BURKE, B.F. “Bud”
May 28, 2010
Bud Burke, 85, native Phoenician, owner of Phoenix pharmacies and later an investment broker, died on May 25 in Phoenix. As a U.S. Army soldier in the Pacific during World War II, he earned three ribbons and five medals, including three bronze stars. His heroism included a lifelong humanitarian instinct; for example, he shot an enemy sniper from a tree but then rushed him to a field hospital and demanded treatment for the man, who survived. He was a member of Rotary 100, Boy Scouts, the Phoenix Country Club, and the Valley Field Riding and Polo Club. He was a founding member of the Phoenix Art Museum Men’s Council. His late wife, Elinore “Ellie” Geare Burke’s family operated the Central Avenue Dairy. His grandfather, Dennis A. Burke, mayor of Prescott, built and owned Prescott’s Hotel St. Michael, originally The Burke Hotel. On his mother’s side, Bud was the descendent of a family that had come to the Southwest with Father Serra and the Spanish colonists in 1769. He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Butler (the late Stephen “Skip” Butler) and by his son, Dennis Michael Burke (Maureen West), both of Phoenix. He is also survived by grandchildren Beverly Damore (David), Stephen Butler (Dana), Austin Burke (Elanna Cahn), Lauren Burke (Jay Driskell), and by great grandchildren, Cody and Ella Butler. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Lane (Ray) and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 6, at the Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions to the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, 2831 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009.
CONKLE, Tommy Jefferson
May 28, 2010
85, passed away peacefully, on May 27, 2010, at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital, choosing the celebration in heaven over the pain of a lingering illness. Mr. Conkle was born in Childress, Texas, on October 7, 1924, to Jack and Rita Conkle. His family was among the many migrant workers during the dust bowl days who traveled the country to make a living. He served honorably in the US Navy during World War II. Upon his discharge he moved his family to Hobbs, NM where he began working in the oil fields as a roustabout. Because of the danger of rig climbing and tank monitoring, Mr. Conkle decided to learn a different trade and became a metal-worker and plumber. He started his own successful plumbing and heating business, T & M Plumbing, in Las Vegas, NM, in 1965, which was taken over when he retired by his son, Marc. Mr. Conkle was a respected businessman who was active in his church, at one point serving as interim pastor for a year. He loved the Lord and lived his life in the joy of knowing God is ever-present. Among his many interest was the New Mexico Mounted Patrol where he served in an active volunteer capacity for many years. Mr. Conkle had a kind word for everyone and was always willing to lend a hand. He could make homemade kites that really flew, knew how to count the stars, could build a straggle mouth ploogie and taught all there was to know about integrity simply by living it every day. He worked hard all his life and believed a man must be worthy of his hire. He was a beloved father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Mr. Conkle loved living at the Arizona Grand where he and Mrs. Conkle enjoyed the social interaction and friendships they established among the other residents. Mr. Conkle is survived by his loving wife, Virginia, of the family home, and children Sharon Vander Meer and her husband Bob, Marc Conkle and his wife, Lisa, Patty Conkle, Melissa Lucero and her husband Fred, of Las Vegas, NM; Dusty Bledsoe, Doll Brown and her husband, Ken, of Phoenix, AZ, Norma Lowas and her husband, Larry, of Navarre, FL, Butch Northrop and wife Barbara, of Surprise, AZ, and grandchildren Charles Bittinger, of Albuquerque, NM, Seth Conkle and Stefan Conkle of Las Vegas, NM, and Audrey Gregory and her husband Devin of Las Cruces, NM. Many extended family members from his marriage to Virginia also survive him. He is also survived by his brother, Gordon Conkle, of Coos Bay, OR, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Jack and Rita Conkle, his brother, Wayne, and by his first wife, Mona, and their son Don. A Memorial Service will be held for Mr. Conkle at the Arizona Grand, 4602 N 24th Street, Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 10 a.m. Visitation at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, will be from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on, Saturday, May 29, followed by a Funeral Service at 5:30 p.m. Mr. Conkle will be interred in Las Vegas, NM.
BROOKS, JUDY E.
May 25, 2010
70, of Tempe, AZ passed away on May 18, 2010. Moved to the valley from Minnesota in 1951. Loving Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister, and Friend. Preceded by parents Les & Addie Peterson, son John Brooks, grandson Jacob lMiller. Children: Jacque Jewett, Bob Brooks and Denise Miller. Grandchildren: Annie, Amber, and Cody Brooks. Sisters: Patty Adler and Marilyn Mason. Great, granddaughter Hailey Lichaczewski. Funeral Service 4:00pm, Friday, May 21, 2010, Abiding Savior Church, 515 E. Continental Dr. Tempe 85281. Please have flowers delivered to 909 W. Orion St. Tempe, AZ 85283. They will be taken to the Church.
