In Passing

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Anne Prewitt Carlson

Anne Prewitt Carlson, 86, passed away peacefully on Sept. 1 in Cape Cod, Mass. Born in Croton, N.Y., in 1939 to Dr. Millard and Hortense Prewitt, Anne graduated from Briarcliff High School in 1957, before attending the University of Colorado, Boulder and Syracuse University, graduating from the latter in 1961.

Anne married Robert “Bob” Carlson, of Ossining, N.Y., in 1962, beginning a partnership that spanned more than six decades. They made their home in Briarcliff Manor and Chappaqua, N.Y., where they raised their family and were deeply rooted in the community. Anne became an elementary school teacher, working initially in the Pocantico Hills Central School District, and then for more than two decades in the Chappaqua Central School District. In retirement, Anne and Bob enjoyed their time in Chatham, Mass., and Sun Lakes, Ariz., for many years.

Always physically and socially active, Anne enjoyed playing golf, tennis, canasta, and mahjong with her many friends. She also enjoyed reading, gardening, and crossword puzzles.

Anne is predeceased by her brothers Eric and Paul Prewitt, and her husband Bob, who passed away in February. She is survived by her older brother Richard “Doc” Prewitt; her children Suzanne, Betsy, and David (Kim); and her grandchildren Emily (Jack), Maddy, Jackson, Willem, Owen, and Trevor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Eldredge Public Library in Chatham, Mass.

Loren Gene Henry

Loren Gene “Hank” Henry passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, at the age of 93.

Loren was born in Lemmon, S.D. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and attended the South Dakota School of Mines, where he continued to develop the engineering skills that would become such an important part of his life and career.

Loren married his sweetheart, Jeri, and together they moved to Peoria, Ill., where he began a long and successful career with Caterpillar Tractor Company. In 1985, Loren and Jeri moved to Arizona, where he managed the Caterpillar Proving Grounds in Peoria. After retiring, they moved to Sun Lakes in 1999, where they built their dream retirement home and enjoyed many wonderful years together.

Known affectionately as “Hank,” Loren was a talented engineer, a dedicated husband and father, and a man who could solve almost any problem. He was a gifted handyman and took great pride in figuring out how things worked and making them work again. He also loved to travel and experience new places.

Perhaps one of Loren’s greatest gifts was his ability to tell a story. He had countless interesting stories from his life and loved entertaining family and friends with his humor, experiences, and wonderful memories. His stories, his wisdom, and his unique way of looking at life will be deeply missed.

Loren was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Jeri; his parents; and his brother.

He is survived by his three children, LuAnn Morse (Ron), Susan Buckingham (Tom), and Chris Henry (Marilyn); his grandchildren, Michelle Furcron (Jason), Matthew Morse (Hilary), Miles Morse (Lisa), Bryce Buckingham (Brittany), Lauren Henry, Remi Buckingham, Hunter Henry, and Riley Zuniga (David); and four great-grandchildren.

Loren leaves behind a legacy of love, ingenuity, laughter, and countless memories shared with the people he loved. His family will forever cherish the stories he told, the lessons he taught, and the many ways he made their lives better.

He will be deeply loved, fondly remembered, and greatly missed.

Carolyn Grace (Johnson) Tagatz

Carolyn Grace (Johnson) Tagatz passed away peacefully on Feb. 8, 2026, surrounded by loved ones and her beloved cats, Handful and Princess.

Affectionately nicknamed “Nine Lives Tagatz,” Carolyn overcame a hip fracture in 2022, Stage 3 colon cancer in 2024, and most recently battled Stage 4 kidney cancer. A fighter until the end, she faced her suffering with remarkable dignity and grace.

Carolyn was born Sept. 2, 1934, in Runnells, Iowa, to Ruth and Clarence Johnson. She spent her early childhood on the family farm with her brothers, Robert and Jack, before the family moved to Des Moines. She later welcomed her younger sister, Sue. Carolyn graduated from East High School and attended Drake University.

A childhood friend introduced Carolyn to Tom Tagatz, and they married in April 1955. They shared 66 years of marriage before Tom’s passing in February 2021. Together they owned and operated several True Value Hardware stores in Sioux City, Iowa, and South Sioux City, Neb. Carolyn thrived in business and became the first woman elected to Cotter & Company’s marketing board.

