In Passing

David Marvin Deerhake

David Marvin Deerhake, named after his father F. Marvin Deerhake, was the much-wanted only son of Marvin and Mabel Knoll Deerhake. David was born on Dec. 25, 1951, and died on May 31, 2021, after a long fight with cancer. In the 1950s, mom and babe stayed a whole week in hospital, and his hapless sisters had to wait a whole week for their Christmas gifts, but he was his mom’s gift to his dad! Born in Syracuse, N.Y., the family relocated to Arizona (where he grew up) when he was five years old. He attended Scottsdale schools and Arcadia and Scottsdale High School. He had degrees from community colleges and the Arizona Institute of Electronic Technology. He worked for years at The Clotherie, as a field technician for KIS Photo, and in the field of fiber optics. He worked in California, Arizona, Atlanta, Georgia, and Alaska (his favorite).

David fought several years with serious cancer and passed away in Chandler, Ariz., on May 31. He was a kind and generous man and helped family and friends with computer services and in other ways. A number of tributes have been received calling him “my best friend” and one who would do anything for you.

David is survived by two sisters: Claire Anderson of Raleigh, N.C., and Carol Jakes of Tucson; brother-in-law Darryl Jakes; niece Stephanie Jakes Potts and children; nephews Steve Jakes, Ted Lemcke, and Eric (and son Connor) Lemcke (of Tucson, North Carolina, and Florida); and by many friends. He was preceded in death by parents, a dear aunt, and several good friends. He chose cremation and will have ashes spread in Alaska.

Fred DeRosa

Fred DeRosa passed away peacefully at home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., on Dec. 29, 2020, from heart failure. He was a Sun Lakes resident for almost 30 years. He was blessed to have recently celebrated his 92nd birthday. Fred was born on Nov. 16, 1928, in Chicago. He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Georgette, daughter Doreen, his parents, and brothers. He is survived by his sister Gilda and his children: Concetta, Pasquale, Dina (Scott), and Dana (Adam). Fred was incredibly proud of his 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Fred graduated elementary school from Our Lady of Angels in Chicago in 1942 and high school from St. Philip Basilica in 1946. Following high school, Fred became involved in the family-run business DeRosa and Sons Tailors & Cleaners. He owned and operated locations in the Chicago suburbs until 1983.

Fred met the love of his life, Georgette Hartmann, at bowling lanes in Chicago in 1955, and they were married Jan. 22, 1956, at Our Lady of Angels.

Fred was a member of the 1951 ABC World Champions Bowling Team. Fred entered the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was the Recreation Specialist at the Fort Sill Army Base in Oklahoma. In 1953, Fred was captain and team member of the Fort Sill Bowling Team that won the Fourth Army Bowling Championship in Sam Houston, Texas.

Fred was a 30-year member of the IBEW Local Union 134 as a pari-mutuel clerk at Illinois racetracks and off-track parlors.

A Celebration of Life was held for Fred on Friday, June 11, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Valley of the Sun Cemetery, 10940 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, AZ 85248, in the chapel mausoleum. Memorial donations may be made to Korean War Vets, Chapter 132, in Chandler, Ariz.

Bill Howell

Bill Howell of Sun Lakes passed away on May 28, 2021, at the age of 96. Bill was born in Hamilton, Mo. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Maurine; son Steve who resides in Sun Lakes; son Gary of Olathe, Kan.; seven grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Bill and Maurine lived in Sun Lakes for the last 36 years. Prior to moving to Sun Lakes, they lived in Kansas City, Mo. Bill was a Marine and World War II veteran. He retired in 1980 from the U.S. Postal Service. He was also a professional trumpet player. He played in numerous Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies in Sun Lakes and was a member of the Max Pillar Band that played around the Valley. He also had his own four-piece combo band that played for dances locally in Sun Lakes. He was a member of the Tennis Club and actively played tennis until age 89. He played in numerous tennis tournaments held throughout the years. He enjoyed riding his bicycle until he was 92. After he stopped riding his bicycle, he walked faithfully nearly every day. He also enjoyed playing bridge and staying active in the Sun Lakes community. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He will be interred in the National Memorial Cemetery in Cave Creek in a private ceremony, and a Celebration of Life may be held at a future time.

Richard A. McKimmy

Richard A. McKimmy was a “self-made man.” He was born on Aug. 5, 1930, in Toledo, Ohio, and passed away on June 4, 2021, in Sun Lakes.

