley March 11, 1949 at Charleston. He survives. Also surviving are one son, Ed Snearley and wife Rhonda of McAllen, Texas; one daughter, Mrs. Larry (Peggy) Manley of Charleston; one brother, Max E. Miller of Oakland; four grandsons and three step-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one son, Phillip Snearley; and one brother, Fred Miller.
Marilyn was a member of Christ’s Church of Fountain Hills. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree and received her Master’s from Millikin University in Decatur, Ill.
She was a grade school and a high school music teacher for over 20 years. In Fountain Hills where she lived for 16 years, Marilyn was active as accompanist in the music department of Christ’s Church, volunteered in the music department at the Fountain Hills High School, and did much accompanying for various musicians in Fountain Hills.
Marilyn’s association with the Fountain Hills Community Chorus made her well known in this community. She was a charter member of the chorus, and served as its director for nine years.
Memorials may be made to Eastern Illinois University Foundation, Music Department, to support a music education scholarship or locally to the Christ’s Church music department.
Ethel White
Ethel S. White, 89, of Loveland, Colo. and Rio Verde, died April 1, 2003, at McKee Medical Center in Loveland.
She was born Dec. 30, 1913, in Hastings, Neb., to George and Catherine Amen Schafer. The family moved to Ovid, Colo. in 1920, where she graduated from Ovid High School.
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in English and music from the State Teachers College of Colorado, now known as the University of Northern Colorado, she taught school in Wiggins, Julesburg and a few months in Loveland before returning to Ovid to marry Clare White on Dec. 28, 1940, and move to Julesburg. A son and daughter, Gregory and Claudia, were born there.
While her husband served in the South Pacific for three and a half years during World War II, Mrs. White served as deputy county treasurer of Sedgwick County, Colo.
In 1954 the family moved to Loveland, where she became involved in many school-related activities. Through the local school district, Mrs. White recorded Readings for the Blind and was president of the American Field Service, a foreign exchange program. The Whites hosted three Rotary exchange students from New Zealand, the Netherlands and Sweden.
She was president of the following organizations: Loveland Recreation Commission, Philo Club, Loveland Book Club, Cadman Music Club and P.E.O. Chapter Dr. She served as charter president of the Loveland Clinic Music Association for three years.
For many years Mrs. White served as a Republican committeewoman, and for 53 years she sang in the Methodist choirs in Ovid, Julesburg, Greeley and Loveland. She was a member of the Loveland First United Methodist Church.
She was an avid golfer and belonged to the Loveland Women’s 18-hole Golf Group and the Rio Verde, Ariz., Country Club Golf Club.
She is survived by a son, Gregory "Greg" White and wife Susan of Loveland; grandchildren Jeffrey R. White of Loveland, Whitney Stelmack of Loveland, Julia A. Ellinwood of Austin, Texas and Rosalind L. Ellinwood of Atlanta, Ga.; a son-in-law, Don Spencer of Fort Collins; a sister, Betty Karney of Austin; and two sisters-in-law.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clare W. White, on July 7, 2001; daughter Claudia Ann Spencer on Aug. 28, 1999; and five brothers.
Cremation has been conducted.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Olon Lindemood officiating.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of Larimer County, 7604 Colland Drive, Fort Collins, 80525, or House of Neighborly Service, 565 N. Cleveland, Loveland, 80537.
Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home handled arrangements.