After moving to Sun Lakes in 1997, Carolyn and Tom traded working five or six days a week for golfing five or six days a week. They treasured their Sun Lakes community, their many wonderful friends, and especially their three grandsons.

Carolyn’s lifelong love of animals continued after Tom’s passing. She rescued a litter of feral kittens, eventually adopting Handful and Princess, who became treasured companions.

Carolyn is survived by her children, Thomas Tagatz and Ann (Guy) Cascella; three grandsons, David ( Jacque), Daniel, and John “Jack” McFarlane; three great-granddaughters, Georgia, Annabelle, and Sonora “Nora” McFarlane; and her sister, Sue Renaud.

Carolyn lived with determination, honesty, humor, and strength. She is now at home with her Savior and her beloved Tom.

Together again.

David Jackson Kitchin Ill, LTC U.S. Army (Ret.)

On Aug. 13, 2026, David went home to be with his heavenly Father. His three sons attended him at the time of his passing.

David was born Dec. 17, 1940, in Baltimore, Md., to the late David Jackson Kitchin II and Hilda Miller Kitchin. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon Louise Kitchin, and his sister, Sally Renhuart.

He served in the U.S. Army’s Medical Service Corps for over 26 years, serving in Okinawa, Japan; Vietnam; and Frankfurt, Germany, and many points in between. After separating from the Army in 1989, he went on to become the Associate Director of Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), later going on to teach other countries how to bring their hospitals up to standards instituted in the USA. As a part of his duties, he travelled extensively and donated over a million frequent flyer miles to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He was a born ­again believer and an active member of Baptist churches wherever he resided, walking the walk in all things.

He inspected and supervised the construction of countless medical facilities around the globe, even working directly for the Saudi Royal Family. He was an active member of Boy Scout Troops, districts, and Councils all over the world, earned the coveted Silver Beaver Award and was the father of three Eagle Scouts. He was an avid model train collector and exhibitionist. He was cheerful in all weathers and never met a stranger, regardless of what language they spoke.

Those left to cherish David’s memory are three sons, David Jackson Kitchin IV of Flemington, N.J., Kyle Kitchin (Helena) of Newland, N.C., and James Kitchin (Jennifer) of Salem, Va.; nine wonderful grandchildren; one sister, Constance Camunas (Dr. Joseph) of Greenville, S.C.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family members.

LTC Kitchin will be interred at the National Veterans’ Cemetery in Phoenix, Ariz., with his beloved wife, Sharon, at a later date.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Linville-Central Rescue Squad, 1940 Linville Falls Hwy., Newland, NC 28657.

Sandra C. Humes

Sandra C. Wilson Humes was born in Saginaw, Michigan. She passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 2, 2026, at the age of 79.

Sandra attended Potter Elementary School, Arthur Eddy Junior High School, and Saginaw High School, graduating in 1964. Sandra graduated from Michigan State University with both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree.

Sandra married her high school sweetheart, Lovell Humes in 1973 before they moved to Phoenix in pursuit of sunshine and warm weather. He predeceased her in 2009. Her parents, William C. Wilson and Charlean Bell Wilson, her two older brothers, Leslie Vance Wilson and Charles Dwayne Wilson, all predeceased her. She is survived by seven nieces and nephews in Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Ga.

Sandra was a Reading Specialist in the Roosevelt School District in the early 1970s and taught at South Mountain High School from the mid 1970s to the mid 1990s. She was a Guidance Counselor at Maryvale High School and North High School from the mid 1990s until her retirement in 2000.

Sandra was a Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In 1967, she was a charter member of the Saginaw, Michigan, Alumnae Chapter.

During her retirement, Sandra loved playing golf, going to the gym, participating in water aerobics, vacationing at her timeshares all around the world, taking cruises, attending jazz concerts and live stage plays, socializing, going to brunch, dancing, and playing billiards. She could talk on the phone with you for hours and loved hanging out with the African American Association of Sun Lakes where, over the years, she held various positions such as Publicity Chair, Newsletter Editor, Corresponding Secretary, and Recording Secretary.

Sandra was a member of First Institutional Baptist Church—Phoenix, Ariz., and a “Virtual Member” of Wheeler Ave. Baptist Church—Houston, Texas. In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider a memorial contribution to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). No local services are planned.

Richard Verne Hensley

Richard (Dick) Hensley passed away at the age of 100 on Aug. 18, 2026.

