In Passing

Roger Eugene Arrand

Roger Eugene Arrand

Roger Eugene Arrand, age 97, passed away on Sept. 17, 2022. Roger was born in Flint, Mich., to the late Russell and Christine Arrand.

He is survived by his daughter Patrice Annette Diamond; sons Roger Randall Arrand (Setsuko) and Russell Gene Arrand (Brenda); grandchildren: Michelle Lannette Mendoza (Johnny), Erin Maureen Walley (Lamar), Sarah Mae Webster (Corky), Randall Kim Arrand (Charo), and Savanna Gene Loafman (Darrin); great-grandchildren: Amanda, Jessica, John, and Christine Mendoza; Brandon, Zach, Christopher, and Samantha Webster; and Luca Loafman; and great-great-grandchildren: Madeleine, Roselyn, and Caeden. Roger is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Nina Mae Arrand; grandchild Andrea Arrand; and his sister June Bandy.

Roger graduated from Flint Central High School and went on to become the successful business owner of Arrand Auto Service. He served his country in the Army Air Corp. and was a member of the Jim Beam Club. Roger loved to travel, particularly in his RV, and enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing the lottery.

The family would like to give special thanks to all of his neighbors for the outpouring of love and support they have shared and to Hospice at Home for all the dedicated care given to Roger.

Services will be held privately, with arrangements entrusted to Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery.

Charles David Bakeman

Charles David Bakeman lost his battle with a lengthy illness on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022. He was born on March 18, 1934, in Taft, Calif. He was born to Andrew and Francis Bakeman.

After graduating from Paso Robles High School, he attended Stanford University, majoring in mechanical engineering and playing center on their football team. He transferred to Cal Poly and graduated with a mechanical engineering degree. He obtained his master’s degree in industrial engineering at Purdue University.

Charles joined the Army where he and his family lived in Virginia, Georgia, Indiana, France, Germany, Kansas, and California. He also served his country in Greenland and in Vietnam and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, serving 20 years. He was too humble to boast about his medals. After retiring, he started a custom home business in California where he built their dream home. They later settled in Sun Lakes, Ariz., following several family members, and lived there happily for over 35 years. He designed and built a second custom home on the golf course in the White Mountains.

He was always working on a project, to include building decks for family members, custom bookcases, a pool table, a playhouse for his grandchildren, picture frames showcasing his family, a dark room, and countless others. He loved to travel the world with his wife and spending summers golfing and fly fishing in the White Mountains.

He is survived by his beloved wife Joan; sons Brent (Christie) and Mark (Cindy) and daughter Julie (Lara); grandchildren: Lee, Melissa, Wendy, Amber, Laren, Cole, and Taylor; and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father Andrew Bakeman, mothers June and Francis Bakeman, and brother Andy Bakeman.

Even though he had an accomplished and rewarding career, Charles would say his greatest accomplishment was being a husband, dad, and devoted grandfather. He had a witty sense of humor and was always ready for a celebration. He spent his last years golfing with great friends at Cottonwood and Ocotillo Golf Club.

Robert Beryl Becker

Robert Beryl Becker

Robert Beryl Becker was born April 2, 1939, in Park Rapids, Minn. He passed away at the age of 83 in Sun Lakes, Ariz., on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. He married Arlyce Avenson of Nevis, Minn., on Dec. 1, 1957, in Dorset, Minn. During their 56 years of marriage, they had six children: Gerry, Linda, Bonnie, Jon, Kevin, and Karen.

Robert worked as a fulltime cable TV engineer/manager until his retirement. Robert lived in several states, including Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, before “retiring” in Sun Lakes, Ariz. In addition, he has traveled throughout the world, visiting all seven continents and the seven wonders of the world. When he wasn’t traveling, he was remodeling homes or modifying a project. He has missed his wife over the past nine years. Their marriage was a true partnership, as they shared so much together. Robert was a great husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He leaves his six children, daughter-in-law (Donna), his grandchildren: Alec, McKayla, Nicholas, Kristopher, and Jonathon, and his brother Charles. He joins his wife Arlyce and parents Mildred and Ollie Becker in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, please give to Orphan Grain Train, www.ogt.org, or Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, www.dakotaranch.org.

Memorial Service is on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m. at Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Sun Lakes, Ariz. The service will also be live streamed at www.youtube.com/risensaviorchandler.

Basil Serge Bocynesky

Basil Serge Bocynesky

Basil Serge Bocynesky, 78, passed peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 23, 2022. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Sandra; a daughter, Christine (Bocynesky) Monaco of Texas; and son-in-law Michael Monaco. Additionally, he leaves behind a son-in-law, Michael Belair of Sun Lakes. Basil was preceded in death by his daughter Kimberly (Bocynesky) Belair of Sun Lakes. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Julianna Huettt, Lauryn Tetreault, Ryan Belair, Kaitlyn Belair, and Devin Cwynar.

