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WILSON G. McCURRY
WILSON G. McCURRY, 68, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008, at his residence in Sierra Vista.
Wilson was born on Dec. 2, 1939, in Coolidge, Ariz. to Wilson H. and Clara M. (Houzenga) McCurry. He was raised and went to school in Phoenix, graduating from Phoenix Junior College. He received his B.S.E. and M.S. degrees in geology from Arizona State University in Tempe.
Wilson began his career with Inspiration Consolidated at the Christmas Mine, where he did his thesis work. He then accepted a position with the Anaconda Co. at the Twin Buttes Mine, later known as the Anamax Mining Co.
He met Melody Sue Williamson in Tucson and they married on July 29, 1973, in Sahuarita. In his 20 years with Anamax he became the senior geologist for both the Twin Butte and the Rosemont Project, where he was in charge of geologic development. After Anamax closed, he went into consulting with periods spent with Geraghty & Miller, Park Corp., Cyprus Mining, Equatoral Mining, and other smaller companies. He retired in 1998, and has enjoyed 10 years of travel and spending time with his hobbies.
Wilson is survived by Melody Sue, his loving wife of 35 years, and brother Jay McCurry, both of Sierra Vista; two cousins John Houzenga of Overgaard, Ariz. and Nancy Richey of Moline, Ill.; as well as numerous friends and colleagues.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at 1 p.m. at the Hatfield Memorial Chapel, 830 S. Hwy. 92, Sierra Vista. Interment will follow at Cochise Memory Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be considered to the Nature Conservancy Ramsey Canyon Preserve, 27 Ramsey Canyon Road, Hereford, AZ 85615, Attn: Brooke Gebow.
Arrangements are by the Hatfield Funeral Home. 520.458.5120.
ANNE MARIE “RANDI” (LIBRETTI) JOHNSON
ANNE MARIE “RANDI” (LIBRETTI) JOHNSON, 72, died Nov. 12, 2010.
She was the loving mother of Wendy (Steve) Teresi, Mark (Janet) Johnson and Lori (Brad) Hahn; grandmother of Tod (Melanie) Teresi, Chad (Jennifer) Teresi, Sam Teresi, Lance Johnson, Joelyn Johnson and Michael (Shannon) Foss; great-grandmother to Hailey, Makayla, Karlee and Carson.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the East Center, 7 S. Abrego Dr., Green Valley.
RICHARD HUGH HANSON
Nov. 6, 1933 - Nov. 14, 2010
Richard Hugh Hanson passed away recently at his home in Tubac. He was born in Watertown, S.D. where he was raised by his parents Harriett Coyle Hanson and Hugh E. Hanson. He attended school K-12 in Watertown, graduating in 1951. Subsequently, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona in Tucson, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He married Tecia Huneck in 1955.
Richard founded and operated the Hanson Insurance Agency in Colorado Springs, Colo. where he worked for over 40 years, retiring in 2000. He truly loved working with and helping all of his clients.
Richard was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs for over 30 years. He served as an Elder on the Session of Valley Presbyterian Church in Green Valley. He was Chairman of the church Patio Sale for six years.
His passion was golf. He was a member of Colorado Springs Country Club for many years and had fantastic memories of playing golf with his buddies.
Richard was an inspiration to many people. He loved life and loved people. He rarely met another person he didn’t like. He was one of the most positive people you would ever meet and taught his children and grandchildren that anything is possible if you believed it and worked towards it.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and son David B. Hanson. He survived by his loving wife Tecia (Tesh) Hanson; son Paul and his wife Valerie; daughter Debbie Gilday; son Gary and his wife Paula; son Randy and his partner Robert Connor; his eight grandchildren whom he got great joy from; his sister Barbara and her husband Dwayne Erikson.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, Colo. at 819 Bijou St. on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Operation Smile, 6435 Tidewater Dr. Norfolk, VA 23509.
JIMMY J. BOLLIN
JIMMY J. BOLLIN, a believer in Jesus as his Lord and Savior, passed on to his eternal reward Nov. 17, 2010, after an extended illness.
He was born Oct. 27, 1942, in Kingsley, Iowa. Jimmy was the youngest of nine children born to Raymond and Opal Bollin. Jimmy came to Tucson in 1960 and attended Sunnyside High School where he played football.
