Michael Brown
Michael Brown came into the world as a blessing on October 22, 1935, in London, England. After spending his early years in Dublin with his loving mother Kitty and Grandmother, he returned to London at the age of 11 to reunite with his elder brothers Basil and Dick briefly before health issues compelled him to recoup in Switzerland for the next two years.
After recouping he returned to London and continued his education at a boarding school and apprenticed for seven years (as was the norm then) to successfully complete the examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Michael became a proud father to his son Richard soon after his marriage to Anne before receiving a letter of commission signed by Her Majesty the Queen to bravely serve his country in Germany. After his return, Michael was presented with an opportunity to work for the Blue Cross Blue Shield in America, so along with his family they decided to cross the great Atlantic and set their roots here.
Love and joy were conferred on Michael again when he first met the love of his life Joann on May 4, 1994. Realizing they had met their soul mates they solidified their commitment to each other and God after brief courtship on September 20, 1997.
Be it volunteering with the Knights of Columbus or being an active member of Our Lady of Knock Catholic Church, in IL, or singing with St. Stephen’s choir, and the Sun Lakes Chorale here in Arizona, his faith was an integral part of his life and legacy.
Michael and Joann decided to live their golden years closer to friends and family in Sun Lakes, Arizona, while making memories traveling all over the world. He was particularly keen about playing bridge, trivia, and golf besides all the indelible evenings of happy hour cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Their annual St. Patrick’s Day parties were always something to look forward to.
Grandpa Michael was the highlight of his grandchildren’s lives whom he doted on and adored.
Michael lived a full life and found eternal peace on October 5, 2021, reuniting with his beloved parents Fred and Kitty along with his brothers and favorite Aunt Kiki whom he missed tremendously.
Michael is survived by the love of his life Joann (wife), Richard (son), Mary (daughter in law), James and family (nephew), Claire and family (niece), and Joann’s children Sid (son), Kathy (daughter in law), Mary Eileen (daughter), Ubaid (son in law) and three beautiful grandchildren Sophia (Richard & Mary), Aara (Mary Eileen & Ubaid) and Zenadeen (Mary Eileen & Ubaid).
Eileen Elizabeth Chase
Eileen Elizabeth Chase, 88, passed away peacefully in Grand Junction, Colo., surrounded by her loving family, on May 25, 2020. Eileen was born in Parsons, Kan. She lived most of her childhood in Virginia, returning to Parsons for her senior year in high school. After graduating, she worked as an office assistant and secretary for the National Gypsum Company where she met her future husband. She then became a flight attendant for TWA airlines, meeting many famous celebrities who were thrilled to have a beautiful hostess with a wonderful Virginian accent to help with their flights. She married Albert L. Chase on Aug. 7, 1954, and she became a dedicated mother to her three children. She then pursued a degree in nursing and was an excellent nurse to her many patients in Denver area hospitals. After living in Denver for 28 years, she and her husband Albert moved to sunny Arizona where they spent many beautiful days golfing and socializing with their many wonderful friends in Sun Lakes.
Eileen was an adventurous traveler, taking trips to faraway destinations including China, Japan, Israel, Egypt, Hong Kong, Singapore, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, and many Caribbean Islands.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Albert L. Chase, her parents Joseph and Teresa O’Brien, and her brother Billy O’Brien. She is survived by her children: Cindy Sims, Clayton Chase, and Elizabeth Chase; two granddaughters; and two great-granddaughters.
Eileen was laid to rest at Valley of the Sun in Chandler, Ariz., on Oct. 8, 2021, at 10 a.m. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
Barbara Jean Cloar
Barbara Jean Cloar was born Dec. 9, 1948, in Elgin, Ill. She was the daughter of Henry John (Sonny) and Elane Bohlin Siems. Barbara passed away Sept. 23, 2021, at Chandler Regional Hospital, Chandler, Ariz., after a tumultuous battle with Stiff Persons Syndrome.
The family moved to Merrill, Wisc., when Barbara was a child. She pursued her childhood dream of becoming a nurse, starting as a nurse’s aide during her high school years. She graduated with honors from Merrill High School in 1966. Barbara then moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., with her parents and gained admission to the Good Samaritan School of Nursing at Good Samaritan Hospital, Phoenix, Ariz. The next three years she excelled in her studies, Glee Club, etc., and graduated as president of her senior class with honors in 1970. After working a short time at Good Samaritan Hospital, Barbara took a position as scrub nurse for a Scottsdale OBGYN firm. Seeking a change, Barbara was employed by Scottsdale Memorial Hospital where she rose through the ranks, eventually becoming charge nurse on the VIP floor. It should be noted that Barbara never went to work as a nurse without having her symbol of achievement (her nurse’s cap) on her head, even during the ‘90s when it became passe.