de la TORRE, JUAN MANUEL
May 24, 2010
87, of Phoenix passed away at home on 5-5-2010 surrounded by his loving wife of 68 years, Mary Louise and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Juan was born in San Antonio TX on 9-27-1922. Juan married Mary Louise Morales on 11-26-1942 in El Paso TX. He served in the 1st Cavalry Div during WWII as a Reconnaissance Scout. He headed the troops to get information on location, strength and type of unit of the enemy. The “Old Soldier” was proud of his service in the US Army under Gen. Gouglas MacArthur. Battles and campaigns included New Guinea, Admiralty Islands and Leyte in the Philippine Islands where he was wounded in action on 10-22-1944. Juan ws awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Defense Service Ribbon and Combat Infantry Badge. lHe was the Golden Gloves Lightweight Champion of the 1st Cavalry, El Paso District. Juan and his wife Mary founded Precision Auto Parts in 1954. Today, it is a family run Auto lRecycling business in Phx. Juan is survived by his wife Mary Louise; Children Rebecca D (Jim) Ponte, Robert Michael (Therese)de la Torre, Yvonne de la Torre (Miguel) Montiel, John Manuel (Olivia) de la Torre II, Estrellita Louise (Carol) de la Torre, grandchildren: James (Liberty) Ponte, Yvette (Dave) Ponte, Dolores de la Torre (Albert) Urbieta, Therese de la Torre, Gloria de la Torre, Luisa de la Torre (Vicente) Mejia, R. Michael de la Torre; Aida Montiel (Mathew) Jaramilla, Maritza Montiel (Camilo) Tafur; Ariana de la Torre (Nick) Vieron, Johnny de la Torre. great grandchildren: Tristan & Keegan Ponte; Albert, Lucero, Sammy and Marco Urbieta; Julian Mejia; Lea Jaramilla. He is also survived by his brother, Miguel A. de la Torre and nieces and nephews, Adela, Robert, Rosario, Maria, Rudy and Roberta. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert de la Torre. “The Chamos” favorite quotes were, “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”. Also, instead of Goodbye, “Hasta Luego”. Until we meet again, we will miss our Old Soldier. The family requests that in lieu of flowers tax exempt donations be made to OperationFreedomBird.com an organization that helps veterans heal. Visitation will be held 5:00-8:00pm, with a Rosary at 7:00pm, Wed., May 26, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd. Funeral Mass will be hald at 9:00am, Sat., June 5, at St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. 3rd St., Phx. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery with Military Honors.
de la TORRE, MARY LOUISE
May 24, 2010
88, of Phoenix, passed away at Home on May 20, 2010, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and sisters. Born on 12-31-1921 in Salomonsville, AZ. Mary was the oldest daughter of Edith Chavarria Morales and Martin C. Morales. 3rd generation AZ native and pioneer, Mary’s family roots extended to Arizona’s terrirotial era. Mary’s passing follows the death of her husband of 68 years, Juan M. de la Torre on 5-5-2010. They were married on 11-26-1942 in El Paso, TX. Together they founded Precision Auto Parts in l954, a family operated Auto Recycling business in Phx. Mary was a businesswoman who was active in community activities. Mary taught her children the family business and was always actively involved in her children’s education and school events. Mary was a loving and nurturing mother who encouraged hard work, social justice education and the love of learning. She reminded her children to “Hitch your wagon to a star”. Mary was affectionarely known as” “Grandma Mom”, “Nani”, “Mama Grande” and “Mom”. Mary was an extraordinary mother, wife, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. In her teen years, she ws quite the athlete, enjoying tennis, volleyball, softball and basketball; in her later years she was a devoted fan of Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns. She was a petite but mighty woman; she touched the hearts of all who knew her and will be deeply missed. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Edith and Martin C. Morales, sister Lydia Rodriguez and her husband, Juan M. de laTorre. Mary is survived by her sisters Jessie M. Parra, Inez Alvarez, Edith (Gilbert) Benavidez and brother-in-law, Oswald Rodriguez. Children: Rebecca D. (Jim) Ponte, Robert Manuel (Olivia) de la Torre II, Estrellita Louise (Carol) de la Torre; grandchildren: James (Liberty) Ponte, Yvette (Dave) Ponte, Dolores de la Torre(Albert) Urbieta, Theresa de la Torre, Gloria de la Torre, Luisa de la Torre (Vicente) Mejia, R. Michael de la Torre; AIda Monteil (Matthew) Jaramilla, Maritza Monteil (Camilo) Tafur; Ariana de la Torre (Nick) Vieron, Johnny de la Torre. Great grandchildren: Tristan & Keegan Ponte; Albert, Lucero, Sammy and Marco Urbieta; Lea Jaramilla; and Julian Mejia. Numerous cousins and nieces and nephews. Family expresses special thanks to Hospice of the Valley/Central Phoenix Team B. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00pm, with a Rosary at 7:00pm, Wed., May 26, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd. Funeral Mass will be at 9:00am, Sat., June 5, at St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. 3rd St. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery with Military Honors.
