Andrew “Andy” J. Deros
Andrew “Andy” J. Deros of Sun Lakes passed away on May 25, 2018, peacefully in his sleep at 93. He leaves behind his loving wife Mirsine of 49 years, his son John “Yani” Deros of Phoenix, his daughter Andrea Darvish of Worcester, MA and four grandchildren: Alicia Deros, Andrew Deros, Nina Darvish and Evan Darvish.
Born in Lynn, MA, on May 22, 1925, Andy was a veteran of the Marine Corps, honorably serving his beloved country in three wars: the reserves in WWII, Korea (Chosin Few) and two tours of duty in Vietnam. He retired with the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. Later, he continued serving his country by working for the United States Post office for 18 more years before retiring.
Andy lived to see the wonders of the world, installing this virtue with his entire family over the years. He especially cherished cruising in his motorhome with Mirsine, traveling from sea to shining sea. His life revolved around helping others by sharing his knowledge and practice of healthy lifestyle and wellbeing that served him so well through the years, always wanting to help the next person. His passion for learning never ceased, as you could always find him keeping up with the latest health trends, nutrition and homeopathic breakthroughs.
Cremation was accorded, as he will be laid at rest at Arlington National Cemetery. He touched the lives of everyone he met and leaves a legacy of love, compassion and empathy towards others that his family and friends will remember forever.
Ava Gill “Jill” Kinney
Ava Gill “Jill” Kinney of Sun Lakes, AZ, passed away on May 13, 2018, at the age of 88. She was born on May 11, 1930.
She was preceded in death by her parents Velma and Wayne Collins. She is survived by her loving husband John “Jack” Kinney and their seven children: Kathleen Lorenz, Kevin (Patty), Timothy (Deborah), Nancy Twichell (Mark), Jane Huber (Patrick), Thomas (Kristin) and John. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Erik and Kerry Lorenz, Caitlin and Maureen Kinney, Allison and Jack Kinney, Kurt (Kate), Jay and Shannon Twichell, and two great-grandchildren.
A graduate of Michigan State University, Jill majored in Music Therapy and was an accomplished pianist. She met Jack while in college and they married in 1951. The couple raised their family in East Lansing, Michigan. Jill was a devoted school and church volunteer who also made her mark with the Lansing Junior League, playing the piano for musicals and other productions. She was very active in the community and always supported the Arts and Theater. Jill enjoyed golf and attending social events at a local country club. When her youngest entered junior high school, she started working in the travel business and became manager of Group Travel. She saw the world and brought home countless treasures. Being the wife of the Michigan State University Alumni Association Director meant attending various sporting events and programs on campus and also hosting alumni trips.
In 1982, she moved with her husband to Santa Barbara, California, where she continued her role as the wife of a university administrator. She also continued working in the travel industry. She was a true professional and enjoyed organizing and taking groups on trips visiting so many different places around the world. Jill and husband Jack retired to Sun Lakes, Arizona, in 1989. She was gratified to be in close proximity to her mother and was able to enjoy the active lifestyle in the area, becoming an avid golfer. Jill was an original member of the Ironwood Ladies Golf Association and past president of Oakwood Ladies Golf League. A son and two daughters would relocate to the Phoenix area that included two grandchildren. For two decades, Jack and Jill were able to spend several weeks in Michigan each summer to see additional family members.
Jill was a vibrant woman in every way, beautiful both inside and out. She was smart, wise, well informed and a voracious reader. Besides being a gifted pianist, Jill was a master at crossword puzzles that she completed on a daily basis. She had a wonderful style, always carrying herself with class and grace and looking polished from head to toe. Her many friends and family will always remember her outgoing personality, warm nature and lovely smile. Her boundless energy and motivation to get the most out of life served her well. Indeed, she loved and lived fully.
Valley of the Sun Mortuary provided Memorial Services at Sun Lakes Chapel on June 9 at 11:00 a.m.
For those desiring, contributions may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Lois Elaine Miller
Lois Elaine Miller, age 87, died at home in Basehor, KS, on Wednesday, May 16, 2018.
Lois was born April 8, 1931, in Dillon, KS. She lived in Herington, KS, for over 55 years, where she worked for around 30 years at Boelling Pharmacy. Upon her retirement, Lois and her husband Don moved to Sun Lakes, AZ, and spent 12 years there. Lois and Don then moved to Basehor, KS, in 2013 to be closer to family.
