David L. “Sambo” Anderson
Please join us for a gathering of family and friends at Mulligans Lounge, Sun Lakes Golf Course, for David on Saturday, March 5 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. David was born in Grand Rapids, MN on May 2, 1936. He died October 16, 2015 in Grand Rapids. He and his partner Ann Tellor have wintered in Sun Lakes, since 2009. He and Ann enjoyed the Sun Lakes community, dancing, golfing and spending time with the many friends they met. He was a member of the Men’s Golf League at Sun Lakes Country Club.
Orie Jack Ballion
Orie Jack Ballion, 85, of Sun Lakes, AZ, formerly of Decatur, IL, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at his home in Sun Lakes, AZ from complications of cancer. Jack was born on September 7, 1930 in Taylorville, IL to Emanuel and Juanita (Ferguson) Ballion.
Jack spent his primary years in Springfield, IL in the care of his grandparents and his secondary years in Taylorville, IL. He graduated from Taylorville High School in 1950. After high school, Jack continued his education to receive a Bachelor of Arts in both History and Psychology from Millikin University in Decatur, IL in 1954. Jack is also a graduate of the IL Bankers School at Southern IL University and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Jack was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War in August 1952. He served as a photographer and was present for 11 atomic bomb tests.
Jack married Jane (Doak) on May 25, 1957 in Decatur, IL; they were happily married for over 58 years. Jack was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where he served two terms as Deacon. Jack was particularly proud to be a table parent for the LOGO’s Children’s Program. Jack enjoyed spending time with his family, historical travels, photography, sharing his “War Story Orie” stories with friends, reading and tending to his lawn and flowers.
Jack worked in various positions as a banker for the former Citizens National Bank for almost 40 years. Following his retirement from banking, he renewed his teaching certificate and substituted at Decatur, IL and area schools for almost 10 years.
Jack was a member of various organizations including Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, a lifetime member of the Freemasons Macon Lodge No. Eight since 1961, Elks Lodge, IL Jr. Chamber Jaycees, Jr. Achievement, Decatur Chamber of Commerce, Decatur Noon Lions Club, Decatur Rotary Club, Decatur Golden K Kiwanis, American Legion Castle Williams Post 105, Disabled American Veterans Decatur Macon County No. 17 and life member of the National Association of Atomic Veterans. Jack also volunteered for many organizations including the Democratic Party of Macon County, Decatur and Macon County United Way, Oak Grove PTA and Oak Grove Park concession stand, the Shemamo Girl Scouts Council and a merit badge counselor for the Lincoln Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Jack is survived by his wife Jane, his daughter Jill of Sun Lakes, AZ, former son-in-law David Smith of Garland, TX, his sister Bili Ziesmann of Madison Heights, VA, his niece, Suzanne Ziesmann, nephews Peter Ziesmann, Hans Ziesmann, Cliff Doak, Ed Doak, other family and good friends.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents Emanuel and Juanita Ballion, grandparents, cousins and other family and good friends.
Memorial donations may be made to Millikin University History Department at Alumni and Development, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522 or online at www.millikin.edu/give and Westminster Presbyterian Church Children’s Ministries 1360 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522.
William R. “Bill” Hicks
William R. “Bill” Hicks, 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 14, 2016, in his Sun Lakes home, holding hands with his wife Nancy.
He was born on September 18, 1936 to William Hicks and Euralie Doherty Hicks in St. Louis, MO. He grew up in St. Louis and graduated from Soldan Blewett High School where he was President of his senior class and a member of the varsity football team. He received a football scholarship to the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri and graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1959. He was in the U.S. Navy ROTC in college, but chose to join the U.S. Marine Corps upon his graduation. He completed his Officer training at Quantico, Virginia and was deployed to the Philippines as a 1st Lieutenant, Infantry Officer.
After his military service, Bob joined McDonnell Aircraft Corp. in St. Louis. After four years with McDonnell, he entered his life long career in Sales and Management, first with IBM Corp., followed by Telex Corp. and Lexitron Corporation. The Telex position moved him and his first wife and children to the San Francisco Bay area. The final phase of his career was in Commercial Real Estate Management and he was a partner in Capstone Mortgage Company in Alamo, California.
