In Passing

Walter Howard Chambers

After a long, hard fight with his ageing heart, Walter Howard Chambers passed away on Jan. 16, 2020, while in Hospice care at the age of 90. Walter was married to his soulmate Owena Bassett Chambers, and they resided in Sun Lakes, AZ.

Walt was born June 22, 1929, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to father Frances Howard Chambers (Bud) and mother Anna Mae Chambers, who predeceased him. He grew up in a loving family with one brother, Frances Thomas Chambers Sr., deceased, and was raised in Iowa. Leaving home, he found his calling as an engineer where he helped to develop communication lines for all of Alaska.

Walt raised eight children: Patrick Howard Chambers, deceased; Larry Lee Chambers of Wasilla, AK; Valerie Lynn Chambers Ellard (Brian Ellard) of Sequim, WA; Vicki Marie Chambers Bain (Timothy Bain) of Vancouver, WA; Gregory Paul Chambers, deceased; Walter Scott Chambers (LeaAnn Chambers) of Harrisburg, OR; Kimberly Ann Bassett Bihn, deceased; and James Owen Bassett. Walter has 16 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Walt was a very intelligent man and a driven professional with an unmatched work ethic and a passionate love of reading in his free time. During his life, he was active in bowling, golf, and baseball and participated in bridge clubs and other activities in their community. He also loved his family and dogs Sam and Patches with all his heart. Walt had a few heart attacks in his past, which sadly and ultimately took him through his final days, but he never let that stop him from enjoying the finer things in life. Nevertheless, Walt, aka “Pops,” stayed strong, brave, and full of love until the very end. He was surrounded by his loving family and shared his last moment with his beautiful and loving wife.

Walt, even in his final days, had a love for learning and sharing his knowledge. He has requested to dedicate his body to further educating the world and has decided to donate his body to science. Walt had wished for his family to be together next Christmas as his family, over time, has grown, traveled, and settled in all over the country. Therefore, his memorial service will be held this coming December of 2020 with all his loving family together in honor and remembrance of Pops. Pops, you will never be forgotten and will be forever loved. The race is still on to win that nickel.

Donald Charles Froom

On Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, Don, wonderful husband of 16 years to Mary Swanson, passed away at the age of 84. Don was born in Manitoba, Canada, on June 16, 1935, to Melville and Alice (Moore) Froom. As a young adult, he moved to the United States and married Roberta (Jackson) in 1952. They had two children, Joy and Darryl.

In 1962, Don began his 35-year career at JB Nelson in Minneapolis, MN, as a commercial painter and project manager. Don enjoyed his dog Katy, his 1956 T-Bird, weekends at the cottage in Wisconsin, boating on Lake Minnetonka, wintering in Sun Lakes, AZ, playing cards, and spending time with friends and family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Maxwell, and his daughter Joy (Paul) Erickson. He is survived by his wife Mary (Crooker) Swanson of Spring Park, MN; his son Darryl of Fridley, MN; step-son Curt (Kym) Swanson of Minnetrista, MN; step-daughter Carrie (Tony) Kuznik of Orono, MN; his brothers Lorne, Russell (Carole), and Glen (Pearl), all of Manitoba, Canada; 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service is being planned for early June at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mound, MN. Announcement of service will be made in June. Memorials in honor of Don can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2451 Fairview Lane, Mound, MN 55364-1765.

Gerry H. Fullerton

Gerry H Fullerton, age 89, passed away on Feb. 4, 2020, in Chandler, AZ. Gerry was born in Wolf Point, MT, on Nov. 28, 1930, the son of Lina Hangas and Howlett Fullerton. The family lived in Culbertson, MT, at the time. The family moved to Havre, MT, in 1936, where Gerry attended grade school, and to Anaconda, MT, where he attended Anaconda High School, graduating in 1949. Gerry attended Montana State University in Bozeman, MT, graduating in 1955. While in college, he played on the varsity golf team and the gymnastic team, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corp, where he served for two years active duty, with a tour in Germany.