He was born on Nov. 12, 1925, near Chapman, Neb., but spent most of his early life in Central City, Neb. After high school graduation in June 1944, he served in the U.S. Navy with overseas duty on a destroyer in the S.W. Pacific and Asian waters.

In January 1952 he graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. After graduation he worked for three years as a test engineer for the International Harvester company in Melrose Park, Ill. Further employment, for 30 years, was as a sales engineer/account manager for the Citgo and Gulf Oil companies in Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan.

In March 1985 he took retirement from Gulf Oil. He moved to his home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., in January 1986.
Among his various interests and hobbies he enjoyed fishing, gardening, and billiards. The Cottonwood Country Club pool room at Sun Lakes was his second home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, and two sisters. Leaving to remember his passing are his longtime friend Dolly Martin and her family Tonya (Ron) Davis, Anastasia (Colton) Fordyce, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

John Robbins

John Robbins passed away in April of 2026 in Sun Lakes, Ariz. He is survived by his wife Betty, after 64 years of marriage, and son Jay Robbins and daughter Julie Robbins.

John was born and grew up in Englewood, Colo. After graduating high school John was in the Coast Guard Reserve for several years. He graduated from the University of Denver in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in business. His first job was with Corning Glass Works for eight years. He then moved back to the Denver area to Buehler Mayflower Moving Company. John was very active in the National Mayflower Company as well as locally. He retired at an early age and became an avid golfer.

John and Betty first spent winters in Sun Lakes starting in 2000 as snowbirds then moved to Sun Lakes permanently in 2022 from Castle Rock, Colorado.

Linda (Bari) Freeman

In the waning days of summer, in a small town in eastern New Mexico, our Father in Heaven allowed one of His most beautiful angels to leave the heavenly host for a brief wrinkle in time. Her name would be Linda Bari Freeman.

Three souls on this earth had the privilege of calling her “Mom.”

Mom returned home at 1:19 p.m. on Aug. 4, 2026, surrounded by her children and the man she loved, in her own bed, without a doctor in sight.

Mom will always be remembered for her kindness, exceptional generosity, brilliance, and, above all, her capacity to love—even when times were difficult. She loved music, literature, dancing, and the occasional trip to the theater. Her career in finance spanned many decades and was marked by numerous awards for service. Before retiring, she spent her days helping families with their financial needs as a trust officer at Western Commerce Bank in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Life After Retirement
After retirement, Mom moved to Phoenix, Ariz., with a dear friend. There, she finally met the man she deserved: a kind soul and remarkable dance partner.

She spent the rest of her time with us embracing life fully—French-kissing life square on the mouth—and spinning across dance floors with a grace and beauty few could imagine. Anyone who witnessed her fluid movements and radiant smile while dancing will never forget the first time they saw that angel gliding among them.

Linda is survived by her love and favorite dance partner, Larry “Doc” Rosser; her three children, Robert Freeman Cogburn and his wife, Kerri Cogburn, Clayton Zachary Cogburn, and Casey Shipp Cogburn and his wife, Kasie Cogburn; and her bonus daughter, Amy Laurie Anaya. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Christopher, Kendall, Eric, Cade, and Cooper Cogburn, as well as Laurie, Leovardo, Damien, Timoteo, Katie, and Raven. Linda is also survived by her only great-granddaughter, Salem Faye.

Other living relatives include her cousins, William (Bill) M. Shipp, Pamela Ann Shipp, and Suzanne (Shipp) Cunningham.

Linda was preceded in death by her mother and father, Francis J. Freeman and Berry Freeman, and her sister, Lou Freeman.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Lovington, N.M., at a future date when all family can be present. The date will be announced when available.

Alan Brian Schoeneman

Alan B. Schoeneman, 67, of Chandler, Ariz., passed away on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026 at Dobson House, a Hospice facility in Chandler.

Alan Brian Schoeneman was born on April 24, 1959, the son of Andrew and Joanne (Reger) Schoeneman. He grew up in the Milwaukee area and graduated from Hamilton High School in Franklin, Wis.

Alan is the eldest of four siblings; two sisters (Cindy Syverson and Linda Cummings) and one brother (Robert Schoeneman).

Alan was married to Catherine Kincaid in 1979 in Tampa, Fla. Alan, Catherine, and children (Carla and Brian) moved to Arizona in 1981 and resided in Mesa for several years.