After high school, he enrolled in barber college where, following graduation, he quickly became one of Tucson’s finest barbers. His gift of gab and love of sports, especially baseball, made him a perfect fit behind the barber chair.
He was also a handyman that could fix anything, a gift that served him in over 10 years of management of a major Tucson apartment complex. There too, he was loved by the tenants for his friendly and congenial nature. Since 1990, Jimmy and his wife Penny have worked side by side cutting hair at their busy barbershop in Green Valley.
More than his career accomplishments though, Jimmy will be remembered most for being a great dad, a man who taught his kids to play baseball, who attended his kid’s ball games, a man who was always there for them, even when it wasn’t easy or convenient.
Jimmy is survived by his wife Penny; his children Tracy (Don) Ancharski and Steven (Brandee) Bollin; Earlene Pruett (first wife and mother of Tracy and Steven); grandchildren Andrew Ancharski, Bryce Bollin and Brian Gould; and a brother, Gary (Kathy) Bollin of New York.
A celebration of his life will be held at South Lawn Mortuary on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, at 10 a.m.
Memorials may be given in Jimmy’s name to Sarver Heart Center at UMC.
JAMES RAY GENTRY
JAMES RAY GENTRY, a 16-year resident of Green Valley, passed away in Tucson, Sept. 6, 2010.
He is survived by his beloved wife Robyn: and his children: daughters Cynthia Carter and Rebecca Meares; sons James Jr. (Stacy), Ronald (Gloria), Patrick and Dieter. James is also survived by his sister Jo Ruth (Charles) Booker; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
His parents, Clovis Gentry and Velma Martin Gentry, preceded him in death along with brother Donald Gentry and stepson Frank Bergman.
Jim was born in Granite, Okla., July 9, 1934, but spent his working years in California as a licensed contractor and owner of Gentry Electric. He retired to Green Valley in 1994, where he spent the next 16 years as a member of the Green Valley Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers (S.A.V.).
During this time he served as a patrol member, car commander and Emergency Response Team member. He was responsible for new building modifications while serving 10 years as S.A.V. Deputy Director of the Field Operations Division.
In 2001, he received a Pima County Sheriff’s Commendation. In 2003, he was awarded the Elks Lodge S.A.V. Volunteer of the Year. And in 2008 he received a Volunteer Service Medal from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Jim was also a long time member of the Green Valley Elks Lodge #2592, a Third Degree Mason in Lodge #77, and member of the Green Valley Easter Star Chapter # 77.
Jim was “one of a kind,” possessing a huge heart beneath his gruff exterior. He will be loved and missed by all that knew him.
Viewing will be from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 10 at East Lawn Mortuary in Tucson. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11, also at East Lawn Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
OWEN EDWARD HOMEISTER
OWEN EDWARD HOMEISTER of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. passed away at Tendercare Nursing Home on July 25, 2010. He was born in Wyandotte, Mich. on April 9, 1925, to William and Edna (Bock) Homeister.
Surviving Mr. Homeister are his wife June Homeister of Sault Ste. Marie; daughters Layne (Tom) Kottmeier of Littleton, Colo., Heidi (Lou Lundquist) of Sault Ste. Marie and Paige (Steve) Horvath of Soumi Location, Mich.; his brothers Orville Homeister of Riverview, Mich. and Eugene (Joan) Homeister of Empire, Mich.; and his sister-in-law Marilyn Homeister of Tiffin, Ohio.
Owen graduated from Miami University of Ohio and did his post graduate work at Michigan State University. Owen held the position of Dean of Academic Affairs at Delta Community College for many years but also was a geology instructor, which was his academic field. Owen was also awarded the prestigious Bergstein award for leadership and achievements in the field of education.
In his retirement, Owen and June lived in Green Valley in the winter and Grand Marais, Mich. in the summer months. In Arizona, Owen was active in the Michigan Club serving as the treasurer for many years. He also enjoyed cross-country rock hounding trips with friends. During his summers when he wasn’t out enjoying his 40 acres of woods with his German shepherd dogs, he volunteered as docent at the Grand Marais Historical Society Museum. Owen was a veteran of WWII and served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946.