On May 6, 1976, Barbara was united in marriage to Robert B. Cloar, Sr., M.D. Robert practiced in Scottsdale, Ariz., where Barbara worked part time in his office. She readily became a member of the Scottsdale and Maricopa County Medical Wives Auxiliary. In 1979 the Cloars moved to Sioux Falls, S.D., where Barbara chose to be a “stay at home” mom to their youngest son. Upon moving to Madisonville, Ky., Robert took a position as Family Practice Director of the Trover Clinic where Barbara was employed in the coronary unit. She was also a member of the Wives Medical Association and honored by the State Board of Nursing for exceptional work during her employment at the clinic. After becoming ill in 1990 and after seeing numerous doctors, Barbara was finally diagnosed three years later with Stiff Person Syndrome. She then gave up her dream of nursing and took a job as a sex education instructor at the Hopkins County Rural Schools in Kentucky. After her diagnosis, The Cloars were advised by Barbara’s doctor to leave Kentucky and move to Arizona where Barbara could receive the therapy she needed. She endured this dreaded disease for 31 years, always with a positive attitude.
Barbara enjoyed cooking, collecting angels, traveling, and most of all dressing her doll, which she proudly displayed on her patio on the 17th green on Palo Verde golf course for everyone to enjoy. She was a member of PEO Sisterhood in Kentucky and Arizona.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband Robert; three stepsons: Dr. Robert Jr (Patty), Stephen (Cindy), and Bryan (Debbie); six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and sister Diane Siems.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Services will be held at the United Methodist Church, Sun Lakes, Ariz., on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers and to honor Barb, donations may be made to Nord Inc-Donations, Dept 5930, P. O. Box 4110, Woburn, MA 01888. Your donation will help in finding a cure for Stiff Person Disease. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com for the Cloar family.
Nancy Jane Davis
On Aug. 28, 2021, Nancy Jane Davis passed away at her Sun Lakes, Ariz., home. Nancy was born in Kingston, Pa., on Jan. 8, 1946, to Francis and Theresa Babinski.
Nancy grew up in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. In March 1967 she moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a secretary stenographer. She worked for the FBI for 14 years, and in 1981, transferred to the Department of the Interior. During her tenure at the Department of the Interior, she rose to the position of Business Manager for the Office of Information Resources Management under the Office of the Secretary of Interior. Nancy retired from the Department of Interior in April 2001.
After moving to Sun Lakes in 2004, she became involved in planning and hosting neighborhood events. She began playing golf with the Ironwood Lady Niners (IWLN) golf league and the Oakwood Nine Hole Couples league. She served on various committees for IWLN and also served as president for several years. Among her many interests, she enjoyed traveling, discovering new restaurants, meeting new friends, attending concerts and shows, and cooking, to name just a few.
Nancy is survived by her husband of 53 years, John (Jack) Davis. She is also survived by her son LTC Roger Davis, his wife Jessica, and granddaughter Ava of Evans, Ga., and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Francis and Theresa Babinski.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Heart Association or the Arizona Humane Society.
Richard E. (Dick) Haug
Richard E. (Dick) Haug passed away on Aug. 30 at his home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., at the age of 77. A memorial service will be held on Oct. 29 in Sun Lakes, Ariz. Arrangements entrusted to Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery in Chandler, Ariz., valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com, 480-895-9232.
Raymond B. Lanctot, Sr.
Raymond B. Lanctot, Sr., passed away on Sept. 4, 2021, in Westlake Village, Calif. His difficult battle with cancer showed his incredible strength to the end.
Born in Maine on May 9, 1933, the fifth child of Joseph A. Lanctot and Bertha M. (Beede), his family moved to New Hampshire where Ray met the love of his life, Janice Wilson, at Central High School in Manchester. Following his Army service stationed in Germany during the Korean War, he returned home to marry, complete his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at the University of New Hampshire, and accepted a job with Hughes Aircraft Company in Fullerton, Calif. While working and raising a family, Ray completed a master’s degree in electrical engineering at the University of Southern California.
Ray and Jan built an amazing life together. With family as priority, they had four children: Lisa, Lori, Raymond Jr., and Mary; 14 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. For over 30 years, they made their home in Placentia, Calif., and retired in Sun Lakes, Ariz. Love for adventure, travel, golfing, camping, and fishing found them exploring—first throughout the United States and Canada, then Asia through his job at Hughes, and finally as retirees: the world. They committed to taking each of their 14 grandchildren on a special trip to a far-off destination. He was ever curious about the world and always ready to plan the next adventure and help his family adventure, too.
Ray always loved to stop and have an ice cream wherever his travels took him, but his very favorite ice cream shop was Goldenrod in Manchester, N.H. Ice cream turned a normal day into a celebration.
Ray is survived by his wife Janice, his daughter Lisa and son-in-law Dave Wolf, son Ray Jr. and daughter-in-law Catherine, daughter Mary and son-in-law Mel Herbert, son-in-law Dave Baird and daughter-in-law Liz, his oldest brother Joe Lanctot, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ray was predeceased by his parents, four siblings, and daughter Lori Lanctot Baird. A remarkable father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was so loved. He will be missed by all.
Ray will be honored in a Celebration of Life at Loma Vista Memorial Park, 701 East Bastanchury Road, Fullerton, Calif. Ray had a special place in his heart for the work of Living Room International in Kenya. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Living Room International Ministries at www.livingroominternational.org.