Alan worked construction but his passion was for cooking. Later in life he took culinary arts as a chef and worked in various locations.

Alan met Sandy Piccolo at Sun Lakes Lutheran Church in Chandler, Ariz., in the fall of 2011. They were married April 6, 2013 at Sun Lakes Lutheran Church. They resided in Sun Lakes, Ariz., and both worked there until they retired in 2014.

Retirement was great because they were able to spend the summer in Iowa and the winter in Arizona.

Alan was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. He enjoyed cooking, bowling, and fishing. Alan and Sandy liked to swim, dance, attend concerts, go on cruises, and travel. Alan planned and executed the best parties. But what was most important was family, the church, and church family.

What Alan was best known for was his love for others. He was always helping others. It did not matter what they needed, he was there.

Alan had the biggest and kindest heart. He always greeted you with a welcoming spirit, warm smile, and a big hug with open arms.

Alan is survived by his wife, Sandy, her son Michael and his wife Estelle, and granddaughter Stella, daughter Carla, son Brian and daughter Melissa, grandchildren: Samantha, Brian, and Austin, two sisters, Cindy and Linda, and brother Robert, nephew Chris.

He is preceded in death by his parents, nephew Andy Syverson, and ex-wife Catherine.

Helen Hughes

Helen Trimble Hughes passed away on July 27, 2026, surrounded by her family. Helen was born in Butte, Montana, on Feb. 28, 1937, to Art and Helen Trimble. After graduation from Butte Central high school in 1955, she worked for Montana Hardware in Butte.

She left Butte in 1959 and lived in several cities, before settling down in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1968. Helen received both a B.A. and M.A. from Arizona State University. She worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona prior to retiring in 1999.

For several years, Helen enjoyed hiking and playing bridge and she was an avid ballroom dancer.

She is survived by her four children, Jim Hughes, Teri Hughes Foster (son-in-law, Tony Wallace), Geri Hughes, and Bill Hughes (daughter-in-law, Tracy Hughes), four grandchildren (Andy Foster, Callihan Hughes, Kennedy Hughes, and Addison Hughes), and sister, Judy Trimble Dolan of Butte, Montana (and Judy’s seven children).

Robert D. (Bob) Buser

Robert D. (Bob) Buser passed away peacefully in his home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

He slipped away quietly and is now at peace with his Heavenly Father. His beloved wife and son were at his side.
Bob was born on Dec. 11, 1938, in Bradley, Ill., to Donald Emory and Eola Lane Buser.

He graduated from Bradley-Bourbonnais High School in 1956. In November 1959 he joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Wisconsin BB64 battleship. He received an honorable discharge in October 1962.

Bob was married July 6, 1985, to Kathleen (Katie) Nalley St. John from Manteno and Bourbonnais, Ill. They retired to Sun Lakes, Ariz., in 2004 upon Bob’s retirement from United Lift Truck – Hyster, where he was in sales.

Bob loved to golf, and he and Katie were avid ballroom dancers. They also enjoyed morning walks and biking in the early and mid years of life in Sun Lakes.

Bob is survived by Katie, his wife who was the love of his life, and he was hers. They celebrated 40 happy years of marriage on July 6, 2025.

Also surviving is his beloved son, Lance (Peggy) Buser; one grandson, AJ (Shelly) Buser; two great-grandsons, Hunter and Trevor Buser; and two step-granddaughters, Pamela Martinez and Christine (Eric) Young, all of Rock Falls, Ill. In addition, he is survived by one brother, Jerry (Terri) Buser of Sun Lakes; two sisters, Mary Buser Gandy of Tallahassee, Fla., and Vicki Meracle of Herrin, Ill.; one niece, Sarah Buser (Lain) Cox; four nephews, Kevin (Christy) Kupferer, Brion (Shandra) Buser, Sean (Karen) Meracle, and Brian Meracle; several great- and great-great nieces and nephews; and many wonderful cousins.

Bob is also survived by his wife Katie’s family, who was very dear to him: Marlene (Joel) Nixon, Lauren (Rob) Ratcliffe, Lee (Danielle) Nixon, Braelee Bentley, and Gabriel Nixon, Bruce St. John, granddaughter Abigail St. John, Barry (Cathy) St. John, granddaughter Caitlin St. John.

