In Passing

Flora Agar

Flora Agar, 92, of Sun Lakes, passed away on Feb. 1, 2021. She was born on March 9, 1928, in Pittsfield, Mass.

She attended Barbizon Modeling School in 1950 in New York City, N.Y. She married James Richard Agar on July 25, 1953. As an Air Force wife, she kept busy with dancing and performing skits at the Officers’ Clubs in Japan, South Dakota, Arizona, and California.

She earned a degree in 1975 at Brooks Fashion College, Long Beach, Calif., in fashion design.

Flora volunteered for Neighbors Who Care in Sun Lakes for 15 years. She loved to golf, jazzercise, ski, and crafting (which she loved to give as gifts). She won a blue ribbon for her macramé of the Rio Grande River at the New Mexico State Fair. She was also an excellent seamstress, sewing many golf outfits with matching hats, costumes, and reupholstering furniture.

Jim and Flora were a lot of fun and liked to entertain. With her ready smile, wit, and energy (she loved to dance and shimmy!), she was so much fun to be around. She loved modeling, attending floor shows, and dancing with the “Dancing Grannies.” Her nickname was Flashy Flo.

Jim and Flora enjoyed traveling, with trips to Hong Kong and Taiwan when living in Japan. For their 50th wedding anniversary, they cruised to Mexico with the family. They went on several cruises, including Alaska, Hawaii, and the Seine River Cruise (Paris, Luxembourg, Germany, and Czech Republic). Aboard the Yorktown Clipper, they cruised Grenada, Mayreau, and Tobago Cays, Island of Mystique, St. Lucia, and Dominica. They made several trips to Boston and the Navy Lodge in Coronado Island, Calif.

She enjoyed life to the fullest, and as she liked to say, she “checked” all the boxes in life.

She was a very loving mother and wife and is survived by Diane, her husband Bob Kramer, son Dale, grandsons Devin and Drew, and granddaughter Danielle. Due to COVID, there will be a small service at Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Crematory (no date set).

Jean Mariann Aplin

Jean Mariann Aplin, 90, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Sun Lakes, Ariz., went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 23, 2021, lovingly surrounded by her family. She was born to Adelaide and William Tills on July 26, 1930, in Manitowoc, Wis. Jean attended Carroll College in Waukesha, Wis., and received her degree in education. It was here Jean joined the Delta Zeta Sorority. She was active with Delta Zeta and its wonderful group of women for the remainder of her life. Jean met the love of her life, Dick Aplin, in the registration line at Carroll College, and they were married on Jan. 27, 1951. Dick and Jean discovered Colorado while on vacation touring the West and decided to move to Colorado Springs. Jean continued her career as an elementary teacher for 25 years, enriching the lives of many children.

Jean and Dick had four children: Bonnie Pring (Brian), Dave Aplin (Kathy), Laurie Aplin, and Bill Aplin (Teri); nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Family was always a top priority for them, and they were very involved in their children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s lives.

Jean traveled the world extensively with family and friends, played racquetball, tennis, golf, bridge, and biked and hiked many of the beautiful trails of Arizona.

In retirement, Jean and Dick bought a winter home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., and enjoyed over 30 years as “snowbirds” from Colorado. Wherever she lived, Jean was always active in her church and community, volunteering for Neighbors Who Care in Arizona. She was a treasured family member and deeply loved friend to many. Jean will be fondly remembered and missed by many.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Helen, and brother Robert.

A private family memorial service will be held due to COVID-19.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org.

Donald Joseph Bossio

The dearly loved patriarch of our family left us too soon, passing away on Jan. 10 at his home, under the love and care of his dear wife of 61 years, Sheila Yarroll Bossio. Don fought bravely against several illnesses recently, the most recent involving a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

The grandson of Joseph and Mary Bossio, immigrants from Grimaldi, Italy, Don was the first son, but fourth child, born to Frank and Helen Veltri Bossio in Priest River, Idaho, on April 15 1936.

Don and Sheila were married in September of 1959. Don graduated from Gonzaga University before joining the U.S. Army in 1962. Don served two tours in Vietnam and another in Korea. During this time, Don and Sheila were blessed with four children: Kim, Brian, Brad, and David. Don finished his military service at Ft. Lewis. Don retired from his successful career in the Army in 1980 as a Major, decorated with several military honors. After nearly 20 years in Olympia, Don and Sheila retired to sunny Chandler, Ariz.

