Ella Patricia Anne Campbell
Ella Patricia Anne Campbell, née Peck, 98, died peacefully on November 16, 2017, in San Diego, California. She married Charles W. Campbell in 1947 and is survived by her children Susan, Bill and Kathy and grandson Jason Charles Campbell. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, Father Joe’s Village, 3350 E Street, San Diego, CA 92102, or St. Paul’s Senior Services, 328 Maple Street, San Diego, CA 92103.
James Vincent Cottrell
James Vincent Cottrell (Vince), 85, of Sun Lakes, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 23. He was born in Revere Beach, MA, on October 18, 1934, to James Robert and Ida and lived most of his early life in Louisville, KY.
Jim served in the Army during the Korean War. He met his beautiful bride Nancy Cora Musick while stationed in Fort Lewis, WA. They married in 1955, bought a farmhouse on 60 acres in Olympia, WA, and welcomed four kids into this world in five years.
In 1957, he began working at the Olympia Brewing Company. In 1969, he was able to buy his own business, a hotel in Moscow, ID. In 1972, they bought a bigger hotel in Coos Bay, OR. Those early years and later years were full of challenges and successes. His two sons are still carrying on the tradition he started which is attributed to his lifelong hard work and vision.
Jim was extremely loving and proud of his children. He was adored by his grandchildren who loved his humor, learned from his wisdom and were inspired by his humanity. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy; his sons James (Glenda) and Thomas (Karen); his daughter Kathleen (Alex); grandchildren Vincent, Karlee, Erica, Bruce and Gwen; sister-in-law Cheryl; and brother-in-law Mike (Donna). Jim will always be forever remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings and his oldest daughter Kerry.
Jim loved traveling, golf and entertaining, but more than anything, dancing with his wife. Opportunities to travel included trips to Rome, Israel, Egypt, Costa Rica and a European River Cruise.
Memorial services will be held in Olympia, WA, on April 15, 2018. http://buelermortuary.com/james-vince-cottrell/
Patricia Helena Heath
Patricia Helena Heath, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 2, 2017, in Phoenix, Arizona. A 20-year resident of Sun Lakes, she was born in Brooklyn, New York, and traveled throughout the United States until settling in Southern California in 1951. She and her husband Bob were successful business owners for many years in San Francisco before retiring in Sun Lakes to enjoy their golden years.
Pat was a tireless and selfless volunteer, not only serving as a board member on several social and homeowner boards, but she also was a member of the Sun Lakes Fire Department Community Assistance Program, CAP, where she attended to the emotional and practical needs of individuals in the community affected by fires and other disasters. Pat was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), volunteering her time to the organization’s support to the community.
She was a remarkable woman, mother and wife who instilled the values of hard work, dedication and selfless service to her three children. She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Bob, her three boys and their spouses: Thomas (Mary), Tim (Anita) and Tyler (Kathy), as well as nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Pat led a full life and was an inspiration to those who knew her. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends that any donations be made in her memory to the Fisher House, a charity that helps military and veterans’ families.
Patricia Ann Merkle
After a brief illness, Patricia Ann Merkle, 80, passed away peacefully in Phoenix, AZ, on November 19, 2017, surrounded by her loved ones.
Pat and her family moved to Arizona from Ohio in the early ‘70s and resided in the East Valley throughout the years. Pat worked in banking for 30-plus years and after retirement, sold real estate part time.
After her retirement from banking, Pat and her husband Dick enjoyed traveling extensively all over the world, and she continued to do so after her husband’s passing.
Pat had a passion and joy for so many things, from attending dinners and theater productions with her friends, Broadway shows with her daughter to painting and gardening. She was also actively involved with many Sun Lakes organizations and community events. Pat especially enjoyed the summer months when she could travel to Minnesota and spend time with her grandsons.
While the loss the family feels is great, the outpouring of love from friends and extended family has helped ease this time of great sorrow.
Pat is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 39 years, Dick, and by her parents Ralph Snyder and Annabel Thomas.
Pat is survived by her daughter Rebecca of Phoenix, AZ, and her son Stephen (Deborah) and grandsons Garrett and Ricky of Monticello, MN.
