In Passing

Annie Mae Weave Hall

Annie Mae Weave Hall of Goodwin, Ark., passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at her residence. She was born on Aug. 30, 1939, the oldest of seven children, to her loving parents Ray and Rose Gaines.

Annie was educated in the Saint Louis Public Schools, and during her sophomore year in high school, she met her life partner Jack Allen Hall. They remained married for 67 years until her passing. Annie is survived by her loving and devoted husband Jack Hall of Sun Lakes, Ariz.; her two sons: Jack Jr. of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Christopher (Phan) Hall of San Marcos, Calif.; two sisters: Dorothy Gowdy and Sandra (Alfred) Katzenberger of Saint Louis, Mo.; two brothers: Clifton (Lera) Weaver of La Habra Heights Calif., and Wilbert Archie (Debbie) of Saint Louis, Mo.; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

In 1995, Annie and Jack moved to Arizona and established their home in Sun Lakes. After searching for a church home, they joined Chandler United Methodist Church. Annie was known in the church as one who would welcome new members or assist in any way with visitors to the church. It was not unusual to see Annie visiting before and after service with members, smiling and offering words of encouragement.

She was very active in various groups in Sun Lakes. The African American Association of Sun Lakes, Putter, and Mahjongg were just a few. Her passion was line dancing.

Annie will be remembered for her warm heart, love of family, friend gatherings, laughter, and sweet smiles. She will be sorely missed by all who loved her.

Bobbie Kerr

On March 13, 2021, Bobbie Kerr, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and dear friend, drew her final breath and entered into the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.” Psalm 116:15

Bobbie Jean Cain was born in 1934 in the town of St. Charles, Ark. She grew up in the wheatfields of Kansas, along with four brothers and two sisters, all deceased. She went to school in Burton, Kan. Upon graduation from high school in 1952, she moved to Hutchinson, Kan., where she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Kerr, a young Naval pilot. In 1953, Robert moved back to his hometown in Minnesota, and not long after, proposed over the telephone. She took a train by herself to Minnesota where she knew no one, and married Robert without any of her family being there. They moved around until Robert finished his flight training and college. They have lived in Minnesota, Florida, California, Kansas, Oklahoma, with her final resting place in Arizona.

Bobbie never met a stranger. She could and would talk to anyone as if she knew them forever. She made many friends because of her engaging personality, kindness, quick wit, and compassion. She and her husband loved to travel. As a young adult, she became a Christian. She raised her children to love the Lord. Being a Pastor’s wife, there was a lot of time spent at the church. When her children were young teens, in Norman, Okla., she took a job working in the Bursars office at Oklahoma University. She kept working, because she enjoyed it. She worked as the office manager for Dr. Blackford, a veterinarian, and ending her career as the office manager for Dr. Nations, a dentist.

Bobbie was a devout Christian, serving the Lord at their church, in the choir, in Sunday school, as a Deacon’s wife, and wherever she was needed. In 2002 after retirement, they purchased a winter home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., where, of course, they became very involved with the First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes. She started going on mission trips with her husband in 2004 through International Commission. They traveled to Spain, Chile, Argentina, Greece, Mexico, Brazil (three times), Peru (two times), Jamaica, and Paraguay, leading many to the Lord. They coordinated these trips and encouraged many from their church and other churches to participate.

She was a faithful servant of the Lord and loved her husband, family, and friends. Bobbie was an instrument of God’s love and was loved by all who knew her. In 2016, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She was an inspiration and a testimony until the end. When most of her mind was taken away and her body was shutting down, the Holy Spirit never left her. She would burst out in prayer or start singing one of her favorite hymns, and you could understand her. She loved to laugh, even if she didn’t understand why everyone was laughing, and with her quick wit, bring you to tears with laughter.

Bobbie passed away at home with family present.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 11 Timothy 4:7

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at 10 a.m. at Sun Lakes Baptist Church, 9545 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.

If you wish to make a donation in Bobbie’s honor, please make them to International Commission/N2N Projects

Diana Lee Lloyd

Diana Lee Lloyd, 80 years old, passed away peacefully in her home on April 2, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.

Diana was a devoted wife of over 50 years, sister, mother, and grandmother. She especially enjoyed doting on her grandchildren who adored her dearly. She was an accomplished baker and designed a special cake for each child or grandchild’s birthday and special occasion for over 25 years. She was also gifted at crochet and produced customized blankets for family and friends, incorporating favorite colors and passions. She especially enjoyed holiday gatherings with family and would spare no time or expense to ensure they had an enjoyable meal and celebration. She opened her heart and door to anyone who needed love and attention, whether they were family or not.

Diana was the salutatorian of her high school graduating class and earned her Library Science Degree from Mesa Community College. She was a traveling librarian with Phoenix Union High School District and especially enjoyed interacting with the young adults.