He married Theresa L. Kriskovich on Oct. 3, 1959, in Anaconda, MT. They had two sons, Gerry and Robert Fullerton, who both reside in Phoenix, AZ. Gerry was employed for a short time by the Anaconda Co. in Butte and Anaconda, MT, in the Engineering Department. He went to work for Mountain Bell Telephone in 1963 in Butte, MT, subsequently transferring to Helena, MT; Cheyenne, WY; and Riverton, WY, in 1974 as a District Engineer. He retired in 1986.

Gerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially golf. After retirement, he and his wife spent their summers in Wyoming and their winters in Arizona for a few years. They moved to Sun Lakes, AZ, in 1997. Gerry is survived by his wife Theresa, their sons Gerry (Aileen) and Robert (Sandy), grandchildren Timothy, Patrick, Katherine, Elizabeth, Kyle, and Ryan, as well as sister-in-law Lucille Villeneuve and nephews and nieces Martin (Madilon) Beatty, John (Nellie) Beatty, Tom (Kathy) Beatty, Debbie Brugman, Jenny Ann McNeil, and Bill Villeneuve, Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, and uncles.

A Funeral Mass was held in Gerry’s honor at St. Steven’s Catholic Church, 24827 S. Dobson Road, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248, on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, at 10 a.m.

Mary Bjorg Harper

Mary Bjorg Harper, 81, passed away peacefully with her husband at her side at Hospice’s Gardner Home on January 31, 2020, after a prolonged battle with Dementia. She was born on July 26, 1938, in Riverton, Wyoming and shortly after the family moved to Eugene, Oregon.

Preceding Mary were her father Ben Tatley, her Mother Sylvia Shields, stepfather John Shields, Stepson “Ron” Ronald Harper and her stepdaughter Diane Ramsey.

Mary is survived by Ralph, her husband of 43 years, stepson “Jerry” Gerald & his wife Nancy, Stepdaughter Ingrid Harper & her husband John, Stepson-in law Dick Ramsey. Seven Grandchildren; Paul, Jared, Astrid, Skye, Casey, Kristi and Melissa. Eight Great Grandchildren; Brannon, Arya, Tyler, Nick, Ian, Trevor, Reagan and Haylee.

Graduating from Willamette High School in 1956 Mary attended the University of Oregon for two years and in 1960 moved to Portland, Oregon. Mary was hired in 1969 by Crown Zellerback Paper Co. Mary retired in 1992 at 59 years old singing “Take this job and shove it, I’m not working here no more.”

1976 became an important year for two people; Ralph first met Mary through a mutual friend and from that time on she never stood a chance! Married in her parents’ front yard in 1977 was the start of a much too short love affair ending only after 43 memorable years together.

In 1986 Ralph was offered a position at Shasta Headquarters in San Francisco. Mary was not thrilled as she had spent the better part of her life in Oregon. In 1996, Anticipating Retirement soon, we decided to move to Sun Lakes, Arizona and have never looked back. In 1997 at age 71 Ralph retired.

Mary thrived in Sun Lakes. Mary loved shopping and enjoying numerous ladies’ group activities with her friends. She never hesitated to volunteer for a job when asked. She also enjoyed bowling and the many get-togethers with friends as couples. She and Ralph experienced extensive travels throughout their marriage.

It was always Mary’s wish that there would be no funeral. She wanted friends and family to be happy that we had so many good times together and that we could look back and know that this is what was the most important about this life we shared together. Mary will be interred in the water as she requested.

Douglas Edwin Harrison

Douglas Edwin Harrison, 82, passed away peacefully on Feb. 3, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Pearl Harrison and brother Donald Harrison. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Anthea, son Andrew (Sheri), daughter Karen (David), and grandchildren Lindsey and Jack.

Doug was born on June 20, 1937, in Toronto, Canada. During his childhood, he spent many summers helping on his grandparents’ farm. He was also very involved in the scouting program where he achieved his Queen’s Scout award. His entrepreneurial instincts began to develop when he started his paper route. He delivered more than 250 newspapers with the help of other kids he “hired.” His first real job was as manager of a Beneficial Finance office. However, a position with Avis Rent-A-Car caught his eye. While there, he was instrumental in implementing changes that were later adopted nationwide.