Two longtime and very special friends are Dave Denoyer of Keizer, Ore., and Kankakee, Ill., and Patricia (Patty) Lane of Sun Lakes, Ariz., and Kankakee, Ill.

Bob was predeceased in death by his parents; one sister, Pamela Buser; and two brothers-in-law, Teman (Mary) Gandy and David (Vicki) Meracle.

While residing in Kankakee, Ill., Bob was a member of the following: Quadrille Dance Club, Bradley Moose Lodge, 100 Club, and the Transportation Club.

He was a huge fan of the Chicago Bears football team and the Cubs baseball team.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sun Lakes Community Church on Aug. 15 at 5:30 p.m. RSVP at 480-296-9181 with name and number attending. If desired, donations in Bob’s name may be made to: American Parkinson Disease Association, Arizona Chapter, P.O. Box 40067, Tucson, AZ 85717.

Jan Bobbett

Jan Bobbett, wife, mother, and friend, departed this earth peacefully at her home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., surrounded by family and friends on June 29, 2026.

Jan is survived by her wife and long-time partner of 26 years, Kris Eikelberger, her son Philip Housel (wife Cynthia) of San Francisco, brother Ronnie Bobbett, a granddaughter, great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many friends who will deeply miss her kind and generous spirit.

She was born in Medford, Ore., to Lorraine and James Bobbett. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Rick Housel; and brothers, Gary and Jimmy Bobbett.

Jan moved to Tempe, Ariz., to attend ASU for her Master’s degree in English. She then completed her PhD at ASU in 1984. Her career was an adventure, using her teaching skills at ASU, Central Arizona College, various public schools, and corporations.

She accomplished a lot during her lifetime and was generous with her time. After moving to Sun Lakes, Jan became very involved in the community, volunteering her time and talent to many local organizations. She was particularly proud of serving as Board Member and Program Chair of New Adventures in Learning for more than 10 years. Jan helped to move this Sun Lakes lifelong learning program to its next level of operation while bringing a wide range of interesting classes to adults throughout the Southeast Valley.

Jan also was a longtime, dedicated member of the Sun Lakes Democratic Club, serving as Precinct Committee Person (PC) for Cottonwood Country Club and on the Board of the Club as well. She also volunteered at Sun Lakes Country Club Library, had been a longtime member of AAUW (American Association of University Women), and had enjoyed participating in Sun Lakes’ Golden Goalies, a group that focused on weight loss and maintenance.

When not volunteering, Jan loved to travel with her wife, Kris. They also would spend hours sitting together enjoying life and the beauty of the area from their deck of one of the first homes built in Sun Lakes or taking daily excursions with their much-loved dog, Zoe.

No service is planned but memorial donations may be made to Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank, matthewscrossing.org, or sent to Matthews’s Crossing Food Bank, 1368 N Arizona Ave, Unit 112, Chandler, AZ 85225.

Eleanor C. Lariviere

Eleanor Claire Lariviere, age 86, died in Sun Lakes, Ariz., on June 29, 2026. She was born in Manchester, N.H., the daughter of Timothy and Yvonne (Nolette) Cronin.

She was educated in Manchester, N.H., and graduated from St. Joseph High School. She trained in the Notre Dame Hospital Nursing School and she went on to receive a B.S. in Nursing at St. Anselm College in 1962. She was an instructor in hospital nursing programs in Hanover, N.H., and Rochester, N.Y.

She was married for 64 years to Gene Lariviere, whom she had met when they were in the same first grade class. She was a great help to him during the years of his medical practice.

She was noted for her joy of life and her sense of humor, which made her many friends over the years. She was an accomplished seamstress, knitter, weaver, and quilter and leaves behind many treasured heirlooms for her family. She was also an excellent cook.

She was very active in exploring the genealogy of both sides of her family and that of her husband’s family, which enriched the family’s knowledge of their French-Canadian and Irish ancestors back to the 1600s.

She first came to Sun Lakes, Ariz., as a snowbird in 2008 and became a fulltime resident in 2020. She was active in New Adventures in Learning and the Sun Lakes French Conversation Group.

She is survived by her husband Gene Lariviere of Sun Lakes, Ariz., her daughter Katherine LaRiviere (Jon Alterman) of Bethesda, Md., and sons Martin Lariviere (Monica Russel y Rodriguez) of Wilmette, Ill., and Thomas Lariviere of Chicago, Ill. Her grandchildren Sam, Bella, and Jed Alterman and Marisol and Mateo Lariviere have fond memories of their “Mémère”.