Basil served in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Master Sergeant from the 74th Med. Evac. Unit. He owned his own industrial hygiene consulting business just prior to retiring. Over the years, he worked for the federal government and State of Connecticut as an industrial hygienist in Connecticut, as well as the Center for Occupational Health in Exeter, N.H.

Basil was born and resided in Connecticut until 2003, at which time, he and his wife moved from Hebron, Conn., to Ahwatukee, Ariz., and finally to Sun Lakes where he served for many years on the Building and Grounds Committee in IronOaks. He enjoyed the climate, the friendliness of the Sun Lakes community, and the many activities.

He was smart, witty, well-versed, well-loved, and will be missed dearly by his family and friends. He is resting in the arms of the Lord.

Jack Neal Cook

Jack Neal Cook

Jack “Pop-Pop” Cook passed away on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the age of 79, in Phoenix, Ariz., at the Dobson House hospice facility due to brain cancer.

Jack grew up in Suffield, Ohio, and was an active child and young adult, participating in a variety of sports. He attended the University of Akron, graduating with a degree in accounting. Shortly after graduating college, he was drafted into the Army and was headed to Vietnam, but not until after completing his training from the prestigious Army Ranger school. He completed two tours in Vietnam and was awarded a Bronze Star.

Once back in the U.S., he met the love of his life, his wife Donna. They were married in 1981 and welcomed their first child, Nathan, later that year. In 1984 they welcomed their second child, Julia. In 2016 Jack also welcomed his first grandchild (Anderson), with a second one coming in 2020 (Iris). He became affectionately known as “Pop-Pop” to both.

Jack was an avid skier and fervent supporter of all the activities that his kids were involved in. He was a 25-plus year member of the volunteer ski patrol at Squaw Valley, and when he wasn’t driving his family to kids’ activities, he loved being in the mountains and skiing. He was also a volunteer referee and soccer coach for Ballistic United Soccer Club in Pleasanton, Calif.

Jack had a long, successful business career, spread across accounting, finance, and IT. He was known as a hard and competent worker who did everything well. He retired around 2008 after relocating from California to Arizona and, given the lack of snow, he took up the game of golf. Jack’s golf swing was something to behold, but he fell in love with the game and was a past president of the Oakwood 9-Hole Golf League, which is affectionately called the “Niners.”

Jack is survived by his loving wife Donna Cook; brother Dale Cook; daughter Julia Cook; his son-in-law and daughter-in-law, Nathan and Cara Cook; his two grandchildren, Anderson and Iris Cook; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).

Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on Friday, Nov. 4, at 1:30 p.m., with a Celebration of Life on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Sisk Park in Sun Lakes, Ariz.

Marcia Godfrey Cook

Marcia Godfrey Cook

Marcia Godfrey Cook, 86, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on Sept. 14, 2022, after a brief illness.

Marcia was born on March 5, 1936, to Grant and Mildred Barclay Godfrey in Lincoln, Neb. Marcia graduated from Beatrice High School in 1954 and attended Hastings College before moving to Hays, Kan., where she met and married her husband of 42 years, Kenneth W. Cook, Jr. Ken’s career in hospital administration took them from Iowa to St. Paul, Minn., to Guymon, Okla., to Elko, Nev., where they raised their three children. They moved to Arizona in 1987 and settled in Sun Lakes in 1989.

Marcia was a loving mother to her three children: Kelly Cook Cole (Lakewood, Colo.), Randall Cook (Paris, France), and Dana Cook (Pleasant Hill, Calif.). She had various careers, with her favorite being the writer of radio commercials for KELK Radio in Elko, Nev. She also worked for Southwestern Bell in Guymon, Okla., and Newmont Exploration and Nevada First Thrift bank, also in Elko.

Marcia was predeceased by her parents, her husband Ken (2001), and her brother Alan “Skip” Godfrey (2014).

Marcia is survived by her granddaughter Madison Cole (Phoenix, Ariz.), her niece Chris Godfrey Fulton (Tucson, Ariz.), and other cousins and great-nieces.

Marcia was active in Beta Sigma Phi and PEO in Nevada and Arizona and volunteered for several charities throughout her life, including the American Red Cross, American Heart Society, and Elko General Hospital Auxiliary. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Elko and the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church.

She loved traveling, camping, and reading and was always learning. She loved to sing and was in the church choir in Elko and in college. She treasured time spent with her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Donations in Marcia’s memory can be made to St. Mary’s Food Bank, 2831 N. 31st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009.