Lois was known for being a loving person to all. She added joy to people’s lives through her practical jokes, costumes and cheerful personality. She loved her husband of 69 years, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and never missed sending cards or calling on their birthdays. Her love extended to all children, and she received great joy from them.
Survivors include her longtime companion and husband Don, her sister Arlene Girton and brother Delmar Falen; her children, daughter Julie Overmyer and son Rod Miller; her grandchildren Chad Miller, Jared Miller, Matthew Overmyer and Elizabeth Hughes; and her great-grandchildren Kaden Miller, Kaiah Miller, Jamison Hughes, Josiah Hughes and Judith Hughes.
Fredrick (Fred) Schneider
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Fredrick (Fred) Schneider on May 17, 2018, in Vulcan, Alberta, Canada. Fred was born in Medicine Hat on November 14, 1928, the youngest child of Fredrick and Rose (Knoedel) Schneider who moved from South Dakota, USA, and settled in Irvine, Alberta. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a BA degree and a doctorate degree in Dentistry in June, 1953, and set up practice in Edmonton, Alberta, where he met and married Marjorie Brown. They moved to Medicine Hat where he took over a practice, and he also traveled to Northern Alberta where he provided dental care to a village there. He was offered the opportunity to purchase a practice in Vulcan, Alberta, where he remained until his retirement in 1993. During his time in Vulcan, he purchased a farm which he loved and continued to expand until 2010.
Fred enjoyed the hobbies of rare stamp collecting and restoring antique cars. His prize possession was a 1928 McLaughlin Buick.
Fred was predeceased by his wife Marjorie in 2010. He leaves behind his current wife Janet, three sons: Fredrick D. and wife Susan; Patrick and wife Laurie, both of Vulcan; Norman and wife Marie of Edmonton. In addition, he leaves grandchildren Karen (Ryan) Williams, Wesley, Gavin, Jason (Kari-Ann) Schneider, Kelly (Matthew Szumilak), Sharla (Alex Drummond), Logan Schneider; and 10 great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by good friends Kevin and Sheri Rubeniuk and Stuart and Lorraine Kirk.
Fred was also predeceased by his parents, brother Emil and sisters Irene Morris and Rose Hunsicker.
His sister Esther Manske resides in Hayward, California, with nieces Ardeth (Lee) Head, Lois (Gary) Kelly, Norma (Dan) Stevenson, nephew Douglas (Diane) Manske. Also, Rose’s children: nieces Faye Braun, Ruth (Charles) Orr, Marilyn Hunsicker, and nephew Myron (Jane) Hunsicker; as well as Irene’s two sons and two daughters.
A private family reception will be held with internment in Edmonton, Alberta, at a later date.
Jerry B. Werth
Jerry Werth, 75, of Sun Lakes passed away on Monday, May 14, 2018, at home with his wife and family at his side.
Jerry was born on July 24, 1942, in Tecumseh, MI, to Hadley H. and Norma Brady Werth (deceased). He was the oldest of three children; brother Loren (deceased) and sister Cynthia (deceased).
He graduated from Clinton High School, Clinton, MI. In 1962, he enlisted in the USAF where he trained and worked for eight years as an air traffic controller. He served his country in Vietnam in 1964 and South Korea in 1968. His air traffic control career continued when he joined the FAA in 1971 in Grand Rapids, MI, and retired in 2003 from McCarren International Airport, Las Vegas, NV.
Jerry loved life, the USA, friends and sports, especially golf. His idol was Arnold Palmer and had collected many of Arnold’s books and other memorabilia. Jerry’s other passion was Corvettes and; he owned several over the years.
He is survived by his wife of 36-1/2 years, Cynthia Woodring Shook Werth of Sun Lakes and two step-sons, Brian Shook and wife Debra of South Carolina and Bradley Shook and wife Gretchen of AZ and their families. He is also survived by a brother-in-law Robert Woodring and his wife Kelly of Mesa, AZ.
On Tuesday, May 29, at 11:00 a.m., a ceremony was held at the National Cemetery, 23029 Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024, where his ashes were interred. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory are requested to Hospice of the Valley or Mayo Clinic Cancer Research.