Don was a devoted husband, an engaged father, a generous grandfather, and a love-struck great-grandfather. His passing leaves an empty space in our lives, but we carry his love, his advice, his pride for each of us in our hearts and memories.

Don is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Bernice, Lillian, and Marie; and his brother Tommy. Don leaves behind, along with his sister Sandra Fielder, a loving, crazy family headed up by his childhood sweetheart Sheila; their four children: Kim (John) Ross, Brian (Rose) Bossio, Brad (Jenny) Bossio, and David (Adrienne) Bossio; 11 grandchildren; and most adored, six great-grandkids.

The family wishes to thank friends and family for their love and support over the last few months of Don’s illness. A memorial service will not be held at this time due to COVID restrictions.

Rhoden Powell Crook, Jr. (Buster)

Buster was born in Tacoma, Wash., on Nov. 4, 1939, to parents Rhoden and Emma Crook. The family moved to the Ballard area of Seattle in the early 1940s.

Buster was very active and successful in sports, excelling in football. He attended the University of Washington on a football scholarship.

At an early age, he became a PI employee and throughout the years, held various management positions. After the JOA, he was employed by The Seattle Times.

At an early age, he was married to Darlene Carr. To this union, three children were born: Sherri Harwood, Rhoden Powell Crook, III, and Lisa Fought.

In 1981, he married the love of his life, JoAnn. For 40-plus years, they enjoyed life to its fullest and traveled the world together.

In 1999, they retired and purchased a second home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., which later became their only home.

They took up golf and made many, many new friends. Buster loved the Sun Lakes community and would also state how lucky we were to find such a wonderful place in our senior years.

He leaves to mourn his wife JoAnn; his daughters Sherri and Lisa; son Buster; four step-sons: Tim, Jeff, Mitch, and Don; many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister, Emma Ross; and brothers Henry and Larry.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Rhodena.

Buster was loved by all who knew him. Blessed be his memory.

Jeanette Rose Dillon

Jeanette Rose Dillon, 75, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away Jan. 22, 2021, after a short illness. She was born in Belle Fourche, S.D., on April 15, 1945. Jeanette graduated from Glenrock High School in Glenrock, Wyo. She married Tom Rexius in 1964 and moved to the ranch in Orin Junction, Wyo.

Jeanette worked as a legal secretary for Attorney Frank Peasley in Douglas, Wyo., and then moved to Casper, Wyo., where she worked for Attorney Bill Heiss until she retired. Her dream was to someday move to Arizona after she retired, and that’s exactly what she did in 2012.

She enjoyed family, gardening, playing cards, and computer games with friends and family (especially Mexican Train with her cousins Derwin and Mona Dugger), watching baseball, riding around in her golf cart “Shorty,” watching movies, spoiling her pets, and munching on Tootsie Rolls.

She is survived by her son Chad (Helene) Rexius of Eaton, Colo., and daughter Tonda Russell of Casper, Wyo.; three grandchildren: Andi (JD) Vencill of Casper, Wyo.; Holden (Tanisa) Rexius of Gunnison, Colo.; and Caiden Rexius of Denver, Colo.; and her two “Awesomes” (great-grandchildren) Emma and Chandler Vencill.

She is preceded in death by her parents Roland and Rose Dillon, and her grandson Keifer Russell.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time in Casper, Wyo.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or the Humane Society.

Anne Marie Divoky

Anne Marie Divoky, 80, died with her husband at her side at the Clarendale Memory Care unit in Chandler, Ariz., on Feb. 11, 2021.

At her request, her body was donated to ScienceCare for organ harvesting, medical research, and medical training.

She was born in Chicago to Bill and Mary Bridge. Anne completed nursing training at Presbyterian St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Chicago, and worked for 30 years as an operating room nurse. After marriage, Anne followed her husband, first in the U.S. Navy on the East Coast, and then in Hawaii. After the Navy, she followed her husband through various job assignments, living and working in Illinois, California, Pennsylvania, and Russia. She has been a resident in Sun Lakes for 25 years.