Harold “Bud” Lee Ewy

Harold “Bud” Lee Ewy

Harold “Bud” Lee Ewy passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Ariz., on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, at the age of 87. Bud was surrounded by loved ones throughout his life and at the time of his passing.

Bud is survived by his daughter Julee Ewy Bruno of Phoenix, Ariz.; son Mark Ewy and son-in-law Rusty Granger of Mesa, Ariz.; granddaughters Katherine Bruno of Tempe, Ariz.; Karen Malick Trousdale (Ben) of Pasadena, Calif.; Kristen Malick (Charley) of Phoenix, Ariz.; and great-granddaughter Kennedy Grace Trousdale.

Bud is preceded in death by his loving wife Carole Ann Ewy, parents Carl and Helen Ewy of Kansas, brother Stanley Ewy, father-in-law and mother-in-law Wendell and Mildred Hall of Arizona, and great-granddaughter Ann Marie.

Bud was born on Nov. 8, 1934, in Newton, Kan. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1952 and went on to attend Hutchinson Junior College prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army, serving in Korea and Hawaii from 1953 to 1956. He then enrolled in Kansas State University where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in chemical engineering. Bud was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

He married Carole in 1959, and upon graduation, they moved to Port Neches, Texas, where he worked for Gulf Oil Chemical Company. They moved to Boulder, Colo., and then lived in Kansas City; Orange, Texas; Joplin, Mo., and returned to Orange where he eventually retired in 1993 and moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz.

Bud was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Orange, Texas, serving on the vestry as Senior Warden, a lay reader, and leading the Bethel Bible Series. He also served St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Chandler, Ariz., as an usher and helping with their food bank.

A Celebration of Life was held Oct. 14 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 1401 W. Park Avenue, Orange, Texas 77630; Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank in Chandler, Ariz.; or to Disabled American Veterans. Condolences can be sent to www.horizonfuneralcare.com/obituaries.

The family would like to thank the staff at Banner Baywood Heart Hospital and Hospice of the Valley who listened to his needs and provided care, kindness, and compassion during his final days.

Joan Bonardel Golding

Joan Bonardel Golding

Joan B. Golding (83) passed away on Sept. 18, 2022. Joan is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dick; daughters Nancy Dennehy and Connie Quarnstrom (John); son Tex Golding; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, sister Nancy Paul, son Ken Golding, and son-in-law Dan Dennehy.

Joan was born in Orange, N.J., on June 9, 1939, and raised in Summit, N.J., where she met her future husband Dick in the 4th grade. In 1959 Dick and Joan married and started a family of four children. The family moved to Minnesota in 1974. Joan and Dick later moved to Long Beach, Ind.; Webster, Wisc.; and Sun Lakes, Ariz., where they enjoyed their retirement. In 2021 they moved to Stillwater, Minn.

Joan loved raising her family, entertaining, cruising, ballroom dancing, and animals. She was a truly compassionate person who always put others before herself. Words cannot express how much she will be missed.

A private memorial service for the family will be held at a future date. No need for gifts, but should you wish to honor Joan, please direct donations to Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah, or Lakeview Homecare and Hospice in Oak Park Heights, Minn.

Sharon Louise Kitchin

Sharon Louise Kitchin

Sharon Louise Kitchin, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend to all, passed away peacefully on Sept. 10, 2022.

Sharon is survived by her husband David Kitchin, III; her daughters Lynn Cline, Faith Herbert, and Lisa Leach; her other children: David Kitchin, IV, Kyle Kitchin, Craig Kitchin, Michael Amuso, Lauri Amuso, and Andrew Amuso; and her 27 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her brother Bill Race and her parents Bill and Anna Race.

Sharon was born in Belleville, Ill., on Nov. 4, 1942. Her greatest joys in life were her family, music, traveling, and teaching. No one was a stranger, and everyone was welcome in her home and considered family. She was raised in the Baptist church, and as a music lover, was a well-accomplished pianist and organist, accompanying the choir on their multi-level pipe organ. She taught on and off for a span of nearly 40 years, with 20 years spent in middle school teaching 8th grade science. After retiring, she traveled as much as she could with David and visited the faraway places she always taught and read about, yet she always looked forward to being home for holidays and family get-togethers.

She was a daughter, sister, aunt, a First Lieutenant, a wife, a mom, a grandmother, great-grandmother, a true friend, good neighbor, and a gentle, loving soul. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Her Celebration of Life was held in September. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the PBS Foundation.

Arlene C. Krysiak

Arlene C. Krysiak

Arlene C. Krysiak was born on Oct. 13, 1937, to Charles and Gertrude Lavoie in Lewiston, Maine. Her life was taken this year by Parkinson’s disease.