Ronald Dow

Ronald Richard Dow passed away on June 27, 2026. Ron was born on Sunday, Aug. 23, 1942, to parents of Harold and Phyllis Dow in Orange, N.J., then residing in Chatham, N.J.

Ron attended elementary school in Minnesota. He later attended the Governor Dummer Academy in Massachusetts. While in school, Ron was an avid baseball player and was the pitcher for his team.

Ron earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business at Bucknell University located in Lewisburg, Pa. He belonged to the Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity where he was responsible for his fraternity brothers’ meals.

Ron was in the ROTC and later entered the Army as Lieutenant. He met Judith Ackramovicz and they lived as husband and wife in Niagara Falls where their beautiful daughter, Nora, was born.

While in the Army, Ron was stationed in Niagara Falls with Top Secret Clearance. After the Army Ron worked for Unisys and Control Data as a Programmer, Systems Analyst. As a contracted employee he worked for Hertz and also the IRS in Minnesota, Washington, D.C., and Oklahoma.

Later divorced, Ron lived in Oklahoma and then returned to Arizona.

After Ron retired; he worked for Extra Space Storage as Manager in Phoenix, Ariz., and also for ProEm Co., where he did security for the events in Scottsdale and Phoenix. There he met Patricia Mathisen, who later lived as husband and wife in Cave Creek, Ariz., in 2016.

Ron is survived by his wife, Patricia Mathisen; daughter Nora (her husband, Steve), two grandchildren, Tessa and Ryan; along with blended family, Brian, Lori, and two grandchildren, Makayla and Madison. Also surviving are Ron’s sisters Barbara and Marilyn. Ron is predeceased by his sister Carolyn.

Viewing will be held July 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Mesa. Funeral services will be July 22 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Stevens Catholic Church, 25827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun Lakes.

Carol Pontek

Carol Joan Pontek, 75, of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, and most recently, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family.

Born Feb. 9, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pa., and was raised in Drexel Hill. She was the daughter of the late Jamison and Mildred O’Brien. Preceded in death by her siblings: James, William, Robert, Elizabeth, Daniel, and Theresa.

While attending Prendergast High School in Upper Darby, Pa., Carol volunteered as a candy striper at Tri-County Hospital in Springfield, Pa., where she eventually became the Director of Personnel. She married her second husband, Duane Pontek, in August of 1984. Carol and Duane enjoyed cruises and extensive travelling. They lived in Germany for some time, as well. They remained married until Duane’s passing in 2022.

Carol had a love of dancing, arts and crafts, and water aerobics. Carol enjoyed socializing and playing Canasta, Euchre, Mah-jongg, board games, and golf. She was a member of the Red Hat Society Group, Sun Lakes Lady Niners, and the Ocotillo Women’s League. In 2005, she was the President of the Oakwood Lady Niners Association.

Carol is survived by her brother, Eugene O’Brien (wife Marion), sisters and brothers-in-law, 12 nieces and nephews and their children. She is also survived by her daughter, Carolyn (husband William), her son Stephen (wife Sara), stepson Jim, and stepdaughter Juli (husband Steven). Carol was the grandmother to Kohlton, Lukas, Erica, Matolyn, Jayson, and Cathryn.

Prior to being laid to rest in Arizona with her late husband, Duane, a Celebration of Life will be held on June 27 at Seaford Wesleyan Church in Seaford, Del.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Carol to Seaford Wesleyan Church, 26630 Sussex Highway, Seaford, DE 19973.

Visit www.boundsfuneralhome.com to share stories and memories with the family.

Meredith Elaine (Burton) Rich

Meredith Elaine (Burton) Rich was born March 30, 1931, and passed away June 10, 2026, at the age of 95.

At 6 months old, Meredith was adopted by Dallas and Lena Burton. They were loving parents and Meredith always appreciated that they had adopted her. Both preceded her in death.

Meredith graduated from Bethany Public High School in Bethany, Mo., in 1949. She went to Central Methodist College in Fayette, Mo., (later renamed Central Methodist University) where she took clerical courses. She worked as a secretary part time and full time through the years.