In retirement, she was active with the Sun Lakes Fire Department Community Assistance Program, Neighbors Who Care, various dance clubs, several Mahjongg groups, and the Sun Lakes Camera Club. She loved all travel, but especially ocean cruising. She often said, “Just tell where you want to go, and I can be ready in 15 minutes.”

Anne is survived by her husband, two children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Catherine Hilger

Catherine Hilger was born March 13, 1939, in Portland, Ore. She married her high school sweetheart Denny Hilger in 1959. After raising their four children, Cathy returned to school and received her master’s degree, then went on to work with the mentally disabled for the State of Oregon.

Cathy and Denny retired to Sun Lakes in 2001. Staying true to her Irish heritage, few enjoyed wining, dining, and laughing, as much as she did.

Cathy passed on Jan. 14, 2021, unexpectedly from heart issues while recovering from surgery.

She is survived by two of three sisters, her husband Denny, their four children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Always thinking of the less fortunate, Cathy would want any donations made to go to St. Mary’s Food Bank to provide faith for your spirit, food for your soul, and hope in your heart. Visit www.smfba.convio.net/cathyhilgertribute to donate.

Requiem for an Irish Lass

Written with love by family friend Dick Schultz

 

Beat the drum and let the pipes play

Have a priest say solemn mass

The time has come that all of us say

Good bye to an Irish Lass

 

Gone the loud and raucous laughter

Stilled the heart that was so vast

Silenced now and ever after

Rest in Peace now, Irish Lass

 

Mother to all those she met

Champion of all the working class

Strived to make her small world better

Work is done now, Irish Lass

 

She loved her friends and loved to party

Loved her food and loved her glass

Loved her life and lived it hearty

She did it right, this Irish Lass

 

And know all those who chance to read this

As you idly wander past

Gone she is, but ne’er forgotten

We loved her well, our Irish Lass

Nancy L. Howell

Nancy L. Howell ended her human experience on January 30, 2021 surrounded by her loving family at her home in Sun Lakes, Ariz. She began her journey in Las Vegas, Nev., where she was born to Lloyd and Jane (Tornquist) Compton on August 13, 1940.

Nancy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Arizona in 1960 where she also obtained her Master’s degree in Guidance Counseling in 1961. She married Dick Howell on June 2, 1962, and settled in Scottsdale, Ariz., where they expanded their family with the birth of their three children. Nancy taught typing and shorthand at Coronado High School in Scottsdale before turning her full attention to raising her children. The family relocated several times all across the country, including Rochester, N.Y.; Ft. Worth, Texas; Las Cruces, N.M.; and Simi Valley, Calif., before returning to the valley in 1997. While in Las Cruces, Nancy returned to her roots as an educator and taught typing at the International Business College where she also served as the Placement Director.

Nancy thrived on being busy and enjoyed so many activities throughout her life. She was an avid golfer and helped organize many events. Nancy won the Palo Verde (PV) Ladies Golf Club Championship in 2004, 2011, and 2013, the PV President’s Cup in 2018, and the PV Couples Golf Club Championship playing with her husband Dick in 2007, 2009, and 2012. She also played tennis and many card and domino games including bridge, Mexican train, and hand and foot.

But the hobby that brings the most joyful memories to her family was her love of garage sales. She was notorious for leaving Christmas presents for her family from “Garage Sale Annie!” They always brought a smile or a laugh to the recipient. She even made a business out of her passion. While in California, Nancy would shop garage sales every weekend on the hunt for treasure. She rented a spot in a consignment shop called Antique Trove and resold her finds for at least three times what she paid. She had such a good eye for a deal, there are many garage sale treasures sitting alongside family heirlooms and even her family can’t tell which is which!

Although Nancy lived in many places across the country throughout her long life, the place that brought her the most enjoyment was Sun Lakes, Ariz. She immersed herself in the social community and developed meaningful friendships. She loved sitting on her patio overlooking the 8th hole tee box and watching her dog Gracie greet each and every golfer who came by.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents (Lloyd and Jane Compton, her sisters Clarissa Willing and Leslie Balogh, and brother Tyler Compton. She is survived by her husband of 58 years Dick and her children: daughters Alecia Howell and Bethany Howell and son Dyrk Howell (wife Becky), grandson Mathew Howell (fiancée Stephanie), and her beloved dog, Gracie.