Next came a chance to move to the U.S. where he spent 30 years working for Thrifty Car Rental in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As a marketing executive, he travelled worldwide on behalf of the company. During this era, Doug introduced non-smoking cars. A highlight of his career was in 1975 when he, along with 21 other executives, was invited to the White House to meet with President Ford. After many successful years with Thrifty, Doug joined a travel consortium based in Dallas, where he applied his expertise to grow their travel sales. Before moving to Arizona, he spent several years as a consultant in Kansas City.

Doug was a very positive, hard-working individual. He never met a challenge he couldn’t conquer! A Celebration of Life was held on Feb. 22, 2020, at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church. Donations in Doug’s memory may be made to Neighbors Who Care.

Clark Lester Henry

Clark Lester Henry, known to friends and acquaintances as “Les,” born on April 4, 1934, in Independence, Missouri, “Trumanville,” as he called it, passed on Jan. 27, 2020. He is survived by his wife Ellie, stepson Matt (Nina). Two stepdaughters, Olivia and Danielle, were the source of much joy to him.

Les moved to Pacfica, CA, working for the City of Pacifica as Director of Community Development, and it was there that he met his wife Eleanor “Ellie” McGuire, who was also actively involved in local politics. They married on April 21, 1979.

They moved to Eugene, OR, and he became City Manager for the City of Veneta, a suburb. They stayed for 20 years. From there, it was off to Arizona. Once again, he took up a new career as an employee of Enterprise Rent-A-Car. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there and the many wonderful friends he made. He retired in December.

His two sons, Neal and Steven, continue to reside in Missouri near their mother.

Les will be missed by his friends, acquaintances, and especially his wife Ellie.

Dennis Jacobs

Dennis “Denny” Jacobs, 75, of Sun Lakes, AZ, passed away peacefully on Jan. 15, 2020, from Alzheimer’s disease with his wife of 42 years, Susan (Keen) Jacobs, at his side. He was born Oct. 20, 1944, in Freeport, IL, to the late Howard Jacobs and Marjorie (Metz) Jacobs. The family lived a short time in Burbank, CA, before moving back to Freeport where Denny graduated from Freeport High School in 1962 and then attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL, before serving four years in the U.S. Navy as Chief Petty Officer. Denny then worked as a Sales Manager for Western States Insurance Co. in Freeport. He met his wife Susan in 1976. He then worked for American States Insurance Co., and the couple moved to Scottsdale, AZ, in 1986.

As a young man, Denny enjoyed surfing and golf, which he played his entire life. He dearly loved the beach, a good joke, watching sports on TV, and reading non-fiction.

Denny is survived by his wife Susan, his sister Linda and wife Robyn (Sarasota, FL); three step-children: David Kunz and wife Janet (LaPorte, IN), Matt Kunz and wife Colleen (Phoenix, AZ), Andrea Hurley and husband Justin (Scottsdale, AZ); three grandchildren: Kristina Kunz, Alana Hurley, Eden Hurley; and one great-grandchild: Jacob Geisler. Denny will be greatly missed by his good friends Don and Bev Copoulos and Tom West and Liz Veazey. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and infant brother Timothy.

Donations may be made in Denny’s name to Hospice of the Valley, Gardiner Home, 1522 W. Myrtle Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85021.

Margaret A. McGinn

Margaret A. McGinn passed away on Jan. 24, 2020. Margaret was born in Hugo, CO, on Oct. 1, 1935, and resided in Westminster, CO, most of her life. She moved to Sun Lakes in 2000 and enjoyed this wonderful Sun Lakes community for the past 20 years. She has two siblings remaining: sister Pat and her husband Mike Pfeifer of Thornton, CO, and brother Robert McGinn of Westminster, and close companion Shirley Newcomer. Margaret died from complications due to a broken hip.

 

Richard (Rick) Joseph Murray

It is with great sadness that we announce that Rick Murray, age 69, passed away in his own home in Ironwood, Sun Lakes, on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. He was the loving husband of Linda Murray for 44 years and will be forever missed by his family and many friends.

Rick was born in Kansas City, MO, on May 26, 1950. He also grew up in Indianapolis, IN, and Chicago, IL. He graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1972.

Rick and Linda raised their family in Apple Valley, MN. Rick started his career in business with Phillips Petroleum and later Digital Equipment. He earned an MBA and later a Master’s in Psychology. His final and favorite job was as a professor of psychology at Brown College.