Services will be held on Friday, August 6, 2010, at The United Methodist Church in Grand Marais, Mich.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of the Grand Marais Historical Society, PO Box 179, Grand Marais, MI 49839.
Arrangements are in the care of Hovie Funeral Home.
MARION W. CHARRIER
MARION W. CHARRIER, 67, died Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, at University Physicians Healthcare of Tucson.
She was born in Wellesley, Mass., on Dec. 31, 1942, a daughter of the late Richard and Barbara Whiting. Ms. Charrier was a graduate of Wellesley High School of Massachusetts. She moved to Skowhegan, Maine, and met her wonderful husband, Rodney Bruce Charrier. They also have a winter home in Green Valley. They were married for 39 years until her death. Marion had one son, John Paul Charrier.
She was employed in a number of positions, from probation officer to teaching at Waterville High School, and belonged to numerous groups including the VFW and the American Legion Auxiliary of Skowhegan.
In Green Valley, Marion was also a member of the Elks Ladies Auxiliary, Daughters of the Nile, Grand Order of the Eastern Star and Stephen Ministries. She also volunteered at Valor Hospice Care of Green Valley. Marion loved animals and always donated to The Humane Society of the USA.
Arrangement are under the care of Dan Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service of Skowhegan, Maine. Dates to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Skowhegan Humane Society.
CAPT. JAMES “JIM” TERRY ACUFF
CAPT. JAMES “JIM” TERRY ACUFF, USNR (Ret.) passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 8, 2010.
Jim was born on Aug. 21, 1924, in New London, Conn., the son of Commodore Jasper Terry Acuff, USN (Ret.) and Fay Cowley Acuff.
Jim attended the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and graduated in 1945 as part of an accelerated Class of 1946. On his graduation day, he married Jeanne Stanton Acuff, his cherished wife and partner for 65 years.
Jim attended graduate school at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for the Navy upon graduation from The Naval Academy. He had an illustrious career in the Naval Civil Engineering Corps and received the following awards during his service: Legion of Merit, Navy Unit Commendation, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Viet Nam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars & Fleet Marine Force - Combat Operations Insignia, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal with Device, Navy Expert Rifleman Medal, Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal and Republic of Viet Nam Unit Citation.
During the Viet Nam War, Jim had command of MCB 7, leading the Seabee Battalion in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Hue Phu Bai, Viet Nam.
Upon his retirement from the Navy in 1972, Jim embarked on a second career as the Assistant Director of the Oil Spill School at the University of Corpus Christi (now Texas A&I at Corpus Christi, Texas). He became actively involved in local public affairs, having led the restoration and recovery of the Naval Air Station at Corpus Christi after the destruction by Hurricane Celia. Jim served on the City Council of Corpus Christi and served for two years as Mayor Pro Tem of Corpus Christi.
In 1989, Jim and Jeanne retired to Green Valley. Jim became involved with many local Green Valley civic organizations, serving as President of the Friends of the Library, and was instrumental in raising over one million dollars for a dedicated computer section.
Jim was a Master Gardener, certified by the University of Arizona, as was Jeanne, and together they wrote monthly columns for Green Valley newspapers on the challenges of gardening in the desert.
Among other accomplishments, Jim was President of the Men’s Gardening Club (now the Green Valley Gardeners), President of the Green Valley Lion’s Club, a member of the Green Valley Elks Lodge, and President of the Retired Officers Association of Green Valley (now the Green Valley Military Officers Association of America).
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne Stanton Acuff; his son James “Skip” T. Acuff Jr. Esq. and his wife Deanette Clemit Acuff of Glendale, Ariz.; his daughter Jeanne “Janna” A. Glasser Esq. and her partner, John Reed of Edgewater, N.J. Jim and Jeanne had special affection for Janice “Skippy” Comins of California.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, Sept. 27, 2010, at 2 p.m. at the Joyner-Green Valley Library, 601 N. La Cañada Dr. #101, Green Valley.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Animal League of Green Valley.
PEGGY A. HAYES
PEGGY A. HAYES passed away peacefully on Aug. 20, 2008, at University Medical Center in Tucson due to complications related to liver disease.
She was born Oct. 6, 1947, in Springfield, Ill. and attended grade school and Tri-City High School in Dawson, Ill. Peggy received a B.S. in Education from Illinois State University and received her Master’s degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University. She taught elementary education for over 30 years, retiring in 2002.