Dick was a proud Marine, avid traveler, skier, private pilot, and scuba diver, yet beyond his many accomplishments, he was admired and truly loved by so many. Starting his own business in 1963, it did not take long before success was achieved. Generous to anyone and everyone, son Patrick and wife Donna proudly continue the McKimmy business today. Dick and his wife Kathy moved to Vail, Colo., where skiing and hosting family and friends became their new life. Sun Lakes became their home in 2006 where so many wonderful friends became their new family.

Dick leaves behind his wife Kathy, German Shepherd “Big Boy,” extended family, and friends.

Robert Francis Miller

Robert (Bob) Francis Miller, 77, passed away on May 26, 2021, in Phoenix. Born to Albert and Grace (Kreul) Miller in 1943, one of eight children, he was raised in Madison and graduated from Edgewood High School in 1962. He married Georgian Marking, moved to Arizona, and raised three children: David (Sharla) Miller, Michelle (Chris) Cooper, and Michael (Ruth) Miller. Bob had a gift for helping anyone in need. He was highly active in his church, bible studies, and mission work to Mexico. He had an enormous heart and special bond when it came to his grandchildren: Matthew (Ashley White), Jennifer (Ben) Warnick and their son Phillip, Sharon (Mason Fecht) Cooper, Dylan Cooper, and Emily Miller.

Whoever met Bob fell in love with his humor and his ability to converse. He taught many about faith, love, gratitude, and acceptance.

Bob is survived by his siblings: Jackie (Tom) McConley, JoAnn (Tom) Kassabaum, Ginny (Ted) Trulson, Pat (Sandy) Miller, Dawn (Fran) Schwartz, Diane (Shirley Craanen) Miller, and half-sister Nancy (Bill) Bolton. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Georgian, and brother Capuchin Friar Loran Miller.

If you wish, donations may be made to Sun Lakes Community Church, or remember Bob to a charity of your choice.

Bart John Nigro, Sr.

On his 83rd birthday, Tuesday, April 27, 2021, Bart John Nigro, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and family member, passed away peacefully in Chandler, Ariz.

Bart was born on April 27, 1938, in Buffalo, N.Y. to Daniel and Virginia (Perritano) Nigro. He graduated from Canisius College in 1960 with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and started his career at Bell Aerosystems during the early days of computer science. He was involved in the Catholic Youth Organization, where he met Valerie, and the two married in 1968. When he became a father to Bart, Jr., Linnea, Brian, and Kimberly, he shifted his career to teaching at Niagara Community College so he could spend more time with his family. In 1980, after a short stint working in Sierra Vista, Ariz., as a government contractor, he moved his family from New York State to Tempe, Ariz., to accept a position with Motorola. Bart had a brilliant mind for math, physics, and computer science and a successful engineering and teaching career of which he was proud.

However, Bart’s family always came first, whether he was helping his mother or mother-in-law or taking Valerie and the kids on family vacations, out for a meal, or on family outings. He even brought his wife and children on some of his business trips, such as to Washington, D.C.; 1,000 Islands; and Munich, Germany. Bart and Valerie kept strong family ties in the Buffalo area and spent summers there visiting family and friends. Later in life, he became an active grandfather to his seven grandchildren and would visit his nearby daughter Kimberly and her family every Sunday.

Bart and Valerie’s common faith created a foundation for their marriage and family. Bart and Valerie were active members of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish for many years, and Bart was a member of the Knights of Columbus. After he retired from Motorola, Bart and Valerie volunteered for 10 years with St. Vincent de Paul, and Bart also helped people do their taxes. They took Bart’s trip of a lifetime to Jerusalem in 2000. After moving from Tempe to Sun Lakes in 2013, they became involved in St. Steven’s Parish where they made many new friends.

Bart was preceded in death by his father Daniel, his mother Virginia, and his son Bart, Jr. He is survived by his wife Valerie, his daughter Linnea, his son Brian, his daughter Kimberly (Walter Douglas), seven grandchildren (Madeline, Isabella, Nathaniel, Christopher, Sheamus, Bart John-Paul, and Ginger), his brother Daniel, his sister Marie (John Miller), and various in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Donations may be made in Bart’s memory to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Arizona or St. Steven’s Catholic Church in Sun Lakes.

Theodore “Ted” Dean Reddy

Theodore “Ted” Dean Reddy, 73, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., returned to his Heavenly Father peacefully in his home on June 8, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones.

Ted was born in Ketchum, Idaho, on June 27, 1947, to Vera Lenore Young and James Ernest Reddy. Growing up in Ketchum, Idaho, he participated in the Junior Olympics in downhill skiing and developed a strong passion for the great outdoors, especially fly fishing. Moving on to Pocatello, Idaho, he graduated from Highland High School where he met many lifelong friends. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1966, entering as an airman and later becoming military police in Aviano, Italy. In 1973 he met, fell in love, and married Joyce McClure of Twin Falls, Idaho. With Joyce, he had two daughters, Jamie and Lindsey.