He loved young people and children. He was an interesting, gifted teacher, and his students voted him “Teacher of the Year.” Rick retired in 2011 and started spending winters in Sun Lakes in 2013. He had a beautiful tenor voice and loved Karaoke.

Summers were spent in Turtle Lake, WI, where his passion was to maintain his property with his favorite toys: a tractor and large riding lawn mower.

He is survived by Linda Murray (wife), Ryan Murray (son), Cathi (daughter in law), and Jace (grandson), Nick Murray (son), and Melissa Murray (daughter). He is also survived by his mother Rose Marie Murray, Diana Hopf (sister), Deb Lamont (sister), Ron Murray (brother), and Rob Murray (brother).

A Celebration of Life was held here in Sun Lakes on Feb. 21, 2020. The family will also honor Rick with a memorial service at his home in Turtle Lake, WI, on June 28, 2020.

Dennis Arthur Powers

Dennis Arthur Powers, age 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, under hospice care at Sun Lakes, Arizona. Born April 26, 1942, in Racine, Wisconsin, he was the son of Bernard J. Powers of Whitewater and Margaret E. Murphy of Racine. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pamela. He is also survived by his children Christina McFerren (Lincoln) of Phoenix, AZ; James Powers (Jessica) of Waltham, MA; and five wonderful grandchildren.

Dennis grew up in Janesville, Wisconsin, where he attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School; graduated in 1960 from Janesville Senior High School. He played on his high school varsity baseball and basketball teams. He continued to play baseball at University of Wisconsin (LaCrosse) and played on baseball leagues in Janesville. Dennis graduated from the University of Wisconsin (Whitewater) in 1966 with a degree in Business Administration. He belonged to Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity. After college, he married Pamela (Reuter) Powers, class of 1964 Janesville, on Dec. 24, 1966, at St. John Vianney Church. Dennis was drafted and served in the 4th Army Infantry Division in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. He was stationed in Pleiku, Vietnam. He also attended the Officer’s Candidate School in Lawton Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Dennis worked for General Motors Company for 34 years. He started his career at the G.M. plant in Janesville, Wisconsin, where he was a Line boss. In 1976, he transferred to the G.M. Warren Tech Center where he held many different positions over his career, retiring in 2002. For 14 years, Dennis was a part-time Assistant Baseball Coach for Malow Junior High School, Utica Community Schools, in Shelby Township, Michigan. He helped with various kids’ programs in Utica Schools, was also an avid golfer, and loved fishing.

Dennis and Pam lived in Hilton Head, South Carolina, for three years before moving to Sun Lakes, Arizona, in 2005. Dennis joined the G.M. Alumni Club of Arizona in 2005, and served as Secretary, Vice President, and President in 2018. Through the G.M. Alumni Club of Arizona, he volunteered with the City of Phoenix Awin Program, where he taught the fundamentals of Engineering to 6th graders. The final class project was building a small prototype car.

He was a member of St. Steven’s Church and the Knights of Columbus.

He will be interred at Valley of the Sun Cemetery.

Dr. James E. Rentz, Pastor Emeritus, Sun Lakes Baptist Church

Norm Noble

On Jan. 19, 2020, James E. Rentz, former Senior Pastor and founder of the Sun Lakes Baptist Church, joined his wife Elnerva Rentz in the arms of the Lord.

Jim Rentz was born in Mora, Minnesota, and remained there until three days after graduation from high school when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He became a Christian while he was in the Navy, and later answered the call of God to go into the ministry.

Upon discharge, he entered Hamline University and simultaneously enrolled in Bethel Theological Seminary. He graduated from Hamline in 1951 and from Bethel five days later with a Bachelor of Divinity degree.

His pastoral ministry began at First Baptist Church of Alcester, South Dakota. Then, it was on to pastorates at Bethel Baptist Church in Chicago for seven years, and to Dalton Baptist Church in Muskegon, Michigan, for another seven years.

