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Jane C. Brandt
Former resident of Cave Creek, Ariz. and Stewartsville, NJ
Jane Curtis Brandt, 71, of Stewartsville, NJ, and formerly of Westfield, died Monday, September 5, 2011 in Morristown Memorial Hospital, after a brief, but valiant struggle with cancer.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation from 4 – 8 p.m. Thursday, September 8, at Gray Funeral Home, 318 E. Broad St., Westfield, NJ. (Visit www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences). The Service of Remembrance will begin at 11 a.m., Friday September 9, 2011 in the First United Methodist Church, 1 E. Broad Street, Westfield. Private interment will follow later in Fairview Cemetery.
Born in Plainfied, NJ, and raised in North Plainfield, Jane married and raised six children in Westfield. She later operated a secretarial business in Manahawkin, NJ, and Cave Creek, AZ. Jane was an accomplished author who wrote newspaper columns, and published a recipe book. Jane was also a legal secretary and served as a liason for political candidates. She volunteered for many years at the Westfield Rescue Squad and the Westfield Service League.
Active in theatre, Jane held many leading roles, and won awards for her performances. A realtor, she also enjoyed selling homes in Arizona, and New Jersey. She had many varied interests, and friends, and felt great comfort from her beloved pets.
Surviving Jane are her six children: Susan B. McCrea of Westfield, Ellen Scott Brandt and her husband James Peralta of Bernardsville, NJ, Charles J. Brandt of Garwood, NJ, Jane E. Garretson and husband Mark of Westfield, Carolyn C. Bickford and her husband Edward (Ted) of Needham, MA, and Theodore A. Brandt and his wife Jessica of Tempe, AZ, 15 grandchildren, and brother: William Curtis of Scottsdale, AZ. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Frank Joseph Capri
Mr. Frank Joseph Capri passed away peacefully on January 2, 2012 at 93 years young. He was born May 6, 1918 and is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Russell F. and Heather Capri; grandchildren Mary Rose and Joseph Capri.
Frank was a WWII veteran and attained the rank of Master Sergeant. He moved to Arizona with his family in 1949.
Services will be held on Friday, January 20 at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255, 480-502-3378. Viewing 9:30 a.m.; memorial service 10:30 a.m. Grave side service to follow, approx. 12 noon, at St. Francis Cemetery, 5005 E. Oak St., Phoenix, AZ 85008, 602-267-1329.
Ferrell Malcolm Anderson, Jr.
Ferrell Malcolm Anderson, Junior (better known as Malcolm) was born Feb. 25, 1969, in Richardson, Texas. The family resided in Lucas, Texas, and then moved to Dilley, Texas, located Southwest of San Antonio. Malcolm attended Dilley Elementary School and Faith Christian Academy.
While in Dilley he was a Cub and Boy Scout, played Pee Wee and Little League Baseball, and was an active member of the United Methodist Church Youth.
In June of 1985, he and his family moved to Cave Creek, Arizona. He attended Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek. Malcolm lettered in football, baseball and track for the Falcons and was named Athlete of the Year for 1987. He was also a member of Student Council and attended Boys State. Malcolm attended Cheley Colorado Camps in the 1980s, and was awarded the highest award, the Gold Key.
Malcolm graduated from Cactus Shadows High School in 1987 and from Arizona State University College of Engineering, in Electrical Engineering Technology, in 1996. He did an internship with Adflex Flexible Circuit Company, and then to present, was a Senior Engineer for Redflex Traffic Systems, in Deer Valley.
He was an active player in Softball, Sanborn Elementary School Dad’s Club, Cub Scout Pack Assistant Den Leader and enjoyed going to custom car shows.
He is survived by his wife, Amy Rosenthal, and his children, Lauren and Cody, of Candler, Arizona; his parents, Ferrell and Jean Anderson, Rio Verde, Arizona; his brother Chris and wife Kerri, along with their children, Hunter, Madison and Rylee, of Gilbert, Arizona.
A celebration of Malcolm’s life was held at the McDowell Mountain Church on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012.
Anne S. Wilson
Anne S. Wilson, 93, of Cave Creek, passed away on August 30, 2009. She was born in Lexington, Ky. and came to Arizona from Illinois 25 years ago.
Anne is survived by her husband James E. Wilson, daughter Kathryn (Tony) Ciccolella, her four grandchildren Alisa Panek, Michael Grossman and Joseph and Greg Ciccolella and six great grandchildren (with another on the way).
