Frank J. Gombold
Frank J. Gombold passed away at his home in Sun Lakes, AZ, on October 8, 2018. He was born in North St. Paul, MN, on April 26, 1935. He graduated from Cretin High School in 1953 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1955. He graduated from University of Wisconsin–River Falls.
He owned and operated Gombold-Allen Insurance Agency on White Bear Avenue in St. Paul, MN, for many years before retiring to Sun Lakes, AZ, in 1997.
Frank is survived by his loving and caring wife Donna (Carter), son Mike (Kathy), daughters Barb Marchetti, Sandra (David) Hanna, son Bradley (Kim), seven grandchildren, one great-grandson and step-children Greg Carter of River Falls, WI, and Cari Carter of Scottsdale, AZ.
A private Celebration of Life will be held in Minnesota.
Emma Marie (Rea) Graham
Emma Marie (Rea) Graham, 92, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2018, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Emma was born on August 17, 1926, in the small rodeo town of Ten Sleep, WY, the oldest of three children born to Leon and Ester Rea. They were a close and loving family which led to a lifelong love and affection for her younger sister Helen and brother Bob.
Emma graduated from Greybull High School in Greybull, WY. Being a natural beauty with horseman skills, thanks to ranch life, it’s no surprise that at the age of 19, she was crowned the first Greybull Days of 49 Rodeo Queen. She was a queen in many ways throughout her life. She embodied style, elegance, grace and a smile that could light up the room.
After high school, Emma attended the University of Wyoming where she majored in art. She was a talented artist who enjoyed painting in her spare time. She was also a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and stayed active with her chapter for many years. During this time, she was named first runner up in the Miss Wyoming pageant. Upon graduating from college, she taught school in a one-room school house in Hyattville, WY.
It was then that she met the love of her life Hugh Graham, a handsome and talented baseball player who stole her heart. They were married in December of 1950. They made their home in Thermopolis, WY, and remained there for many years where they built a beautiful family and made lifelong friendships. In 1952, their first son Raymond (Skip) was born and two years later in 1954, they welcomed their younger son Bradley. Emma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. They were blessed with six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren whom they kept at the center of their lives.
Emma and her husband Hugh retired to Sun Lakes, Arizona, in 1985. In retirement, Emma enjoyed time with her family, playing golf with the Lady Niners, shopping and spending time with friends. She was a devout Christian, attending the Sun Lakes Methodist Church. Emma will be remembered for her kind and generous spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her.
“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” -Helen Keller
Emma is preceded in death by her loving husband Hugh Robert Graham, parents Leon and Ester Rea and her brother Bob Rea. She is survived by her sister Helen Lehan (Johnny) of Sheridan, WY; two sons Raymond “Skip” and wife Brett Graham of Scottsdale, AZ; Bradley and wife Marcia Graham of Cheyenne, WY; grandchildren Krissy Barragan (Jose) of Brighton, CO; Nicole Bolinger (Tad) of Cheyenne, WY; Tamaran Conover (Casey) of Centennial, CO; Megan Brown (Cameron) of Buckeye, AZ; Hugh Robert Graham (Haleigh) of Cheyenne, WY; Jodie Graham of Phoenix, AZ; and 10 great-grandchildren.
As per Emma’s wishes, a family graveside service was held on Saturday, October 20, 2018.
Frank Hand
Frank Hand was born in Los Angeles, CA, and spent his childhood in Oildale, CA, as well as Kemmerer, WY, and other locations where his father worked.
He married Ireta on October 17, 1952, while stateside from the United States Navy. He enlisted in the Navy in June of 1951 and served aboard the USS Whiteside AKA 90 (Attack Cargo Ship). He made 18 trips across the ocean to Sasebo and Yokosuka Japan.
Frank began working with AT&T just out of the service and retired from Pacific Bell Systems in 1994. He enjoyed working. He had the ability to see problems with processes and organize and fix these. He worked at many offices in Southern California and managed many employees throughout his career. Frank and Ireta lived most of their lives in Ventura County, beginning in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Moorpark before moving to Arizona. He enjoyed his retirement to the fullest, traveling with Ireta in their RV, along with gardening and working on many projects at home, the ranch and Pinetop.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife Ireta who passed December 15, 2010, after 58 years of marriage, as well as by his parents Francis George Hand Sr. and Elizabeth T. Thurman and brother Donald Eugene Hand. He leaves behind daughters Sheryl Hand, Karen Fullmer (Lynn), Kathy Hand, granddaughters Jennifer Tufto (David), Kristi Phillips (Shawn) and great-grandchildren Jonathan Tufto, Kaitlynn Tufto, Chase Phillips and Paige Phillips, along with beloved companion Sharon O’Brien.
A service and honor presentation took place on July 7 at Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery. A luncheon and reunion of family and friends was held at the house to celebrate a life well-lived and hold a Remembrance of Life. We will all greatly miss you. The family asks for contributions to be made to www.lumpbusters.com or to a charity of your choice.
Adalene “Jo” Holaday
Adalene “Jo” Holaday passed away in her sleep surrounded by family on October 25, 2018, at the age of 93. Adalene was married to the love of her life for 69 years, David Maxwell Holaday. She is preceded in death by David; her parents Mendle Eli and Ann Westervelt; her sisters Barbara Durnal, Corrine Himebaugh, Billy Love, Mickie Clayton and Greta Dines; and her grandchildren Wes and Carrie Anderson.