The Southern Baptist denomination asked him to take his successful ministry to a large church in Winnipeg, Alberta, Canada—Grant Memorial Baptist Church. Two years later, they had another special assignment, asking him to go to the fastest-growing area in Southern California to pastor a new church plant, Grace Baptist Church. He and his family moved to Valencia where the 40 members had renovated a blacksmith shop for worship services. Seven years later, membership had increased to 1,050. While there, he served on the College of the Canyons School Board and was Chairman of the Board his last year.

In 1977, the family moved to Tempe where for 10 years he was Assistant Pastor of the large Grace Community Church.

In 1987, he retired. Well, retired, as folks in Sun Lakes know, is a comparative term. For a year, Jim and his wife Elnerva became evangelists with Jimmy Nettles, traveling throughout the southern U.S. He led the song services, did some of the preaching, followed up with those who responded to the messages, and worked with the counselors.

Then he was asked to participate in a survey of the Sun Lakes area where thought was being given to plant a church. The lure to Jim Rentz was too great. No members. No church. No money. How could he resist?

In April, 1989, he began with a home Bible study. Four people attended. The next week, there were eight, then 16. It was becoming too big for a home, and the burgeoning church met in the Ceramics Room at Cottonwood. Thirty-four people attended that first service. Five months later, the church outgrew the space and moved to the Civic Center, finally ending up in the new San Tan Ballroom where they stayed until January, 1996. A year earlier, they had broken ground on the five-acre lot Ed Robson had sold them on the corner of Riggs and Dobson Roads. It was time to move into their new facility. Under Pastor Jim’s leadership, the church population grew to almost 500 members.

On July 31, 2005, after 16 years as Senior Pastor, he retired once again.

Twice, he was Chairman of the Sun Lakes Interfaith Council, and was Chairman of the Board that brought the Chandler Hospital Health Center to Sun Lakes.

It was at Bethel Seminary that he met his wife Elnerva. “I couldn’t help myself,” he revealed. “She was brilliant, beautiful, had a great personality… and could play the piano.” These were, and remain, the ideal qualities for a pastor’s wife. He added with all sincerity, “I would have been lost without her.” And, indeed, he would have. She was a special, special lady who preceded Jim in death three months earlier on Oct. 16, 2019.

Allan Noel Schaefer

Allan Noel Schaefer was born Dec. 25, 1939, in Rochester, MN. His parents were William and Margaret Schaefer of Adams, MN. Allan spent his childhood years there and graduated from Adams High School in 1957. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history at St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN, in 1961 and master’s degree from Northern Illinois University in 1968. He married Betty Bajari on Aug. 25, 1962.

Allan’s career in secondary education began at St. Bernard’s High School in St Paul, MN, and encompassed 19 years teaching high school history, economics, German, and other subjects in Minnesota, Illinois, and Richland Center, Wisconsin. He later served as principal and superintendent for four school districts in Minnesota and Wisconsin before retiring in Sun Lakes, AZ, where he was a licensed realtor for several years. Allan passed away on Jan. 26, 2020, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Survivors include his wife Betty and their four children and spouses: Mike (Lindy) Schaefer of Wauwatosa, WI; Bill (Mary Lou) Schaefer of Houston, TX; Pat (Trish) Schaefer of Sun Prairie, WI; and Sarah (Joe) Lange of Theresa, NY as well as five grandchildren: Erick (Aly) Lange of San Antonio, TX; Mikhail Schaefer of Wauwatosa, WI; Allison Lange of Theresa, NY; Burke and Kendall Schaefer of Sun Prairie, WI; and one great-grandchild, Olivia Lange of San Antonio, TX.

Interment was held at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Adams, MN, on Feb. 14.

Karen L. Swallow

Karen L. Swallow, 83, died Thursday morning, Jan. 23, 2020, at her home in Sun Lakes, Arizona. She was born in Pocatello, ID, on Aug. 14, 1936, to Conrad and Rea Goodenough.

She attended schools in Pocatello and graduated from Pocatello High School and attended Idaho State University. She married Ron Swallow on June 6, 1959, in Pocatello, ID, just short of 61 years of marriage. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Los Angeles LDS Temple on March 31, 1982.

Karen enjoyed the many years of traveling with her husband and also traveled across the United States and Canada in their motorhome. She liked spending as much time as she could with her family and friends. She was grateful for the many friendships she developed throughout her life. Karen spent most of her time at home taking care of their handicapped daughter and family. She made sure her daughter was getting proper care and training. Karen volunteered her time to help the disabled.