William Patrick Manley
William Patrick Manley, 83, died on Sept. 24, 2021, at home in Sun Lakes, Ariz.
Funeral services were held at Saints Mary and Joseph Church in Carlinville, Ill., on Oct. 9, with inurnment of ashes at Calvary Cemetery.
Bill was born in Streator, Ill., on March 3, 1938, a son of John Patrick and Katherine Loretta Kane Manley. He grew up in Wenona, Ill., and graduated from Wenona High School in 1956. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, and a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
He was a teacher in Illinois public schools, including 26 years in the Carlinville Community Unit District where he served as a guidance counselor and social studies teacher. Additionally, he coached both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams at the junior and senior high school levels.
In 1999, he and his wife relocated to Sun Lakes. He enjoyed sports, Dixieland jazz, old movies, and concerts. In Sun Lakes, he was a longtime member of the Prime Time bowlers.
He married Judith Davis on Aug. 17, 1963, and they recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.
He is survived by his wife, sons Patrick of Litchfield, Ill., and James (Irma) of Scottsdale, and a daughter Janet Arias of Mesa. Three grandsons (Jackson, Sachem, and Dante) also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, John and Jeremiah.
Helen G. Saxton
Helen G. Saxton passed away on Sept, 17, 2021, at The Renaissance in Sun Lakes, Ariz., at the age of 94.
Helen was born Oct. 28, 1926, in Taylorville, Ill. She was a longtime resident of Palo Verde. She enjoyed golf and daily walks and was a member of the Sun Lakes Hiking Club, the Chordaires, the Red Hats, and the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church.
Helen is survived by her four children: Dave Livingston (Judy) of Sun Lakes; Dawn Abrahamson (Jon) of Cleveland, Ohio; Tim Livingston (Diane) of Howell, Mich.; and John Livingston (Nelly) of Phoenix; step-children: Patricia Painter (John) of Chandler and Bill Saxton (Lisa Goffinan) of Dallas, Texas; and many grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a step-great-great-granddaughter.
Services were held at Valley of the Sun Mortuary on Oct. 28, 2021, which would have been her 95th birthday.
Gloria Jean Wilson
Gloria Jean Wilson of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on July 29, 2021, at the age of 80, after enduring a long battle with kidney disease.
Gloria was born on March 26, 1941, to Morris and Irene Wise. She was raised on the family farm with nine siblings in Lemmon, S.D.
Gloria was married to Johnny Wilson and spent her early adult life in Miles City, Mont., where she ran a gaming business before retiring to Sun Lakes in 1984 for her love of the golf game.
While living in Sun Lakes, she was active in the Cottonwood Ladies Golf League where she had two holes-in-one on the same 13th hole—20 years apart! Her patio at the Cottonwood 10th hole tee box gave her a great time visiting and joking with those enjoying their golf game.
During her 37 years in Sun Lakes, Gloria enjoyed her social life with parties at her home and at friends’ homes. Also, time spent at Mulligans and the Cottonwood restaurant were always a favorite. She enjoyed visiting and making new friends to invite to her next party.
Always one to look for new opportunities, she owned a candle and wall hanging company where she used her creativity to produce her works of art, which she sold (and gifted to friends), displaying them at craft shows around the State of Arizona.
She is preceded in death by her husband Johnny, son Collin, her parents, three brothers, and three sisters.
Gloria is survived by her daughter Connie Wilson of Scottsdale, Ariz.; three brothers: Hardy Wise of Sun Lakes, Rodney (Connie) Wise of Lemmon, S.D., and Morgan (Rendy) Wise of Lemmon, S.D.
There will be a celebration of her life held at a later date.
Harold Wochholz
Harold (Hal) Wochholz, 90, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., and more recently Portsmouth, N.H., passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 19. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Phyllis Wochholz, and leaves his son Hetz Wochholz, daughter Julie Pollard, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Hal graduated from Albion High in Michigan, having had great success playing sports. Lucky for him, he was dating the class valedictorian, so school work also got done! In 1950 while at Purdue trying to make the football team, the Korean War broke out. Hal enlisted in the U.S. Navy and got into electronics, setting up his pursuit of an electrical engineering degree at Michigan State University (Go Spartans!) and a rewarding 56-year professional career. Hal always said that none of that would have happened without his time in the service.
It was also during his Navy service that Hal began his fight with polio. At first devastated by disease, and then strengthened by determination, Hal’s positive attitude gave him remarkable perseverance for combating lifelong challenges. His substantial efforts working to eradicate polio through the Rotary’s End Polio Now drive are well known.
Hal was a friend to many through his support of the Arizona Humane Society and Michigan State University Resource Center for People with Disabilities. Never one to be idle, his volunteer efforts supporting church and community endeavors followed him throughout his years. Hal’s wealth of friends made sending holiday cards quite the task! His passion for living energized us all.
The family would like to thank the staff at Wentworth Senior Living for their care and compassion shown to Hal. In lieu of flowers, please join Hal in his fight to eradicate polio by making a donation to Rotary’s End Polio site at endpolio.org.