Funeral Service was held Friday, December 8, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home. Interment took place at Mount Peace Cemetery in Hartville, Ohio. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date in Arizona.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley.
Dale Arthur Soden
Dale A. Soden passed away on November 14, 2017, in Chandler, Arizona. Born in Everett, Washington, on November 8, 1925, to Hal Soden and Beth Deiwert Soden, Dale grew up in Seattle, graduated from Garfield High School in 1943 and Oregon State College in 1950 when he began a long career, largely in the appliance business.
In between high school and college graduations, Dale married his high school sweetheart Margaret Priestley. They were married nearly 72 years. He also served in the U.S. Navy toward the end of World War II on the U.S.S. New Mexico.
After the war, Dale and Margaret settled for a few years in Spokane, Washington, where they began to start a family. They moved to Bellevue, Washington, where the Sodens raised three children, Dale, Mark and Elaine. They were all active in sports and school activities.
Dale and Margaret loved to play golf with friends and to travel whenever possible. They were fortunate to see many parts of the globe before they retired.
After retirement, they moved to Federal Way, Washington, and subsequently to Sun Lakes in 2005 in order to be nearer to grandchildren. They were active church members and made friends easily.
Dale was best known for his willingness to engage almost anyone in a robust political discussion. He loved talking about the virtues of conservatism and the Republican party. Ronald Reagan was his hero.
Dale is survived by his loving wife Margaret, sons Dale E. and Mark, daughter Elaine, grandchildren Joel, Marta, Megan, Matthew and Michaela and great-grandchildren T.J. Roman, Arlo, Kira and Cora.
Services for Dale Soden were held at 11:00 a.m. on December 19 at the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church.
Audrey Louise Snyder
Audrey L. Snyder passed into Gloryland on the morning of November 24, 2017, surrounded by her family.
Audrey was born to Beecher and Janet Gibbs in Webster, Pennsylvania, on January 20, 1937. She graduated from Rostraver High School, Pricedale, PA, on May 29, 1954, where she lettered four years as a majorette and completing her senior year as the high school band head majorette.
Her business training was as a secretary, stenographer, accountant and then she began her career with the United States Steel Company. She continued her working years until she retired in 1992 as a real estate agent in Arizona.
Audrey met the love of her life, William R. Snyder, during their high school freshman year and became high school sweethearts. They married on July 27, 1957, and that ceremony began their 60-year romantic story. As her husband, Bill became her confidant, best friend and protector while traveling 18 years as a United States Air Force military wife throughout the United States and Pacific Theater.
God blessed them with two sons and a daughter: son William, Jr (deceased), daughter Susan Lee Snyder of Oro Valley, AZ, and son Kevin Wayne Snyder of Ahwatukee, AZ.
With excitement and joy, Audrey became the proud grandmother of four granddaughters: Jennifer and husband Rich of Oro Valley, AZ; Lauren Nicole Snyder of San Diego, CA; Amy Renae Liakos of Oro Valley, AZ and Morgan Elizabeth Snyder of Ahwatukee, AZ.
She then became the proud great-grandmother of seven-year-old Alyssa Paige who was born on Audrey’s birthday.
Along with her children and grandchildren, Audrey is survived by her husband Bill; sisters Helen Kearns of Donora, PA, and Margaretann Province of Johnstown, PA; brother-in-law Jack and Suzanne Snyder of Venice, FL; and sister-in-law Wilma Jean Stewart of San Antonio, TX; and many nieces and nephews.
Audrey truly loved her children and grandchildren, babysitting the grandchildren at every opportunity. She and Bill loved to travel, especially in the United States, and witness God’s wonderful gifts of nature and beauty.
A celebration of Audrey’s life was held at the First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes, AZ, on December 4, 2017. Graveside services were held at the Veterans National Memorial Cemetery in Cave Creek, AZ.
The family wishes to extend their appreciation and gratitude to Hospice of the Valley, Gilbert, AZ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Deacon’s Benevolence Fund, First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes, 9535 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, AZ
85248.