Her family will miss her terribly. Graveside services were held Thursday, September 3 in Phoenix. Contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4550 E. Bell Rd. #126, Phoenix, AZ 85032. Arrangements by Sinai Mortuary.
Barry Myers
Long time Cave Creek business owner and New River resident Barry Myers passed away unexpectedly August 30 in a hospital in Montrose, Colo. He was 49 years old.
Barry Myers was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio and educated in Chardon, Ohio, the graduating class of 1978.
Barry moved to the Cave Creek area from Ohio in 1981 and fit right into the easy going southwestern lifestyle of the Desert Foothills.
He was a faithful community supporter donating to many local organizations including the DFCA Fiesta Days Rodeo and Muttin Bustin’.
Barry was a loving and devoted father, an avid outdoorsman, a great friend, quick with a joke and a smile and a true Cowboy. All who have known and loved him will dearly miss him, especially long-time companions.
He is survived by his daughter Ashley, son Justin and brothers Patrick and Tim (Julie).
On September 10 memorial services will be held at American Legion Post #34 from 3 – 4 p.m. and a celebration of his life will be held at The Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse from 4 – 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his name to Foothills Animal Rescue (FoothillsAnimalRescue. org or mail to FAR, P.O. Box 4865, Cave Creek, AZ 85327) or American Legion Post #34 (mail to American Legion Post #34, P.O. Box 41, Cave Creek, AZ 85327).
Gloria Jean Hedger
Gloria Jean Hedger, 71, of Phoenix, passed away January 31, 2012.
Visitation was held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2012 followed by the Funeral Service at 12 p.m., located at Green Acres Mortuary 401 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ. 85257.
Eugene Paul Laibe
Eugene Paul Laibe, 98, of Cave Creek, Ariz. was welcomed into the arms of his Savior on January 29, 2012.
Eugene was born to Edward Wayne and Lois Bowers Laibe on January 9, 1914, the third oldest boy among 6 boys and one girl. He was raised on a farm near Pandora, his birthplace, and Lima, Ohio. He later farmed in the Lima area. He was nationally noted for being among the leaders in the development of Columbia Sheep, the first breed of sheep developed in the United States. Eugene could trace his ancestry to the immigrants on the Mayflower and was a distant cousin to Orville and Wilbur Wright.
Eugene was a veteran of World War II. Drafted by the Navy, he was injured during training. A bout with rheumatic fever precipitated his Honorable Discharge in 1943. He survived two separate battles with cancer and one serious automobile accident.
After moving to Arizona in 1954, then back to Ohio, he moved to Arizona permanently in 1957. He was the owner of the Richfield Truck Stop in downtown Phoenix and lived in Scottsdale until he sold the Truck Stop and relocated to Cave Creek in 1969. He and his wife Mary Margaret started the original Totem Pole Traders and owned the gift shop at the Carefree Inn and the Carefree Inn Dress Shop.
They were very involved in the Cave Creek community. Eugene was one of the founders of the local Kiwanis Club and active in the Saddle Club and in the Sheriffs’ Posse. He was a member of the Cave Creek Community Church.
Eugene and Mary Margaret had one son, George Laibe of Cave Creek, who survives his brother and sister. Also surviving are six grandsons, one granddaughter, eleven great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and one brother, Wayne Laibe, who resides in Florida.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on March 11 at the Black Mountain United Church of Christ, 30600 N. Scottsdale Rd. Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery
of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eugene and Mary Margaret Laibe Scholarship Fund administered by the Carefree Kiwanis Club. Please mail to Carefree Kiwanis Benefit Foundation, P.O. Box 1498, Carefree, AZ 85377.
Priscilla Hadler Stark
Pat Stark, age 84, of Cave Creek, Ariz. passed away suddenly from a stroke on Mar. 2, 2012. She was surrounded by her loving husband of 63 years Dr. William Stark and her three daughters, Debbie (Mike) Craft of Laramie, Wyo., Cindy (Jeff) Emmons of Grand Junction, Colo., and Jill (Leslie) Duckett of Aurora, Iowa. Also with Pat were her four grandchildren William (Jess) Stark, Mike Stark, Katie Emmons and Sam Emmons as well as her surviving sibling Jack Hadler of Glen Cove, N.Y.
Pat was born in Cando, North Dakota on Sept. 6, 1927. She met her husband, Bill, at NDSU and they married in 1948. She earned her masters degree in clothing and textiles at Univ. of Wyoming in 1968 and taught home economics in middle school for 36 years, primarily in Rockford, Ill. She and Bill retired to Cave Creek in 1988, where she was well known for her Vintage style shows with her company, The Way We Wore.