Diana is survived by her sister and brother, Jacqueline Emmons and Larry Goshorn; her children Denise, Craig and spouse Denise, Scott and spouse Crithea, and Curtis and spouse Siew Looi; grandchildren Jessica, Samantha, Ashton, Sarah, Jennifer, Kailey, Janelle, Micah, Vanessa, and Sophie; and soon-arriving great-grandchildren Madison and Lili.

Donald G. Brunner

Don, age 85, went on his final journey to his home, in glory, with his Savior Jesus Christ on March 29, 2021.

Don was born in Milwaukee, Wis., in October of 1935. He was preceded in death by his father Gilbert Martin Brunner and his mother Rose Marie Brunner (nee Weiss). He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Renee; daughters Peggy Lynn, Leah Marie, Greta Elizabeth, and Kelly Ann; and son Scott Wilbur. Don and Renee were blessed, and he is also survived by 13 grandchildren, ten boys and three girls.

Don finished his engineering education at Carroll College in Waukesha, Wis., and Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis., but was most proud of graduating as a First Lieutenant from St. John’s Military Academy in Delafield, Wis., in 1953. He believed that the regimentation and demand for excellence that he experienced at St. John’s set the course and established the motivation for the rest of his life.

His early career included sequential assignments as Chief Draftsman for Dorr Sales and Engineering and Aladdin Design Inc., both of Milwaukee, followed by a move to Grand Rapids, Mich., to work as Lead Tool and Die Designer for Mr. Bill Lear of Lear Inc. This experience in the Avionic field led to another move to join the Avionic Division of Honeywell Inc., located in Minneapolis, Minn. Shortly thereafter, in 1965, Don made his final corporate move, accepting a position as Manager of Mechanical Development for the 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. In 1969, Don was assigned as Plant Manager of the New Ulm, Minn., plant which produced copiers, microfilm, and visual equipment. In 1971 he was appointed as Director of European Manufacturing for 3M’s Graphic Systems Group and relocated to Paris, France. In this capacity, Don coordinated the efforts of facilities in France, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Returning to the U.S. in 1974, Don moved into general management and held a variety of positions responsible for the design, manufacture, marketing, and distribution of 3M products; examples include the wholesale distribution of graphic systems products, the Fax Exchange product line, and 3M Teleterminal products.

Upon retirement from 3M in 1999 at age 56, Don and Renee established a three-company residential/commercial cleaning operation, doing business as Rendo Inc., servicing the greater St. Paul/Minneapolis area. After seven years of successful, but stressful, operation, they retired in earnest to Ironwood Estates in Chandler, Ariz.

Throughout his life, Don tried to give back. Interesting secular efforts included his activities as Commodore of Wild River Yacht Club in Hudson, Wisc., and President of Ironwood Men’s Golf League in Sun Lakes, Ariz. More importantly, Don was very active in service to his Lord. He served as Congregation President and Men’s Club President at Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Chandler.

At age 75, Don returned to school for a two-year training program to qualify as a Deacon in his church. He has since served as a commissioned Deacon of Epiphany Lutheran Church of Chandler, Ariz. Calling on the homebound, leading a variety of Bible studies, preaching, teaching, serving where and when needed, and investing in the lives of many gave him the satisfaction of serving his Lord and Savior.

Throughout his life, Don enjoyed sports, all types of music, and travel. In addition to an annual month-long fishing visit to a lake in Northern Wisconsin, he and Renee were blessed to be able to visit Europe often, Russia, and China, and most recently, at age 83, they visited ancient Greece and the Greek Islands.

In his later years, and much to the consternation of Renee, Don developed a love for classic automobiles. At the time of his death, he continued to own, operate, and enjoy a collection of these cars.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 800 W. Ray Road, Chandler, Ariz., at 11 a.m. on May 12.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Epiphany Lutheran Church in his name.

Glen Eugene Harlacher

Glen Eugene Harlacher was born May 9, 1934, in Streator, Ill. He served in the U.S. Marines for four years and retired after serving 33 years at Pacific Telephone in Los Angeles, Calif.

Glen was married to Carol Harlacher and was father to five children. He lived in Sun Lakes for five and a half years.

Jerry Emmack

Jerry Emmack, 79, of Sun Lakes, passed away on March 18, surrounded by his loved ones at Hospice of the Valley, Dobson facility.

Jerry was born in Fairfield, Iowa, to Leo and Alice Emmack and grew up with six siblings on a farm near Fairfield. He married Janet Ferguson in Fairfield in 1961 and would have celebrated 60 years of marriage later this fall. He is survived by his loving wife and two children: Denise (Doug) Koester from Chatham, Ill., and Greg (Sue) Emmack of Elkhart, Ind.; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Jerry worked for Michigan/Wisconsin Pipeline for 30 years before retiring to Arizona. Once “retired,” he began working for Sun Lakes Pest Control for 17 years. Jerry did not know a stranger, and many of his customers quickly became friends. Jerry was an epic storyteller, joke teller, loving husband, and wonderful dad.