Ted worked as a marketing manager for several casinos before moving to California to start working for the airlines. Ted retired from Alaska Airlines in 2008. It was there that he met the love of his life, Lynda. They were married in 1996 in Alaska.

Ted was a truly kind and outgoing person. He loved to travel. Some of his favorite places were Hawaii, Mexico, or even San Diego for a weekend, just to be near the water. Ted was also a devoted golfer and shared his love of golf with Lynda. Animals also filled Ted’s heart with happiness. He saved many from the Humane Society.

Ted is preceded in death by his parents Vera Lenore Young and James Ernest Reddy, brother James Thomas Reddy, and sister Lynn Carol Reddy. He is survived by his wife Lynda Reddy, daughters Jamie (Kevin) Humphries and Lindsey (Mike) Workman, eight grandchildren (Hailey, Mason, Owen, Rory, Honor, Wyatt, Kassidy, and Paisley), sister Julie (Linn) Wallace, nephew Scott, and niece Amy.

At this time, we would like to thank all of those who have reached out, on behalf of our family, for the kind words and fond memories that were shared. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society. A Celebration of Life was held on June 26 at the Reddy residence from 2 to 6 p.m.

Donna Marie “Campbell” Reese

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend Donna Marie “Campbell” Reese passed away on the evening of May 8, 2021, at the age of 78 after a courageous battle with dementia. Donna was born in Carrolltown, Pa., on Nov. 5, 1942, and grew up in Colver, Pa. She married her husband of 54 years, Reginald Cloyd Reese, on Feb. 27, 1967. They had two children together: Thomas and Theresa. Donna loved traveling the world and was able to live in Thailand, where her son Thomas was born. She also lived in Arlington, Va., for a time; Hoffman Estates, Ill., for 20 years; Severna Park, Md., for 15 years; and Sun Lakes, Ariz., for 17 years. Reg and Donna moved to Sun Lakes in 2004 where they built their dream retirement home, complete with a backyard pool. Donna was also an avid reader and enjoyed bowling.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents Norman and Lillian Campbell. She is survived by her brother William Campbell, sister Margaret Hoover, husband Reginald C. Reese, son Thomas, daughter Theresa, and four adoring grandchildren: Zachary, Ashley, Tori, and Connor.

Services will be held at Yurs Funeral Home in St. Charles, Ill.

Loren Wayne Schieber

Loren Wayne Schieber, 84 years, passed away on Dec. 24, 2020. Loren was born Feb. 1, 1936, to Lourine and Victor Schieber in Morton, Ill. He was number four son of the Victor Schieber family.

He attended school in the Morton School system, playing on several of the sports teams. He delivered the newspaper every morning before school. During high school, in the summer, he detasseled corn and also worked at the canning factory. After high school, he joined the Air Force. He was assigned to Denver, Colo., after his basic training in Texas.

He taught classes to new, incoming people. He never talked about his work, as most was top-secret stuff.

He met his wife while in Denver at the USO where she volunteered after work and on the weekend when she could. They married in April of 1958 in Goodland, Kan. (Ann’s hometown).

After he left the service of four years, he went to tech school in Kansas City. When he finished that school, he was hired by Sandia Corp. of Albuquerque, N.M. Guess what his work was—again top-secret things. My friends had a hard time, because they would ask me about his work, and they would not believe me that I didn’t know what he did.

While in Albuquerque, they had a son, Russell, and later a daughter, Colleen. Russell now lives in Fort Collins, Colo. Colleen is married and lives with her husband Scott Jamison in Issaquah, Wash. She has two children: Delaney (just graduated college with a master’s degree) and Cameron who is a second-year student in college.

Loren left Sandia Corp. after several years, moved to Kansas for a year, and then took a job as a teacher at a Vo-Tec school in Sidney, Neb. He really liked teaching the young men at the college. So, one Friday at the end of a semester, he decided to go to Colorado to check out Kodak. He wanted to see if he was teaching the right things. They said they couldn’t tell him what type of work they did unless he was applying for a job. So, he thought, “Okay.” Well, when next I saw him, he hands me a paper, and I ask, “What is this?” He said they want me to come work for them, and this is what they offered me. He told them we were headed for vacation. They said to think about it and call within two weeks. That was a hard two weeks, but he called them and said, “I will take the job.” So, he was there for 27 years. He loved his work and still was not talking about what he did, except it had something to do with x-ray film, etc.