Bob married his current wife, Nancy, in 1977 and they retired in 1997 and moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona. He immediately took up his passion for fine woodworking (at which he excelled) and golf (at which he admitted he did not excel). He also loved to travel. His favorite form of travel was a loosely structured road trip on the back roads of many states in the USA, New Zealand (his favorite), England and Scotland.
He was a charter member of the East Valley Marine Corps Detachment 1296 where he served as Chaplain. He was very happy when he was working alongside other Marines as they supported “Toys for Tots,” “Marines Helping Marines” and the annual Marine Corps Ball. Bob had many lifelong friends from grade school, high school and college. He faithfully attended an annual reunion for over 20 years with his five dearest high school friends and their wives at Lake Tahoe, California. He loved nothing better than to have a “spirited” conversation on many subjects with his long-time friends and his new Sun Lakes friends. His quick sense of humor and his love of a practical joke was always a joy.
Bob is survived by his wife of 38 years, Nancy Fletcher Hicks; a son, Michael R. Hicks (Melanie) of Rocky Mount, NC; three daughters, Sherry A. Hicks, Cary NC; Cathleen Lucido (Richard) Cary, NC; and Laura C. Hicks, Cary, NC. He also has a grandson, Ryan Hicks (Sarah), Rocky Mount, NC; and two granddaughters, Danielle Lucido and Nicolette Lucido. His first great-grandson, Payson William Hicks, was delivered into this beautiful world on January 31, 2016 to continue the Hicks’ tradition.
Betty Johnson
Beloved wife Betty Johnson passed away on January 10, 2016 at the age of 65.
Betty is survived by her husband, Jerry Johnson, daughters, Vicki Chenvert, Terri Melling (Lynn), Nancy Swann, son, Tim Johnson (Gini), sister, Ruth Ericksen and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Craig Girard Larson
Craig Girard Larson, of Sun Lakes, AZ, passed away peacefully on February, 4, 2016, with Shelby, his beloved wife of 56 years by his side. He is survived by Shelby, their two sons, Gregory (Piper) and Patrick, as well as his sister, Jacqueline (Al). He was preceded in death by his brother, Edward. Craig was born on August 2, 1937 to Evelyn McAvay and Clarence Larson in Meadville, PA and raised in Bemus Point, NY, where he graduated from Jamestown High School in 1955.
In 1959, he married Shelby Jean Johnson, his college sweetheart, in the Watts Flats, NY Methodist Church. He attended Jamestown Community College then transferred to Ohio University where he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1960. Throughout high school and college, he was a drummer in the Vikings’ Drum and Bugle Corps which led to a lifetime interest in drum and bugle corps performances. After college graduation, Craig joined the National Guard and trained in Fort Dix, NJ and Fort Knox, KY, where he completed his military adventure in six months. He soon accepted an engineering position with The Boeing Company and thereafter enjoyed a successful 34-year career with the company first in Seattle, WA then in New Orleans, LA for three years with the remainder in Seattle, WA. Early in his career, his engineering accomplishments included designing two small parts on the Saturn rocket which was launched from Cape Canaveral. He was always “amazed that the rocket succeeded in spite of his designs!”
His later professional years were spent in Business and Human Resource management positions in Seattle. During his free time in Seattle, Craig could be found on a golf course, a tennis court, a fishing boat or coaching his sons’ basketball teams and helping guide their soccer teams. He and Shelby attended every game and he was passionate about cheering on his sons’ alma maters, UW Huskies and WSU Cougars. He especially enjoyed the waters of Puget Sound and spent hours fishing “hoping to catch the big one.” He and Shelby enjoyed long boat trips into the waters of WA and Canada and also traveling around the U.S., Europe and Africa. After retiring in Sun Lakes, AZ in 1996, Craig spent hours playing golf and poker with the neighborhood men and enjoying his favorite pastimes of sleeping and eating Haagen Dazs ice cream bars.