He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Lions Club, and Jaycees and enjoyed playing cards and reading.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and one brother.

Judy Lamers

Judith (Judy) Hart Lamers, 83, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2021. Born June 28, 1937, in LaSalle, Ill., she was the second oldest of the six children (Lee, Judy, Sandy, Dave, Dan, and Mike) born to Harry and Dolores Hart. Judy was raised in Menomonee Falls, Wis. She graduated from the Marquette University College of Nursing with a B.S.N. in public health. While at Marquette, she met her husband-to-be Ed Lamers, a dental student. They married during his senior year. Upon graduation, Ed received a commission in the Army Dental Corps and was assigned to Stuttgart, Germany, where their children Susan (Tomlinson) and Christopher were born. Judy and Ed have six wonderful grandchildren: Matt, Jake, and Joe Lamers and Chal, Brad, and Leslie Tomlinson.

Judy adapted well to military life and recalled it as an exciting time in her life. Following retirement from the Army, they moved to Portland, Ore., where Judy worked as a nurse at St. Vincent’s Medical Center while Ed joined the faculty of the Oregon Health Sciences University.

After 15 years in the cold and damp Northwest, they moved to warm and sunny Sun Lakes, where Judy volunteered for Neighbors Who Care, joined New Adventures in Learning, and played a lot of tennis and bridge. In 2011, Judy’s 3.5 doubles tennis team won the national championship in their division. When her tennis days came to an end, Judy joined the Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge Club and when the pandemic arrived, she played bridge online. An avid reader, Judy joined The Bookies Book Club. From entertaining over the years, her culinary skills progressed from basic to gourmet. Judy and Ed enjoyed travel, and over their 61 years together, they visited six continents. Judy led an exemplary life, guided by her Christian faith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at a date to be determined at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, Chandler. Contributions in Judy’s memory may be made to Neighbors Who Care.

Margaret Helen Boyd

On April 14, 2020, our beloved mother, Margaret Helen Boyd, passed away at age 96. Margaret “Mahelen” was born on March 23, 1924, in Glen Ridge, N.J., to Charles and Margaret (Keefe) Fitzgibbon. She graduated from Sacred Heart Elementary and Immaculate Conception High School, class of 1941 in Montclair, N.J. Post high school, she attended business school in N.Y.C. and worked for Hoffman-LaRoche Pharmaceuticals until her marriage to our father, Robert F. Boyd, in 1947.

From here on, she enjoyed the life of an Air Force wife and embraced every transfer and move with enthusiasm as she loved military family life.

The daughter of a career Army father, she was proud that both her children were military veterans. Upon our father’s retirement from his 30 years of military service, they lived in Tucson, Ariz., until 1986 when they relocated to Sun Lakes, Ariz. Mom loved her vacations in México, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and most of all her beloved Jersey Shore. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and her siblings Nora and Bill. Mom will always be remembered as the most loving mother any children could have. Mom, we miss you forever but are grateful for your kindness, generosity, defender of human rights, love of animals, and the lifetime of happiness you gave us. She is survived by daughter Diana Boyd (Sun Lakes, Ariz.), son Charles (Mary) of Tucson, and her loving nieces and nephews of Washington and New Jersey.

Gerard Grant Willover

On March 17, 2021, Gerard Grant Willover (Jerry), passed away at his Sun Lakes, Ariz., home with his wife at his side.

Jerry was born on July 9, 1946, to CWO (Retired) Eber Grant Willover and Grace Marie Willover (nee Weingartner) in New York City, N.Y. As the son of a World War II Air Force veteran, Jerry moved numerous times throughout his younger life. While some would find these moves disconcerting, Jerry flourished and easily made friends wherever his family was stationed.

On Nov. 8, 1965, Jerry entered on duty with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a professional support employee. He started his FBI career as a courier and rose to become one of the bureau’s lead computer specialists in the research and development of the National Crime Information Center 2000, a multi-million-dollar fingerprint-recognition program utilized by law enforcement personnel. Jerry retired on Aug. 30, 2001, following a distinguished and decorated career of 36 years of service.

After moving to Sun Lakes in 2004, Jerry began volunteering at the Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse office. He served there as a patrol officer, training officer, and vice commander for several years until health issues precluded his further service.

Jerry enjoyed fishing, target shooting, dining out, traveling, and get-togethers with neighbors and friends. His quick sense of humor, calm nature, and keen intelligence made him a delight to be around. Jerry’s deep sense of patriotism, fierce loyalty, and love for his wife, friends, and family never diminished.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Grace and Eber Willover. He is survived by his sister Sharon Marie Cox of Virginia, his brother-in-law Richard Cox of Virginia, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, several God children, and many beloved friends. He is also survived by his wife of 52 years, Carol A. (Penny) Willover.