Karen and her husband spent many years of retirement in Sun Lakes, AZ, where they established many friendships.

Karen is survived by her husband Ron Swallow of Sun Lakes, AZ; daughter Cheri McDonald and husband Pat of Thousand Oaks, CA; son Greg Swallow and wife Martha of Camarillo, CA; daughter Lori Swallow of Maricopa, AZ; and brother Gerald Goodenough and wife Sue of Dewey, AZ. Karen is blessed with five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother and one sister.

A memorial graveside service and burial will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave., Pocatello, ID. A date and time will be announced later. A Celebration of Life will be held in Sun Lakes, AZ.

Condolences may be made at www.colonial-funeralhome.com, 208-233-1500.

Albin Edward Tarchenski

Albin “Al” Edward Tarchenski was born on July 17, 1932, in Chicago, IL, to Michael and Pearl Tarchenski. Al served in the United States Navy from 1951 through 1955. After his time with the Navy, he became a tool and dye maker for Conning & Pekara Co. He moved to Sun Lakes, AZ, in the year 2000. Al met his current wife Ann in Arizona, and they then got married in 2002. He enjoyed oil painting, as well playing golf with his brother Michael (Mickey) and his friends. Al and Ann enjoyed taking cruises all over the world. One of their favorite places to visit was England.

Al is preceded in death by his first wife Shirley, his brother Michael (Mickey) Tarchenski, and his sister Rose Pearl Enda.

Al is survived by his loving wife Ann Tarchenski, Mickey’s wife Marilyn Tarchenski, his son Kevin Tarchenski (Helen), his daughter Debbie O’Brien (Craig Lancaster), his son Brian Mackay (Mary), his daughter Sherry Miller (Michael), and his daughter Linda. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Kevin Tarchenski (Danielle), Michael Tarchenski (Esmerelda), Ben Tarchenski (Aftyn), Emilee, Jack O’Brien, Michael O’Brien, Kaitlin Prugger (Dustin), Brian Mackay, and Amanda Mackay. Al also has seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Al will be held on April 4, 2020, at 1 p.m. The location for the Celebration of Life will be Valley of the Sun Mortuary at 10940 E. Chandler Heights Road in Chandler, AZ 85248. There will be a reception following the Celebration of Life at the same location. If anybody would like to leave a donation, donations can be made out to Hospice of the Valley Lund Home.

Teresa Louise Terrill

Teresa Louise Terrill, 91 years old, passed away in Gilbert, AZ, on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, with her daughter Cynthia Travis sleeping by her side. Teresa is survived by her three children: sons Joe Terrill and Phil Terrill, and her daughter Cynthia Travis, plus seven grandchildren: Sean, Keith, Cameron, Austin, Morgan, Payton, and Elliott. Teresa (Terry) was born in Rush Springs, OK, to Elbert Peyton and U.B. on June 1, 1928. Terry graduated from the Oklahoma College of Women in 1950 and began her elementary teaching career that same year in Tucson, AZ. She also received a master’s degree from the University of Arizona in the late 1960s.

Terry had such an adventurous and loving spirit. She chose to move to Arizona from Oklahoma at the age of 23, not knowing a single soul, simply because it seemed like an interesting place to go. Terry adored traveling and covered the globe on countless trips abroad with a group of teacher friends. She landed on every continent with the exception of Antarctica, and managed to visit her favorite country, Italy, six times. She and her husband Joe even lived in Chile and Mexico where she learned to speak Spanish.

As a teenager, Terry enjoyed riding her horses and loved her pet dachshunds through her adult years. Terry was always welcome at the bridge table, as she was a brilliant bridge player. Terry’s tender and loving spirit was displayed in her work as a Stephen Minister during her retirement and as the most tender-hearted mother and grandmother. She loved God and her family deeply. We wish her Godspeed in being reunited with her parents, her ex-husband Joe Terrill, and her many friends who have preceded her on her ascent to Heaven.

In support of her long and happy involvement with the Sun Lakes Methodist Church, a Celebration of Life was held in Terry’s honor on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, at 10 a.m.