Craig was a kind, sweet, sociable and entertaining man who loved his family and enjoyed the company of his many dear friends. In the end, he continued to be strong, humble, caring and possess his great sense of humor. Strawberry milkshakes may have replaced Manhattans but Sunday night family dinners remained a constant until the end.
The family plans to hold a celebration of his life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that gifts be made to the United Food Bank at 245 S. Nina Drive in Mesa, AZ 85210-8490 (480-926-4897 and www.unitedfoodbank.org) or to Banner Alzheimer’s Institute at 901 E. Willetta St. in Phoenix, AZ 85006 (602-239-6900 and www.banneralz.org). Please visit www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com for service information and to leave condolences.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 12 at the Sun Lakes Country Club from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Edna Mae Leddy
Edna Mae Leddy passed away on January 14, 2016 at Hospice of the Valley Dobson Home. She was 84 years young.
Edna was born in Mercedes, Texas on February 1, 1931. Edna and her husband, Michael, were in many theater shows in Sun Lakes and SunBird. She was also the teacher in the Ceramics class on Tuesday mornings for years. Edna lived in Orange County, California for many years with her daughter, Terry. She came to Sun Lakes with her husband, Michael in 1992. They were the first residents to live in Oakwood.
She will be missed by many of her friends. She loved golf, bowling, singing and dancing; you could see her and Michael every Friday night at the Cottonwood Lounge dancing up a storm.
Thanks to all our friends for the many, many sympathy cards. We will miss her.
Samuel Miller
Miller, Samuel, 80, of Sun Lakes, AZ passed on February 1, 2016. Sam was born on July 29, 1935 in Whitman, MA.
Sam was an auditor for the Department of Defense in the Bay area.
He and his wife, Eleanor, moved to Sun Lakes in 1997. He played softball, tennis and chess. He was a member of the Writers Workshop and entertained others by his piano playing.
Surviving is his wife, Eleanor, step-daughters, Cathy and Gail, son-in-law Paul White, three grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Jack Russell
Jack Russell, 93, of Rochester, formerly of Sun Lakes, Arizona, passed away on January 8, 2016.
Jack was born on May 13, 1922 in Youngstown, Ohio to John J. and Kathryn Russell. Jack was a World War II veteran and was proud to be a Marine. He enlisted in 1941 and was honorably discharged in 1947.
Jack and his wife, Florence, were married on June 14, 1952. They made their home in Youngstown, Ohio, and moved to Rochester in the 1970s, where he worked for Crenlo as a sales manager in the Special Products Division, until retiring in 1984. They moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona where they lived for the next 30 years before moving back to Rochester.
He was a hardworking and proud man and continued to work after his retirement doing various jobs — still the salesman in him, he sold garage doors until he was in his ‘80s.
Jack and his wife were avid golfers. He enjoyed getting up every morning to play some rounds with his golf buddies.
He was very handy with tools and loved doing projects around their home. He also had grapefruit and orange trees in their backyard and was happy to share with friends and family. His wife is an excellent cook and they loved to entertain friends. Jack loved Arizona and the life he made there with his wife of 63 years.
He is survived by his wife, Florence, of Rochester; a son, Scott (Lori) Russell, of Rochester; two grandchildren, Chris Russell, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Lindsey (Brad) Swanson, of Byron; niece, Becky (Bill) Hessman, of California; sister-in-law, Bev Meek; niece, Betsy Meek, of Florida; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and two sisters.
Jack donated his body to the Mayo Foundation. A memorial service will be at a later date.
A special thank you to all of Jack’s hospice care providers, staff at Meadow Lakes Assisted Living, St. Isidore’s Nursing Home and Saint Mary’s Hospital.
We love you, Jack, and will miss your smile that would light up the room. Rest in peace.
Stanley Robert Scott
Scott, Stanley Robert, was born in Hoosick Falls, New York on May 27, 1932. He grew up on a small farm in upstate New York where Grandma Moses was a neighbor.