A graveside memorial will be held at a later date at Lakeside Cemetery, Hamburg, N.Y., Jerry’s final resting place. His wife requests that any donations in Jerry’s honor be made to the American Kidney Foundation.

Soar with the Angels, our dearest Jerry.

Norman B. Lubeach

Norman B. Lubeach, 80, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2021, at home in Sun Lakes. He was born in Lima, Ohio, on May 2, 1940.

Norm married Martha on March 11, 1962, in Louisville, Ky. They recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Norm is survived by his wife Martha, two daughters: Beke and Charyl (Roger) Leister, and two granddaughters: Destinee (D.J.) and Desiree (Desi) Leister.

Norm graduated from The University of Louisville and worked over 30 years in all aspects of human resources administration. He had articles published in trade magazines relating to HR issues.

The Lubeach family lived in many places: Louisville, Ky.; St. Petersburg and Miami, Fla.; Greensboro and Gastonia, N.C.; Rockford, Ill.; Cheshire, Conn.; and Peachtree City, Ga. before Norm and Martha settled in Sun Lakes, Ariz., in April of 2002.

Norm, being a social person who enjoyed conversing with people, joined the Cottonwood Palo Verde Patrol in 2002. His easygoing demeanor earned him the nickname “Gentle Giant.” Homeowners and fellow employees liked talking with Norm and enjoyed hearing about his life experiences.

The day Norm became a grandfather was one of his best days ever. He loved talking about D.J. and Desi, bragging about their many accomplishments. When they came to visit, Norm would bring the girls to the many Sun Lakes events, especially the Easter Egg Hunt. He enjoyed every minute with them.

Norm was the type of person who became a friend for life. He will be missed by all who called him “friend.” In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley or Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation.

Shirley Rolfes McCreight

Shirley Rolfes McCreight passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. She was born on July 1, 1928, in Saint Louis, Mo., to Helen and William Rolfes. Then she met and married Harry Richard McCreight in 1949 when he returned home from service in World War II. They lived in Evanston, Ill. They had Cynthia Ann in 1950, Melinda Mary in 1952, and Kathleen Susan (Kelly) in 1955. They moved to California and raised the three girls in Palo Alto and Menlo Park.

Shirley did not work outside the home. She did volunteering at church, played tennis in California, snow skiing, and later, when they retired to Sun Lakes, Ariz., she played golf and was the President of Ladies Golf for two years. When living in Bellevue, Wash., she volunteered with a group of ladies who oversaw donation to the local fire station. She was also a PEO member.

Shirley loved to play cards—bridge particularly! She was also very interested in politics, was an avid reader, and very social. Shirley was a world traveler and was a gourmet cook.

Her husband of 50 years, Harry (known to many as “Bud”), predeceased her. She is survived by their three daughters and their spouses, William Kludas, Ron Rayment, and Wesley Weintz. She is also survived by five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her two sisters predeceased her.

Shirley was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

William Arthur Ellis, III

William Arthur Ellis, III, 90, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., peacefully passed away at his home on March 14, 2021, after a brief battle with cancer. Bill was born in Omaha, Neb., on Jan. 10, 1931, to William A. Ellis, Jr., and Elizabeth M. Ellis.

Bill graduated from Omaha North High School in 1949 and attended University of Nebraska. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950 and served during the Korean War as an instructor of aviation mechanics. After his honorable discharge in 1953, Bill returned to Omaha to work for Northwestern Bell as a lineman, after which his pursuit of continuing education earned him a managerial role. He retired in 1990 from the newly-formed US West, Inc.

In 1993 Bill moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz., serendipitously purchasing a home right next door to Eva Mariahazy. The two neighbors’ friendship blossomed into a romance, and the two were married in 1994. The subsequent 27 years brought them the Golden Years we all dream of with worldwide travel. His beloved Cornhuskers kept Bill glued to the TV every football season.

Bill leaves behind a loving family who will miss him greatly, including, daughter Cathy and son Brad, daughter-in-law Martha, and granddaughters Caitlin, Carrie, Sarah, and Grace. Upon his marriage to Eva, Bill acquired an additional extended family, all of whom fell in love with him and made him family patriarch, including stepchildren Judy, Laszlo, and Peter Mariahazy; grandchildren Rocky, Stephen, and Max; and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom called him “Nagypapa,” grandfather in Hungarian.

A brief, private service was held after Palm Sunday at Bill and Eva’s church, Risen Savior Lutheran in Sun Lakes. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be announced and held at a later date once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and it becomes safe to do so.