CLAWSON, CATHERINE MARIE
May 24, 2010
age 81 passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord on May 20, 2010. Born on October 12, 1928, in Bessemer, Michigan, to her immigrant parents Mary and John Babich, who immigrated from Yugoslavia. She was the youngest of four sisters and one brother. As a child, she loved sports, music and books, the last two of which became lifelong interests. She worked as a legal secretary in Milwaukee, Idaho and California before moving to Arizona in 1957. She married Alan Ted Clawson in 1954, who preceded her in death in 1987. She was a caring, loving, mother, wife and Christian, who devoted much of her life to her church after the death of her husband. She loved classical and religious music, and always offered a prayer to her family and friends for whatever was their need at the time. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for close to 40 years, and was active in St. Vincent de Paul and Eucharistic Ministry to shut ins over the years. She is preceded in death by her sister Eve Ellis and brother Johnny Babich, and survived by her sisters Julie Anhen and Mary Marzack, her son Aric Clawson, his wife Carolyn, three wonderful grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 8:30 A.M., following with a Rosary at 9:30 A.M. and Funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M., at St. Francis Xavier Church, 4715 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Funeral arrangements by Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
DEKAVALLAS, MARY FONTINI
May 24, 2010
Our beloved mother and grandmother, Mary Fotini Dekavallas, age 90, peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2010. She was born in Detroit, Michigan and was raised on the island of Lemnos in Greece. In 1958, Mary and her family moved to Phoenix, AZ, where she worked at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital for 23 years. Her greatest joys in life involved serving her family and the Greek Orthodox Church. Mary loved cooking, baking and gardening. She is survived by her son Gus (Connie) Dekavallas of Mesa, AZ, 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, son-in-law Frank Fitzgerald, daughter-in-law Maria Dekavallas and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Emmanuel, son George and daughter Catherine Fitzgerald. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm, with a Trisagion at 6:00 pm, Sunday, May 23, 2010 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1973 East Maryland, Phoenix, AZ. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Monday, May 24, at 10:00 am. Mary touched the hearts of all who knew her and will be deeply missed. We love you Yia Yia! In lieu of flowers, donations may made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St. Phx., AZ 85014.
CHAVEZ, CONNIE C
May 19, 2010
85, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Tempe, Arizona on May 13, 2010. Connie was born in Tucson, Arizona on June 6, 1924. Connie was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother (Alfonso III), great-grandmother (Alfonso IV and Christina), great, great-grandmother (Angelina) and friend. She is preceded in death by her sister Kate Rivera, and her brothers Jack and Frank Cienfuegos. She is survived by her daughter Frances Baez, son Victor Chavez, sisters Artie Alvarez and Mary Torres, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Connie was a devoted wife and loving Mother. She will be missed terribly by all who knew her. A Celebration of her Life and Funeral Mass will begin with a Visitation Monday, May 24th, 2010 at 8:00 am, Rosary at 9:00 am, and Mass at 9:30 am, at St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. 3rd Street. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
PARCKS, WILLIAM F
May 19, 2010
90, of Phoenix, Arizona died Sunday, May 16, 2010 at John C. Lincoln Hospital. William was born May 28, 1919 in Lebanon, Illinois to Leo and Rose Barton. William and Ruth Parcks were married on December 17, 1943 in Collinsville, Illinois. They lived a full life and now will be joined together again. William was a Veteran from World War II serving for the United States Army Air Corps. and later served in the US Air National Guard. William and Ruth owned Ben Franklin Variety Store at 3rd Street and Dunlap for 26 years, retiring in l984. William was a Charter member of Christ Church Lutheran Church since l950 where he served as a usher, Deacon and the Braille Ministry. Survivors (and spouses) daughter Carol (Eric) Nelson, son Donald (Patricia) Parcks, daughter Kay Parcks-Jennings, grandchildren; Jason (Fahria) and Aymin, Evan, Brett and Brian Nelson, Robert and Laurie Parcks, Lauren and Allison Jennings. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 pm, Friday, May 21, 2010 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd. Funeral Service will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, May 22, 2010 at Christ Church Lutheran, Phoenix. Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P. O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH, 45250-0301, attn: Gift Processing. www.dav.org
CARLIN, BRIAN FAIRBANKS
May 19, 2010
8, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on May 14, 2010. Our sweet son Brian rose above this life much too soon. For those whom Brian touched, he will be remembered as the brightest light , the kindest soul, and the epitome of love. Brian leaves a legacy bigger than most of us can only dream of creating and lived his life to the fullest. He is survived by his parents Beckie and Brian, his most beloved twin brother Michael, his grandparents Lynda and Mike Carlin, Damian Fairbanks and Lynn and Mark Klinger, great grandparents Wilma and Art Fairbanks and Josephine and Robert LaBelle. He will be missed by his adored cousin Cindy and her family Steve and Annie Margaret, as well as all of his uncles, aunts, cousins, and his family extended past relatives to his multitude of friends.We are all better for knowing him. A Memorial Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00am on Thursday, May 20, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Ave., Phx.