Obituaries

Daniel “Danny” Hernandez Sr., 92 yrs old of Phoenix, AZ. passed away on July 3, 2014.  Danny fought and won a courageous battle with cancer, but was finally defeated with complications of the aftermath.  He was born in Brownsville, TX in 1921 to his parents, Maria Sandoval and Valentine Hernandez.  Danny is now in resting peacefully in Heaven with his...

Martha M. Salazar Garcia, 93, a native of Arizona, passed away on June 29, 2014.  She was a loving mother and nana who will be dearly missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.  She worked various jobs from sales to housekeeping until the age of 85.  She is preceded in death by her husband Remundo Sr., father...

Wayne R. Matthews of Phoenix passed away suddenly on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at the age of 61. He is survived by his parents Norma and Reginald Matthews of Phoenix, sister Marilyn Matthews Harbster of Phoenix, and niece Jennifer Harbster of Washington D.C. who affectionately called her Uncle “Unky.”He was born on October 28, 1952 in Framingham, MA, but grew...

Elsie G. Moriarity passed away peacefully on June 29, 2014 in her Phoenix home with her husband of 63 years, Jack, by her side.  Elsie was born on May 2, 1926 to Fred and Eva Gunsalus in Skaneateles, New York.  She was the youngest of three sisters who all enjoyed growing up on their small family dairy farm.  After high...

John Cameron Starr passed away June 28, 2014.  He was born in Hoxie, Arkansas March 15, 1931 to John C. and Alma (Erwin) Starr and moved to Arizona in 1937.  He graduated from Miami High School in 1948, attended the University of Arizona and served in the U.S. Army.  John spent most of his adult life in the Washington, D.C....

Morison, William (Bill) passed away on June 28, 2014.  He was born in Chicago to Blanche (Swanson) and Howard Morison, along with his younger sister, Jeanne.  Bill served in WWII as a member of the Army Air Corps’ First Air Commando Group under Phil Cochran, which was filled with volunteer-only troops, since no weapons would be allowed.  Their mission was...

Ringsrud, Patricia,71, of Phoenix, passed away on June 24, 2014.  ​A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at St. Thomas the Apostle, 2312 E. Campbell Ave., in Phoenix.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help fight breast cancer atwww.komen.org.  Arrangements by Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.

Helen M. Felcyn has lived a full and productive 96 years and is now at rest.  Born in Hendricks, MN on December 2, 1917 to Benjamin and Clara Nuese, she left us on June 26, 2014 due to age-related complications.  Her life was shaped by her Midwestern background, the Great Depression, and WWII.  Helen was a graduate of Ivanhoe High...

Jacquelyn June Jankovsky (July 21, 1934 – June 24, 2014) was born in Indiana, to Ruth Smykal. Jackie is survived by her husband of 58 years, Frank Jankovsky; children Michael, Steven, Kenneth, Suzette, Joseph, Lisa, Rita and Matthew; eleven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. After attending North High School, Jackie graduated from Good Samaritan Nursing School in 1955; Jackie spent nearly...

73 of Maricopa, AZ, born on February 11, 1941, passed away on June 19, 2014.  Stony served in the U.S. Army from 1960 – 1966 during which time he received a medal of good conduct.He worked 33 years for the Arizona Department of Transportation as a Transportation Engineer.  During his career; he received several certificates of recognition for saving and...

Of Tempe, AZ, 52, passed away on June 18, 2014.  She was born to Gilbert and Rosalie Montanez in Phoenix, AZ on August 27, 1961.  She attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel School and then went on to graduate from Tempe High School.  Maria loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  Maria is survived...

Svoboda, F. Mike, 91, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2014.  He is survived by his wife of 69 years, A. Joan, 3 sons, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.  Mike was mentally and physically fit throughout his life, attributing it to the caring, just and upright way he tried to live by.  He will be greatly...

Mary Louise Reed passed away peacefully on June 17th, 2014 in Scottsdale, with loving family by her side. Mary Lou was born March 1st, 1928, to John and Eleanor Thompson in Hannibal, NY, a small farming community in Oswego County.  One of six siblings, her education began in a one-room schoolhouse taught by her two aunts. Mary Lou was an...

Robert J. Traut, 89, passed gently in his sleep Friday, June 13, 2014 in the presence of his wife and children in Paradise Valley, AZ.  He is survived by his loving family: beloved and devoted wife of 62 years, Ann Petkac Traut, his son Bob Traut (Susan Avery) and daughter Lee Bethancourt (Dr. Bruce Bethancourt).  He also leaves behind his...

Nell D. Smith, beloved Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, passed from this life into the presence of God on June 9, 2014, after a long battle with stage 4 ovarian cancer.  She was born April 10, 1935 in Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island, Washington. Nell was preceded in death by husband George A. “Johnny” Smith, veteran of U.S. Navy, and...

Martha Baker Taylor, born July 31, 1925 in Memphis, TN., passed away on June 14, 2014 in Phoenix, AZ.  She is predeceased by her husband Dan E. Taylor, and leaves behind her sister Alice Jean Clifton, Memphis, TN., and her sister-in-law Juanita Baker, of Phoenix, AZ., along with many nieces and nephews.  Martha was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church...

Danny R. Valdivia, beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend passed from this life into the presence of God on June 9, 2014.  Born on January 28, 1924, Danny was named Manual Daniel Robles Valdivia.  When he started first grade, his sister registered him as “Danny” and it is the name he’s used ever since.Danny is survived by his current...

74, of Phoenix, passed away on June 8, 2014.​He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Suzanne; 3children – Tracey (Sjoerd Benschop), John (Kristy) and June (Josh Owens); 5 grandchildren – J.T. and Lauren Hanson, Jordan, Belt and Sarah Owens; sister – Betty (Dr. Paul Hayes) and numerous nieces and nephews.  Howard was a man of strong faith...

Dick Masica, 77 of Scottsdale, AZ died on June 4, 2014 following a brief illness.  Dick was born on January 9, 1937 in Saginaw, Michigan to Leo and Clara Masica.  After graduation from Holy Rosary High School, Dick received his civil engineering degree from Michigan Tech University and his master’s degree from Cornell University.  He then began a 39 year...

Marvin E. Thomson, 96 of Phoenix passed away June 2, 2014.Marvin was born in Grafton, North Dakota on February 7, 1918.Marvin grew up in Minto, North Dakota and attended school in Minto as well. He graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation he married Katherine Pearson. He worked at Philco Corp....