He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Helen Louise McComb. He is survived by three children, Barbara Phillips, Raymond Scott and Terri Doelker, six grandchildren, Kathy McAllister, Melissa Gonzalez, Jeffrey Scott, Daniel Scott, Andy Doelker, Katie Doelker and five great-grandchildren.
Stan worked for Prudential Insurance for 35 years. After retirement, Helen and Stan traveled the United States and Canada in their motorhome for two years before purchasing a home in Sun Lakes, AZ.
Stan was a Phoenix Suns fan and attended many games with Helen and friends. A committed volunteer, he was active in Sun Lakes Rotary, East Valley Boys and Girls Club and Sun Lakes Charities. He was a Sun Lakes Crystal Award winner. He was an avid golfer for many years and loved to travel.
Memorial contributions can be made to the East Valley Boys and girls Club. A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future.
Karla Kay Shands
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our mother, daughter, sister and friend, Karla Kay Shands, age 62, who entered Heaven’s Gates on Friday morning, January 15, 2016. She was born to Marilyn and LeRoy E. Herdt on August 15, 1953 in Denver, CO. She grew up in Arvada, CO where she graduated from Arvada High School in 1971. She went on to graduate from Colorado State University in Ft Collins, CO in 1975 with degree in Psychology.
She was the beloved mother of Amanda R. Shands who resides in Windsor, CO and Rachel A. Howley, who resides in Queen Creek, AZ with her husband, Benjamin. Karla was the dear grandmother of their two daughters, Makenzie and Alexis. She is also survived by her mother, Marilyn Herdt and her brother, Ronald E. Herdt (of Denver, CO). She was preceded in death by her sister, Linda L. Herdt Hanson of Port Washington, WI and father, LeRoy E. Herdt of Sun Lakes, AZ and many more loving family and friends.
Karla began her long career in real estate in Ft. Collins, CO and later relocated to Sun Lakes, AZ in 2002. Most recently, she enjoyed an active career as a realtor with West USA Revelation Realty in Chandler, AZ.
Karla enjoyed walking the beautiful Sun Lakes neighborhood and spending time with her family. Karla had a beautiful heart and soul and loved her family. She was kind and generous and a friend to all. She leaves behind many caring relatives and friends.
The family is planning a private Celebration of Life service to be held in Denver, CO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karla’s name to the Research Society, Attn: Development Department, 555 E. Wells Street, Suite 1100, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
David Wagoner
The Denver Broncos lost a No. 1 fan on February 8, 2016, one day after The Big Game win.
David Wagoner was born on July 14, 1937, in Philadelphia and spent most of his childhood in Petoskey, Michigan. At age 16, he and his family moved to Colorado Springs. He graduated from the University of Northern Colorado.
Dave’s career included teaching, coaching and administration duties in the Littleton CO school district. In addition to working and sponsoring extra-curricular activities, Dave served as president of the Littleton Education Association and the Interfaith Task Force. He was awarded the Littleton Independent Public Servant of the Year in 1966 and the Sertoma Club Service to Mankind Award in 1980.
Dave was a loyal Bronco fan who also enjoyed fishing, golf, travel and music. A resident of Sun Lakes since 2003, Dave was active in Neighbors Who Care and served on an HOA committee.
Dave and Marcia were married in 1994, with an eventual blended family of eight children, twelve grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. They include his birth children Allison (Mark) Pells of Denver and their three kids Zachary, Jordan, and Claire; Pete (Joy) of Eaton, CO, and their two sons Peter Jr. and Kyle; Kathi of Commerce City, her daughter Meghann (Eldon) and great-grandaughter Ava. Stepchildren include Amber Bushman (Travis) of La Habra, CA and their children Henry and Tempe; Ansley Bloomer (Mike) of Middlesex, VT; Amy (Hans) Williams of Kennesaw, GA, and their sons James and Payten; Kirk Linden of Phoenix and his kids Indigo and Tashi.
Services took place in Englewood CO. A celebration of life is planned for later in Sun Lakes AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at Interfaith Community Services or the ALS Association.
Dave will be greatly missed.