Nancy was put to rest at Valley of the Sun on February 19, 2021, in a private ceremony. A celebration of Nancy’s life is planned for the fall of 2021.

Shirley Ann Langer

Shirley Langer passed away on Jan. 19, 2021, at home in Sun Lakes at the age of 90. She was born in 1930 to Jacob and Velna Weitzel in Salem, Ore. Shirley graduated from Ashland High, Ashland, Ore., and attended Southern Oregon College and the University of Oregon.

She married Lewis Langer in 1951 and would have been celebrating 70 years of marriage in March. She is survived by her husband Lew, her three children: Larry Langer (Caryn) of Gilbert, Ariz.; Denise Schauer (George) of Chandler, Ariz.; and Ron Langer (Susan) of Bend, Ore.; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her siblings Ted Weitzel (Ruth) and Nancy Dyer (Pat).

While foremost a wife and mother, she also has worked as a secretary, Welcome Wagon hostess, and preschool teacher. She was active in parent-teacher groups in their various communities, a Cub Scout and Brownie leader, and Sunday School teacher. Since 1959, she has been very active in the P.E.O. Sisterhood and helped organize P.E.O. Chapter DW and Group B after they moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz., in 1990. She also has been an active member of Mission del Sol Presbyterian Church in Tempe, as well as being involved in church activities in their previous communities.

She and her husband have enjoyed traveling throughout the world after retiring. Her top priority though has always been family. She was instrumental in keeping her large extended family close. She will be greatly missed by many.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this year. Memorials in her name may be sent to Mission del Sol Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 1565 E. Warner Road, Tempe, AZ 85284, or the P.E.O. Foundation (Program for Continuing Education), 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312 (or online by visiting www.peointernational.org and use the “Giving Opportunities” link on the home page.)

Kathleen “Kay” Rita McCormick

Kathleen “Kay” Rita McCormick, 87 years young, entered Heaven’s gates on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, in Sun Lakes, Ariz. She was born on June 8, 1933, in Pittsburg, Kan., to the late Philip and Emma Vessadini.

Kay (as she was affectionately known to family and friends) was an energetic, fun-loving, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was the consummate “social butterfly.” She loved to go shopping, entertain, attend plays/concerts, play cards, bowl, clog, Ladies Putters, and travel. Her smile and laugh were infectious.

Kay met the love of her life, Richard “Dick” McCormick, while a student at Pasadena City College. They were married in 1954 and were together for 55 years before Dick predeceased her in 2009. Kay was a stay-at-home mom to three sons: Doug (Carol), Ken (Karee), and Tim (Stavroula). The family lived in Pasadena, Calif; Temple City, Calif; and in Diamond Bar, Calif. Kay was active in the Women’s Auxiliary for the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Little League Baseball. When the sons were older, Kay fulfilled a dream and love for travel by becoming a travel agent. She traveled extensively in the U.S. and around the globe for over 25 years.

After Dick retired from the Los Angeles Police Department in 1994, they moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz. Upon moving to Sun Lakes, they had a new community of friends. This is where Kay met some very special women she referred to as “sisters.” The “sisters” shared a very special bond.

Kay’s family was her world. She dearly loved her husband and sons, as well as their families. They were always close to her heart. Her poodle Molly is known as the “girl” she never had. Kay and Molly were a team. If Kay got her nails done, Molly got her nails done as well. Molly benefitted from Kay’s love of shopping and is well outfitted with clothes and a large selection of toys.

Kay shared her love of travel with her family and friends. Wherever she traveled, whether it be in Greece, Italy, or Ireland, to name a few, she could be found talking to strangers who would become a new acquaintance or friend. She was proud of her Italian heritage and shared this with her family and friends by traveling several times to see family in Boretto, Italy.

Kay is survived by her three sons, three daughters-in-law, eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and her beloved poodle Molly.

Her love and zest for life will always be remembered and cherished.

A mass celebrating Kay’s life is pending and will be scheduled once the current restrictions are lifted at St. Steven’s Roman Catholic Church. The church is located at 24827 S. Dobson Road, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.