A Celebration of Pat’s life will be held at 2 p.m. at Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, Ariz. on Sunday, Mar. 11, 2012. Donations may be made in Pat’s honor to the Salvation Army in lieu of flowers.
Pat lighted the life of all she knew and will be greatly missed.
Julian E. Peagler, Jr. “Peg"
Jan. 31, 1920 – May 3, 2012 | Paradise Valley, Arizona
Julian was known in the automotive industry as an iconic leader for many years. He was a consultant not only to small dealers, but to Chrysler Motors, General Motors and Hertz Corporation.
Born in Tifton, Ga., as a young man, an excellent swimmer, Julian became a head lifeguard in Florida, then on to be chef on the Rockefeller yacht. Julian worked on the Civilian Conservation Corps project and in two months became project manager. He served in WWII in the Army Air Corps.
Julian moved to California, and opened Ford, Chrysler and Cadillac dealerships. In 1956 he moved to Phoenix, Ariz., opened "Pegler's Dodge City," then, "Freeway Dodge," "Jeep AMC," and Pegler's Leasing Co. He served as president of the Arizona Automobile Dealers Association. Julian was still involved with vehicles in the movie industry; therefore, many celebrities would arrive in Phoenix and the parties were many!
As a member of Phoenix Country Club, White Mountain Country Club and Pinetop Country Club, he was an avid golfer and really loved playing gin rummy with the boys.
Julian was a devoted husband to his wife Beverly for 35 years, father of sons Richard (Catherine), Marc, Robert (deceased) and grandfather to Dallas, Jordan, Connor and Matthew.
For years, Julian has been involved in the family business, "Frontier Town", in Cave Creek, Ariz. He loved the western way of life and Cave Creek was special.
Ninety two years have come and gone for Julian, but he leaves us with unforgettable memories!!
God speed – we love you.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cave Creek Museum, P.O. Box One, Cave Creek, AZ 85327.
Babette “Babs” Robinson
Babette “Babs” Robinson, 47, passed away on April 30, 2012. She will be missed by husband Zeke, her two children, Laura and Jason, her parents, Rod and Josie Johnson, her brothers, Govert and Callahan, and her sister April.
There will be a celebration of her life Saturday, May 12 at 10 a.m. at her parent’s home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office M.A.S.H. (MCSO Animal Safe Haven) Unit.
You may donate by calling MASH at 602-876-1212 or mailing donations to:
Attn: MASH Sgt. Mejia
3250 W. Lower Buckeye Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85009
David Carl Willer
David Carl Willer, our beloved husband, adored father and cherished grandfather, was welcomed into the arms of the Heavenly Father on May 9, 2012. A man of great integrity, David will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity and optimism.
Born in Sioux City, Iowa, on April 19, 1929, to Henry and Sylvia Willer, David attended the University of Iowa and received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. David met the lovely Irene Davis on a blind date and they married in 1951, the same day he was commissioned as an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers. This June 8th would have been their 61st wedding anniversary.
David earned his master’s degree in civil engineering from USC. He joined Tudor Engineering in 1966 and became vice president in 1980. He specialized in hydrology and the design of hydroelectric plants. His career led to working on numerous projects worldwide and throughout the western United States. He was invited to the White House by President Jimmy Carter to be thanked for work on developing the Electrical Regulatory Practice Act. He was invited to Berlin, Germany, as a delegate from the United States to the first world conference on renewable energy.
David and Irene loved to travel. They moved to Sonoma in 1993 to share the lives of their three grandchildren. David served as a board member for Valley of the Moon Water District from 1997 to 2002.
David is survived by his wife, Irene; his sister, Marilyn Miller (and Chuck), of Cupertino; his brother, Vern Willer, of Cave Creek, Ariz.; his children, Vicki (and Gary) DeSmet, of Sonoma; Beth Willer, of Concord, and Reese Willer, of San Jose; and his grandchildren, Sarah, David and Anna DeSmet. He is preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Willer, also of Cave Creek; and two children, a baby girl, in 1954, and Bradford Van Willer, in 1959, who died of leukemia at age 7.
A committal service and military honors were conducted at the Sonoma Veterans Cemetery
on May 15. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 2, at 2 p.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 16290 Arnold Drive in Sonoma.