In college she was a member of Pi Kappa Theta Sorority, a majorette with the college marching band, and was voted May Queen her sophomore year.

She met her husband, James E. Rich in college, and they were married in 1952. They had two children, Cindy and Jimmy.

In 1993, she had successful breast cancer surgery. She retired in 2000 and enjoyed her retirement ever since. She loved to spend time with her family and to take day trips with her friends. Meredith enjoyed every minute with her children, granddaughter, and granddogs for cookouts, just being together, and special celebrations.

Meredith was secretary of her Condo Association Board in Ohio for several years and volunteered her services in other capacities. She was an active member of the Sun Lakes Women’s Association.

In July 2016, she transferred her church membership to the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church where she enjoyed the Sunday services and making new friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Rich Stalter, son-in-law Rod Stalter of Sun Lakes, Ariz., granddaughter Nicole DeAndero Durr, her husband Drew of Westerville, Ohio; son, James B. Rich and daughter-in-law Teresa Okada of West Jordan, Utah.

A memorial service will be held on July 15 at 10 a.m. at the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sun Lakes Women’s Association.

John (“Jack”) Louis Laak

John (“Jack”) Louis Laak passed away peacefully on June 10 in Sun Lakes, Ariz., at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Patricia (“Pat”) Laak; sons Michael (Linda) Laak, Steven (Valerie) Laak, Daniel (Kim) Laak, and Robert (Linda) Laak; grandchildren Emily (Kendall) Grady, Katherine Laak, Tyler Laak, Justin Laak, Amy (Warren) Ginsberg, and Allison (Alex) Pavone; five great grandchildren; sisters June Gasper and Shirley Green; and many nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Veronica Laak, brothers William Laak and Thomas Laak, and a sister JoAnn Engstrom. Jack was born on Sept. 2, 1934, and grew up in Winona, Minn., where he married his high school sweetheart. In retirement they began living part of the year in Sun Lakes, Ariz., until moving there permanently in 2019.

Jack began his printing career at Technigraph before moving to St. Mary’s Press in 1968. He retired from there after 28 years as Plant Manager. In retirement he ran his own bindery business for many years. Jack was a devoted family man, hard worker, skilled woodworker, and accomplished inventor. He created an automated page collator used in binding books at St. Mary’s Press, reducing production time and costs.

Jack was very proud of his volunteer activities for the Winona community. He was a past member of the Kiwanis Sunrisers and served on the board of directors for Winona ORC. At WORC he developed a machine to secure pins to the back of buttons providing employment to people with disabilities. He gave generously of his time and talents to family, friends, and those in need.

Jack loved to play golf with his friends in Winona and Arizona, fishing in the Minnesota north woods, building things in his wood shop, and having a cold beer. He also enjoyed the many years he was on bowling teams and helping out at Westgate Bowl.

Jack was loved by all whose lives he touched and will be greatly missed. He was a man of faith in God and lifelong member of St. Mary’s Parish in Winona. A Catholic Mass of Christian burial for Jack will be held at a future time. He will be interred in Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona. Memorials in memory of Jack may be directed to the Christian Brothers of the Midwest at 7650 S. County Line Road, Burr Ridge, IL 60527 or at www.cbmidwest.org/giving.

Constance (Connie) Marie Mickelson

Connie Mickelson, age 51, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, following a brief illness.

Connie was born Oct. 31, 1974, in Kosata, Minn., and grew up in Faribault, Minn. She moved to Arizona to be closer to her husband’s family, after he passed away. She eventually found her “Paradise” in Sun Lakes, where she enjoyed making lasting memories and building cherished friendships.

Connie grew up with a strong spirit and resilience that would guide her throughout her life. She will be remembered for her kindness, warm sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends.

Connie was exceptionally gifted when it came to mechanical tasks and repairs. She seemed to know how to operate just about every machine and tool she encountered. This knowledge was a valuable asset throughout her career. Some of her work experience was for GT Advanced Technology in Mesa, Swanson Tools USA, Sears, and Cirrus Design Corporation. Her positions ranged from Fab production, service technician, and composite repairs, along with working with the engineers and many other tasks.

Connie enjoyed traveling, camping with her sister-in-law, Darla and her loving companion, “Casey Cat.” She loved playing board games, etching on glass, crafts, and exploring thrift stores in search of hidden treasures and bargains. Connie loved to see the USA, and she loved to drive anywhere and everywhere with the windows down and the radio up! Her trip to Costa Rica with the Mickelsons was a very special time for her. She would often reminisce about all the fun they had.