Jeanne L. Ray

Jeanne L. Ray of Sun Lakes passed away peacefully on Jan. 23, 2021. She was born in Los Angeles, Calif., to Scott and Sara Clark Ludlow. She grew up in Sherman Oaks, Calif., graduating from Van Nuys High School. She attended the University of Redlands and graduated with a degree in Christian Studies from Chapman College. She then attended the Wright-McMahon School in Beverly Hills. She was secretary and administrative assistant to Dr. James Fifield, Jr., Senior Minister at First Congregational Church, Los Angeles.

Jeanne married Ben P. Ray in California after they met while working at Yosemite National Park while they were in college. Ben joined the management team at J.C. Penney, and they lived in Escondido and El Centro, Calif.; Prescott; and Scottsdale. They later moved to Carlsbad, N.M., where Ben was a small business owner. Jeanne worked in the District Court for the State of New Mexico for 20 years, retiring in 1998. They moved to Sun Lakes in 2002.

Jeanne is survived by her children: Dr. Douglas S. Ray and his wife Karen of Ahwatukee Foothills and their three sons: Nathaniel and Harrison of Tempe and Jackson of Flagstaff, and their daughter Sara Ray Hermance and her husband Bill of Denton, Texas, and their two children: daughter Dr. Meghan Hermance of Mobile, Ala., and son Benjamin, his wife Lyndsey, and Jeanne’s great-grandson Ezra, all of Watauga, Texas. Jeanne had one sister, Doris Davidson of Grants Pass, Ore.

Jeanne was a member of First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes and participated in many local activities in the Sun Lakes area. She will be interred with her beloved husband Ben, who predeceased her in 2019, at The Gardens at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church.

Peggy Jean Templeton

Peggy Jean Templeton passed away in Sun Lakes, Ariz., on Jan. 17, 2021, at the age of 83. Peggy was born in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, to parents Eugene and Lou Ella (Hobbs) Turman on Aug. 23, 1937. She attended school in California. Peggy lived in Texas, California, Colorado, and Arizona.

Peggy married her high school sweetheart Richard (Dick) Byron Templeton on Aug. 12, 1956, in Lancaster, Calif. Together they raised three children in California. While living in California, Peggy was active in the National Charity League-San Fernando Valley Chapter. She was passionate about tennis and played in various women’s leagues in California and Arizona. Peggy made many friends while living in Sun Lakes, where she enjoyed playing tennis, playing Mahjongg and Mexican Train, shopping, and enjoying her friends’ company.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Dick; children Richard Allen (Cathy) Templeton of Gilbert, Ariz.; Steve Templeton of Sun Lakes, Ariz.; and Diana (Lou) Gabriel of Ladera Ranch, Calif.; brother Gary Lee (Linda) Turman of Mt. Pleasant, Texas; grandchildren Andrew (Bethany) Templeton, Richard Allen Jr. (Kayla) Templeton, Sean Templeton, and Lucas and Ella Gabriel; great-grandchildren Madelyne, Kamden, and Sawyer Templeton. Private services were held at Valley of the Sun Cemetery in Chandler, Ariz., on Feb. 1, 2021, at 1 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Summit Healthcare Services, Summit Wellness Foundation, www.summithcs.org/donate-1, or the American Lung Association.

Maretta M. Wood

Maretta Wood, 95, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on Jan. 31, 2021, at Chandler Regional Hospital following a fall the previous day. She lived independently with support from family and friends.

Born in Philadelphia on Sept. 6, 1925, she spent her childhood in Atlantic City, N.J. Maretta worked on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City where she met her future husband Alton R. Wood during World War II. Following their marriage, the couple moved to Ashtabula, Ohio, where they raised four children who survive them: Barbara, living in Delaware; Alton Jr., living in Florida; John, living in Pennsylvania; and James, living in Ohio.

During her adult life, Maretta worked at two local bakeries in Ashtabula, Ohio, and also worked at the Ashtabula Hospital. Following their retirement, Maretta and Alton moved to Chandler, Ariz. During the summer months, they enjoyed their small cabin in Spring Creek, Pa. They assisted their son John and his wife Cindy with the chores of running a large campground.

No services will be held for Maretta until a later date when we will all get together and have a cold one and toast to one beautiful life!