Nancy Bjorge Hjelm
Nancy Bjorge Hjelm, 59, of Cave Creek, Arizona, formerly of Culbertson, Montana, passed away on September 9, 2012, at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Nancy is predeceased by her parents, Audrey McNeil Ostby and Ralph Bjorge. She is survived by her sister, Carol Frideres; her brother, Don Bjorge; her daughter, Brooke Hjelm; and her daughter’s father, Brock Hjelm.
Nancy was born February 26, 1953, in Culbertson, Montana. She graduated from Culbertson High School in 1971, and went on to study Architectural Drafting at Montana State University in Bozeman prior to her returning to Culbertson to run “the bar,” or what was previously known under her ownership as The Stagecoach, and later, The Coach.
Nancy spent much of her life as a manager and business owner of the bar in Culbertson, and later also a restaurant and art store/gallery. During this time, she was actively involved in many community events, including yearly Halloween and New Years Eve parties, the Culbertson Centennial, Frontier Days and the Culbertson rodeo, amongst many other activities that kept her busy. She moved to Arizona in 2002 to be closer to her daughter, Brooke, and to pursue her dreams of becoming an artist liaison, connecting Native American, Montana and Southwest art to as many people as possible. She achieved her goals of marketing and selling artwork throughout the Southwest, but more than anything, she was privileged and thankful to have met and become friends with so many artists and talented people.
Nancy was a friend to ALL. She will be remembered as a creative soul with an enormous heart.
There will be two services for Nancy Bjorge Hjelm. A candlelight vigil will be held at 7 p.m. in the historical church located at the Cave Creek Museum in Cave Creek, Arizona, on Thursday, September 20, 2012. Vigil will include a short reception where Beloved friends and artists will have the opportunity to decorate Nancy’s urn so she may take a piece of Arizona with her, and will be followed by a Native American prayer service at about 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Culbertson, Montana, on Saturday, September 29, 2012. Nancy’s ashes will be placed in the Culbertson Cemetery
followed by a reception at the church.
For their care and devotion to Nancy, and their immense support of Nancy’s daughter in the past few weeks, Brooke asks that all memorial donations be made to: St. Vincent Hospital Foundation, 455 St. Michael’s Drive, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505.
Carol Oliver
Carol Oliver, 57, of Carefree, passed away peacefully on September 3 after a sudden and all-too-rapid bout with cancer.
She was born June 4, 1955 in Buffalo, New York. After her family moved to Carefree, she graduated from Saguaro High School. She earned a bachelor's degree in recreation from the University of Oregon, and a master’s degree in athletic training from Indiana University.
She is survived by her husband Perry Oliver and their son Dell, her mother Claire S. Steigerwald of Carefree, brothers Gary Steigerwald (Anne) of Bloomington, Indiana, and Alan Steigerwald (Janet) of Oakdale, California, sister Laura Howe of Redondo Beach, California, mother-in-law, Marilyn Westley of Scottsdale, brothers-in-law Clint Oliver (Marsha) of Ridgway, Colorado, Bart Oliver (Sharyl) of Gilbert, and numerous nieces and nephews. Last December, she was preceded in death by her father John (Jack) Steigerwald. Carol had served as an athletic trainer, substitute teacher and athletic director at Cactus Shadows High School.
A devoted and beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, she was also an enthusiastic volunteer, school booster, and a cheerful, dynamic presence in her community and in the lives of all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Timothy “TJ” John Sessums
November 9, 1958 – September 14, 2012
TJ was born in Peterborough, England, to Theodore and Sonja Sessums. As a United States Air Force family, they traveled extensively. After TJ’s graduation from high school in Bellevue, Nebraska, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he attended college at the University of Memphis and enjoyed playing competitive soccer. Following his education he started a thirty four year career with Federal Express as a courier and aircraft mechanic.
It was in Memphis he met and fell in love with Laurie Anne, leading to what would be an almost thirty year marriage. Together, they raised three children Sara McCracken, James McCracken, and Madison Paige Sessums.
In 1999, TJ opted to take a job transfer and moved the family West, making Cave Creek, Arizona their new home.
TJ was a gentle spirit whose loyalty, kindness, and compassion were felt by all those who were lucky enough to have known him. During his battle with cancer, he continued traveling, making memories, and reconnecting with friends and loved ones.
TJ leaves behind his beloved wife Laurie, his two daughters and son, his father Ted Sessums of Santa Paulo, California; two sisters, and countless other family members and friends.
A celebration of TJ’s life will be held on Saturday September 22 at 1 p.m. at El Encanto which is located at 6248 E. Cave Creek Road in the heart of Cave Creek. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.