Preceding her in death were her parents Howard and Phoebe Earles of Dawson.
Peggy is survived by William J. “Jerry” Hayes of Green Valley, her husband of 20 years; and her two brothers Ross Earles of Springfield and Wayne (Roxella) Earles of Dawson. She is also survived by her loving step-families: Debbie and Rob Miller, and Max and Marguerite Miller of Chicago; Jenni and Brian Vaughan, and Emma and Norah Vaughan of Skokie, Ill. She is further survived by the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Wayne and Roxella Earles. She will surely be missed by her many friends in Decatur, Ill., as well as her many new friends in Quail Creek, Green Valley.
Upon their retirement, Jerry and Peg moved to Green Valley and built a home in Quail Creek, where they planned to enjoy their retirement. Peggy enjoyed golf and other social activities and made lots of new friends. Jerry and Peg maintained their love of the “Illini” sports, and were members of both the Tucson Illini Club and the Green Valley Illini Club. Both in Illinois and in Green Valley, Peg was an active member of P.E.O., a philanthropic charitable organization that raises money for young women to attend college. She dearly loved her P.E.O. sisters.
Peggy will be buried Springfield.
GRACE ARMSTRONG
GRACE ARMSTRONG, 79, died July 3, 2008, “the real amazing Grace.”
A BS graduate of the Pratt Institute in New York, teacher, gourmet cook, field director of the Girl Scout Council, Coral Gables, Fla., director of volunteers South Miami Hospital, Fla. Mother, prize-winning fabric designer, artist and exhibitor.
And for 55 years, the best friend and wife this world has ever known! ~ Robert Armstrong, proud husband.
Memorial service to be announced.
BRIAN MORRIS KRUGER
BRIAN MORRIS KRUGER passed away on Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, with his family in Marble Falls, Texas, after a year-long struggle with leukemia.
Born on July 1, 1961, to father Sol (deceased) and mother Lavene Kruger, Brian lived life to its fullest. He was a true lover of animals. There wasn’t a time in his life when he wasn’t surrounded by one or two feline or canine friends. From his sweet Boxer, Baby, Fred the cat, and Erma his beloved black standard poodle, to his current companion Gracie, a white standard poodle, they all benefited from his generous spirit and loving heart. Brian was an avid supporter of the SPCA and The Animal League of Green Valley.
Brian grew up in the Dallas area and graduated from the Selwyn School in Denton, Texas. From an early age, he was an entrepreneur at heart. He opened his first business, a tanning salon, in Denton. From there he moved to Dallas and started a successful flotation tank business, H20 Float. After a brief residence in New Orleans, Brian moved to Tucson, where he developed and owned a nightclub.
In Green Valley, where he lived for the past eight years, he recently earned his broker’s license. But one of his real passions was revitalizing older homes. Brian had a true talent for decorating. He completely rebuilt, redecorated and redesigned his mother’s residence in Dallas, turning it into a showplace. For years, he turned that passion into a thriving business restoring many older homes and turning them for profit.
Brian was a fine art enthusiast, collecting works of art from galleries in Texas and Arizona. He also loved to garden and could transform a mundane home garden into the star of the neighborhood.
Brian had a zest for life and charmed all who met him. Brian was truly unique. Rarely was there anyone who was not the recipient of his kind heart and gentle spirit. Close to his family and friends, Brian had an amazing humor and wit about him that has truly left a hole in our hearts. After 47 years on this earth, Brian, you will be missed.
Brian is survived by his mother Lavene Kruger; brother Philip (Barbara) Kruger; sister Rebecca (Phillip) Gatton; nephew Steven Kruger; and his aunt Mary George and her four children Amy, Sue, Joseph and Ellen. He is also survived by other relatives and close friends.
The family will hold private services in Marble Falls, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the SPCA, The Animal League of Green Valley, 1600 W. Duval Mine Rd., Green Valley, AZ 85622, VistaCare Hospice Foundation, 7800 Shoal Creek Blvd. Suite 130W, Austin, Texas 78757 or Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) 375 S. Euclid Ave. Tucson, AZ 85719-6644 in Brian’s memory.