Connie possessed an exceptional ability to train pets with patience and skill. She loved caring for and walking the neighborhood pets, and they loved her.

Preceding Connie in death is her father, Donald Soukup and her late husband Brian Mickelson, her sister-in-law, Joy Mickelson and nephew Adam Jay, and her brother-in-law, Jeff Johnson.

She is survived by her loving and devoted fiance, Chad Clark and his family, her brother Joe (Tammy) Soukup and his family of Faribault, Minn., and several aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Connie is also survived by beloved “Casey Cat.” He was her service pet and went everywhere with her.

Connie’s mother-in-law Lois Mickelson, brother-in-law Terry Mickelson, and sisters-in-law Connie (Jeff) Jay and Darla Johnson always had a special place in Connie’s heart.

Connie’s absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her love continues on in all the lives that she touched.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. Connie’s family invites all who knew her to honor her memory by extending kindness to others, just as she did every day of her life.

Carolyn Lefebvre

Beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, Carolyn (St. Denis) Lefebvre passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, at 94 years old. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones, including her husband of 76 years, John Lefebvre. Carolyn was a devoted mother to her four beautiful and successful children, John Jr., Susanne, Alan, and Lori. She worked hard to provide them with a life of worldly adventure and unique opportunities.

Born on Dec. 16, 1931, in Plattsburg, N.Y., Carolyn was the first of three children to Howard Napoleon and Irma (Roth) Saint Denis. She graduated as salutatorian from Tupper Lake High School, where she met her husband, John. She then went on an ambitious journey to earn her nursing degree, where she progressed into a compassionate pioneer of her field, as surgical nurse supervisor.

The high school sweethearts ventured to Colorado to raise their children and watch their family grow and flourish, John and Carolyn later moved to Chandler, Ariz., to retire at the age of 55. They enjoyed their astonishing home on a lake with desert sunsets that Carolyn looked forward to seeing every evening.

Carolyn was a passionate reader. She expressed herself through the art of stained glass and knitting. She spent time traveling the world, indulging in exquisite wine and fine dining. She loved flowers, especially roses and lilies. She navigated through life wearing many hats and with that, her wealth of knowledge was endless.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, four children, nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, sister, and brother.

Virginia Lyons

On May 8, 2026, my wife and friend, Gina, of 60 years, succumbed to stage 4 lung cancer. It tore my heart apart. It hurts like nothing ever should. I will never be over it.—Ted Lyons

Gina Lyons was born Virginia Ruth Mooney into a military family in Springfield, Mass., in 1945. Her parents were Col. Charles Mooney and Lucile Mooney. Gina and her husband Ted met at the University of Idaho in 1963 and married in 1965. They finished college in 1967 and then Ted entered the military (USMC) under the National Draft.

They went on to finish the Naval Aviation school in Pensacola, Fla., in Dec 1968, which started an unexpected and a wonderful journey in the Marine Corps.

Gina and Ted moved numerous times during their military career stationed in North Carolina, Florida, California, Okinawa, and Hawaii. They retired from military service in 1991 after 24 years of service, and then moved to Tacoma, Wash., where Gina spent the next 15 years as a Realtor and Ted worked as a manager at Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) until 2007. Although they both loved the Northwest, they finally retired and moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz., in 2007, due to their desire to be close to friends and good weather.

Gina embraced a life of sacrifice, resilience, and service to her family and country as a military wife. Through countless moves and deployments, she often found herself raising children and caring for her family on her own while her husband fulfilled his duties overseas. No matter where life took her, she turned every house into a loving home. She was the glue that held everyone together—the steady presence, a listening ear, the comforting embrace, the source of wisdom and strength during life’s challenges. She touched countless lives with her kindness. Her legacy is one of love, sacrifice, perseverance, and family. The values she instilled and the love she shared will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her.

Gina passed away quietly at our home with all her family present. She is survived by two beautiful children, Trevor (now 57) and Kari (now 56). Gina was a resident here in Sun Lakes located on Crystal Dr. She loved Arizona and always called Sun Lakes “her staycation.”

I was such a lucky person to have met her that day at the University of Idaho, and friends and family will dearly miss her.