When he retired in January of 1998, we moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz. We have had a wonderful life here. We made some good friends and have a great church family. He leaves his wife Electa (goes by Ann) Ella Schieber, son Russell, daughter Colleen Schieber Jamison, her husband Scott, granddaughter Delaney Jamison, and grandson Cameron Jamison. He also leaves a brother, Robert, of Texas, brother Donald of Morton, Ill., brother Leon and wife Ellen, and lots of cousins in the Schieber family in the Congerville area of Ill. He has joined his father Victor, mother Lourine, brother Alyn, and others in heaven.

There will be a service for Loren Schieber at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church located at 739 W. Erie, Chandler, Ariz., on July 17, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. Memorials will go to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church or to Habitat for Humanity.

Lenore “Samm” Shaffer

Lenore “Samm” Shaffer of Oakwood passed away on May 12, 2021, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Originally from Detroit, Mich., Samm lived in Sun Lakes since 1986 but moved there permanently in 2000 after retiring from Chrysler.

She volunteered with CAP, Neighbors Who Care, and the California Angels, and made hats for newborns at the hospital and many other organizations. She was an artist who loved to knit, paint, and create other beautiful things. She also enjoyed cruising. Samm had a smile that would light up any room. She made friends with practically everyone she met.

More than anything, Samm loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She was extremely proud of her family. She would talk often with anyone who would listen about their accomplishments, their families, and how much she loved them.

She is preceded in death by her parents Howard and Mary, sister Roberta, and brothers William and Howard. She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Al; son John (Susan) of Roseville, Mich.; daughter Barbara (Jonathan) of Macomb, Mich.; son Alex (Katie) of Chandler, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; nieces: Lenore (Pat), Stephanie (Jason), Lenore, and Janine; nephew Raymond; sisters-in-law: Christine (James) and Janet; brother-in-law Dennis; and seven great-nieces and nephews. The family would also like to thank the memory care staff at The Renaissance in Sun Lakes and Dr. Roger Rose in Sun Lakes for their exceptional care and compassion. In Samm’s memory, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.

John Smith

John Smith passed away peacefully into glory on May 25, 2021. He was born in Peoria, Ill., on Nov. 23, 1930. John married Anita Pelini in January, 1961, and lived in Chillicothe, Ill., where they raised their four sons. John worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company for 32 years before retiring and moving to Arizona. John lost Anita in March, 1988.

John began a second career with Robson Communities/Pima Utility where he worked for another 25 years before retiring for a second time in 2018. He married Carol Jayne in July of 1993. He is survived by his wife Carol; sister Barbara; sons Tim, Ted, and Tyler; stepsons Jimmy and John; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John is preceded in death by his wife Anita, son Tony, and his four siblings.

John was active in the Sun Lakes Lions Club for many years as well as the Caterpillar Retirement Community. He loved life, family, and friends.

A graveside service was held in Chillicothe, Ill., at 1 p.m. on June 1, 2021. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Gilbert United Methodist Church in Gilbert at 331 S. Cooper Road, Gilbert, AZ 85233, at 10 a.m. on July 10, 2021, followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers or plants, please send donations to the Gilbert United Methodist Church Music Ministry.

Margaret Elizabeth Spivey

Margaret Elizabeth Spivey passed away in her Sun Lakes home on May 8, 2021, after a several years’ battle with dementia. Margaret was born in Portland, Ore., on Oct. 9, 1925, into an active and sports-minded family. Her parents were avid golfers and mountain climbers. Margaret grew up with a passion for horses, golf, and baseball. She was the scorekeeper for her Washington High School baseball team. On her honeymoon, she survived a horrific head-on collision, going through the windshield, resulting in a broken jaw, the loss of several teeth, a concussion, and multiple cuts and trauma. Amazingly, she recovered fully and led an active life. Her first marriage did not last long but resulted in the birth of her only child, Lindsey. After leaving her abusive husband, she and her baby moved in with her parents.

Margaret met her second (and last) husband through golf. Margaret was an excellent golfer with a low handicap of 4 at one time. Glenn Spivey was a golf pro, playing primarily in local tournaments and working as a club pro, giving golf lessons and repairing golf clubs. Margaret and Glenn married when Lindsey was three years old. Margaret went to work as a legal secretary and continued in that profession until her retirement. She put her daughter through college, was President of the Portland Legal Secretaries Association, was active in Daughters of the Nile, including a year as Queen, was an active member of the Nile Patrol for several years, and performed with the Patrol at many national conventions.