She is survived by her brother Ted Westervelt; daughter Barb and husband Jim Anderson of Willard, Missouri; son Rick and wife Stacey Holaday of Chapin, South Carolina; son Jeff and wife Debra Holaday of Wildwood, Missouri; and son Mike and wife Kim Holaday of Springfield, Missouri; along with 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Jo grew up in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Right after high school, she moved to Washington, D.C., with her sister Corrine to work for the government during World War II, where she met her husband Dave who was a soldier in the Army. Dave and Jo raised four children in Kansas City and Lake Winnebago. Later they split their time between Shell Knob, Missouri, and Sun Lakes, Arizona. After David’s death, Jo resided in Springfield, Missouri, at The Gardens.
She was the happiest surrounded by her family. She loved the lake, golf and dancing with Dave.
She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and had a personal relationship with him. She enjoyed getting to serve in the Thomas Ministries at her church. Her mind has been restored, and she is now dancing in the presence of her Heavenly Father.
Lois M. “Lojo” Jones
On September 11, 2018, Lois M. “Lojo” Jones, a longtime resident of Sun Lakes, left us for the big golf course/bridge table in the sky.
Lois was a marvel at 96, still her funny and irascible self, right up to the end. Her daughter Paula and Paula’s spouse Maria were blessed to be with her during her last days and to hug and love her to her last breath. Many of you will remember Lois’ vibrant personality and love of life. She and husband Frank moved to Sun Lakes in 1987 and enjoyed many years playing golf, working in the pro shops, dancing, playing bridge and otherwise enjoying all that the area had to offer. Before moving to Arizona, they lived in Sacramento, CA, where Frank taught at Cal State University, Sacramento, Lois taught modern dance and they both led full lives raising their two kids, playing golf and rooting for their favorite sports teams. She was preceded to the heavenly cocktail lounge by Frank and her son Scott. They are certainly enjoying a crossword puzzle or a golf game and some laughs together.
Lois loved getting to know the people around her, and one of her last requests was that we tell her friends now how deeply she loved them. We had a wonderful celebration of Lois’ life at Cottonwood Country Club in October and are deeply grateful for the many people who came and the great stories we heard about this dynamic and lively woman.
If you would like to remember Lois, please donate to the Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus, P.O. Box 16462, Phoenix, AZ 85011, or to the animal charity of your choice.
Dorothy Starkloff
It is with great sadness that the family of Dorothy Starkloff announces her passing on Saturday, October 27, 2018.
Dorothy will be lovingly remembered by her husband Robert (Bob) after 72 years of marriage. Dot enjoyed her golf days and all her hole-in-ones, and especially going dancing with Bob. Dorothy will always be remembered by her two children Barbara (Bobbie) Duford and Larry Starkloff. Dorothy had two grandchildren, Cory and Nichole, and six great-grandchildren, Christian, Alexis, Braden, Karson, Robby and Emma.
The Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, December 15, 2018, at the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, AZ, at 10:30 a.m. Celebration of Life to follow Memorial at the church.
Lawrence M. (Larry) Walsh
Lawrence M. (Larry) Walsh, originally of Lewistown, Montana, passed away in Sun Lakes, Arizona, on October 28, 2018.
Those who knew Larry will remember him for his larger-than-life personality, his kindness and generosity, his wicked (and often inappropriate) sense of humor and that trademark mischievous smile, laugh and twinkle in his eye. After another’s long comment, Larry would utter “Yaa,” with a silly grin on his face.
An avid golfer, he was a “snowbird” for several years, spending time in Lake Havasu and Sun Lakes before he permanently moved to Arizona in 2012 where he resided until his death.
He was a dog lover, a bird hunter, a car enthusiast, a master of the grill and a snappy dresser, proud to have traveled to all 50 states, but no one ever accused him of being a handyman or a good dishwasher… although he certainly thought he was. Most of all, he was a devoted friend to all who loved him.
His last year was spent traveling back and forth to Minnesota (where he was dubbed “Larry the Legend’), Montana, and California visiting many of his family members and close friends. We all created memories that will last a lifetime, and we know Larry was honored to take those memories with him.
Larry was born in St Paul, MN, on May 8, 1945, but grew up in Lewistown, MT, where he attended St Leo’s Grade and High School and worked for Les Alweis and Dale McDonald in the young men’s department at the Hub Clothing Store. He graduated high school in 1964 and attended Carroll College for one year before receiving a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Montana College, Billings, MT, in 1968. He was proud that he finished his education debt-free. He served in the Montana Army Reserve and National Guard. He married Elaine King, and they moved to the State of New York where he continued his career in men’s retail.
Larry joined Lynch Material Handling Company (LMH) in Denver, CO, on March 9, 1981. Once again, he was ahead of the times when he helped found CIM System (Computer Integrated Management) division as VP in 1993 when he was also promoted to VP of LMH. By 1995, he was part owner of the company and retired in 2003.
He married Susan (King) Wallace in June, 1996, in Colorado Springs; this is also when he inherited his unruly children, but they quickly came to love each other, more than he ever expected. They absolutely adored him.
He is survived by his daughters Ann Wallace and Jodi Kelly, as well as his sister Patricia Shields (Gerald), brothers Douglas (Sharon) and James (Katherine) Walsh, several nieces, nephews and grandchildren and a countless number of friends. He is preceded in death by his son Dave Bedford, brother Charles (Chas) Walsh and his parents Lucia and Leo Walsh.
A celebration of his life was held in Sun Lakes on November 18 at the Stone & Barrell, IronOaks, Sun Lakes, AZ. A Montana celebration will be in Lewistown on May 18 beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Central Feed Grilling Company, 220 E. Main Street.