Margaret loved the arts, especially dance. While she didn’t participate much in dance, she loved watching it. She took up oil painting in mid-life and created many beautiful paintings. Her love for baseball transferred to her daughter, and they attended many Portland Beavers baseball games together. Baseball is actually what led to her move to Arizona. When the Portland baseball team was moved to Salt Lake City in the early ‘90s, her daughter took her on a trip to Arizona for the first time. And then they went back the next year, visiting many areas of the state. And that led to a discussion of moving to Arizona for the warm sun and the prospect of a major league baseball team. In June of ‘96, Margaret and her daughter packed up all their belongings and two dogs and caravanned to Sun Lakes. In 2005 they became season ticket holders for the Diamondbacks and still remain so.

On moving to Sun Lakes, Margaret joined the local Daughters of the Nile and took up painting ceramics instead of canvases. In 2007 Margaret had her first breast cancer diagnosis, but it was caught very early. She underwent several weeks of intense radiation, which eradicated the cancer but also took a toll on her body. She became weak and ended up in a wheelchair, walking only with the aid of a walker. A few years later, she had another small cancerous lump removed and underwent an easier, localized radiation. Not long after, the first signs of memory loss started to appear. It was a gradual progression over the years, but anyone who has experienced dementia in a loved one knows how awful this disease is in how it not only affects the person, but also the family members. It is a devastating thing to watch your loved one slowly disappear. Thankfully, the end came in her own bed in the loving care of her daughter. The dogs and her daughter all kissed her goodbye.

Margaret was cremated and sent to the Portland Mausoleum where she joins her husband Glenn, sister Evelyn, and her parents Agnes and Boyd Williams in eternity. She will be forever missed.

Michael P. Stegina, Sr.

On May 20, 2021, Michael P. Stegina, Sr., went to join the love of his life, his wife Gail, in heaven. He left behind a loving family who will miss him very much. He left a legacy of three children: Sandra McNatt, Carrie Smith, and Michael Stegina, Jr.; their spouses: Kyle McNatt, Larisa Stegina, and Scott Wilson; four grandchildren: Kristen Reeves, Joshua McNatt, Danielle Butler, and Nicole Kirkland; two step-grandchildren: Tayver and Jayden Wilson; and two great-grandsons: Brody Butler and Wade Reeves.

Mike was born in Connecticut, and soon after returning from his time in Vietnam with the Army, he took a chance and moved his family to Arizona. Mike spent the next 30 years of his life in the car service industry as a service director before retiring to the community of Sun Lakes. He and Gail established many friendships along their journey in life. They always surrounded themselves with good people.

Throughout his life, Mike had an interest in photography, space/astronomy, and geology. As a young man, he loved hunting and camping, and as he got older, he loved hunting for the perfect rock specimens to cut and polish and display. We all have a famous “Mike Stegina bear or bison” on the shelf in our own home or office. He loved making these and sharing his hobbies with others.

As his children were older, he decided he and his wife Gail were going to see the world, and see the world they did. Mike and Gail visited every continent in the world, enjoying beautiful landscapes and meeting amazing people. There was nothing they loved more than planning a trip and retelling the stories of their many adventures.

Although we are all very sad to see you go, Dad/Grandpa/Great-Grandpa/Friend, we are happy that you are now with the love of your life, Gail Stegina. We all know how much you missed her. We love you and will cherish the memories of so many family times with you and Mom.

Visitation was at Buehler Funeral Home, 14 Hulet Drive, Chandler, Ariz., at 4 p.m. on June 2, 2021.

Immediately following this was a Celebration of Life with food and drinks at Mike Stegina’s residence in Sun Lakes.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lost Our Home Pet Rescue, 2323 S. Hardy Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282, www.LostOurHome.org.

Beverly Joan Ware

Beverly Joan Ware (Price), 70, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at her home. Beverly was born in Kenton, Ohio, on October 19, 1950, to Glenn and Ruth Price. She graduated from The Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio, with a B.S. in Education in 1972 and achieved a Master’s Degree in Human Services from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2002. Beverly was employed as a Market Research Manager for Convergys Corporation for 34 years, retiring to Arizona in 2016. In her free time, she loved to paint, sketch, craft, and play with her beagle. She was devoted to her weekly trivia team, art group, active in Sun Lakes social groups, and the Mahjongg Club. Beverly is survived by her son Jeff, his wife Jennifer, and three grandchildren: Abigail, Madeline, and McKenna of Chandler, Ariz.; daughter Julie Ware of Sacramento, Calif.; sister Brenda Hixon and husband David Hixon of Westerville, Ohio; sister Glenda Warner of Westerville, Ohio; and her niece Emily Patrick and family of Columbus, Ohio. The visitation was at Valley of the Sun Mortuary in Chandler, Ariz., on June 19 from 9 to 11 a.m., with funeral and reception immediately following.