She married Edwin Krysiak on Valentine’s Day 1962. She was the mother of Lisa Krysiak Rast, John Jones, and Nila Fix. Her grandchildren include Brandon and Gavin Rast and Austin and Jaclyn Fix. Nothing was more heartfelt than a hug or kiss from Arlene. May you always remember that she treasured your love and friendship. To celebrate her love for you, she wanted you to have just a few more hugs and kisses!

Arlene has many accolades and traveled throughout a great portion of the world. She was the first president of Sun Lakes Neighbors Who Care, loved to play bridge, Fairy Tale Canasta, and played tennis at Phase 2. She loved to host parties for all her many friends.

Bob (Lou Bob) Miller

Bob (Lou Bob) Miller

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Bob (Lou Bob) Miller. He was born in Huntington, W.V., on Oct. 16, 1929, to Eunice and Louie T. Miller and left this world on Sept. 18, 2022. He was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 66 years, Barbara J. Miller. Bob and Barb resided in Sun Lakes, Ariz., since 1987, after moving from the Chicago area.

Bob played a mean game of tennis, to which his friends and teammates can attest. He was an avid Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns fan. When he no longer had his season tickets, you could find him in front of the TV voicing his advice loudly. He was a dedicated and loving family man who enjoyed family and friends around the table with lively conversation. He took care of Barbara when she battled Parkinson’s disease and was always attentive to her. He lived life to the fullest and was always grateful for friends and family. Friends and family gathered from around the U.S. to celebrate his 90th birthday in 2019. He was surprised, amazed, and felt blessed by all who attended.

His warmth and kindness will be sorely missed by everyone. He leaves behind to carry on his legacy his children: Larry (Shirley) Miller, Nancy (Jim) Carrell, Robin (Brian) Blaylock, and Tom (Luigina) Miller, and grandchildren: Laurel, Lee (Lynsey), Shaun (Nadia), Samantha (Manny), Andy (Sara), Katelyn (Keith) and Amy, Kelly and Brandon, Michael (April) and Anthony. Also, his great-grandchildren: Lilia and Violet, Langdon and Cadence, Ava and Atlas, DrewAn, Charlotte and Hank, Paxton and Pearl, Lily and Luna, Mia, Massimo, Matteo, and Milo, Milana, Camilla and Giovanni. He touched many lives and, recently, he had a loving relationship with Joan Sisley.

We are very grateful to the care he received from Hospice and would appreciate donations to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014, in lieu of flowers. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during his recent hospital visits, rehab, and skilled nursing care. They were greatly appreciated.

Bob’s Memorial Service was Oct. 18 at Risen Savior Lutheran Church.

Irma S. Rahr

Irma S. Rahr

Irma S. Rahr, born Feb. 28, 1925, passed away on Oct. 3, 2022, with her daughter by her side. One of nine children, she was born on the family farm in the Town of Colchester, in the Catskill mountains of Delaware County, N.Y., to Ward and Mattie (Cable) Suttle. She was predeceased by her husbands: Joseph A. Donaloio, James Sweeney, and Frederick Rahr; her older brothers: George, James, Floyd, Stanley, and Francis Suttle; as well as her older sister Eleanor Jones; and two younger sisters: Inez Pillsbury and Marjorie MacDonald. She is survived by her daughter Brenda (Donaloio) Lee and several nieces and nephews.

Irma walked a steep, one-lane dirt road to a one-room schoolhouse wedged into the mountainside where she and her siblings began their education. Irma was interested in music and learned to play the melodeon, mandolin, violin, clarinet, baritone sax, bassoon, viola, cello, string bass, and piano. At a little over five feet tall, Irma was the high school band drum majorette with all the regalia: boots, baton, tall hat, short skirt, and high steps.

Although a one-room schoolhouse graduate, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in music from Hartwick College and a Masters in Music Education from Ithaca College. Irma taught elementary and middle school music appreciation and choir and led many holiday concerts.

A lover of Morgan horses, Irma had several that she rode and drove with a little two-wheel buggy through the hills of Upstate New York.

On retirement, she worked in her family’s restaurants until her husband Joseph Donaloio retired. Regrettably, he passed away shortly after retirement. She remarried James Sweeney and moved to Quincy, Mass. When Jim passed away, Irma moved fulltime to Bradenton, Fla.

Mutual friends introduced her to Frederick Rahr. She again married and moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz. While in Sun Lakes, she was active in the Red Hat Society, sang alto in the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church choir, became a proficient organist, and traveled to places she never dreamed of as a kid. Over the years, she volunteered tutoring children from Boston, Florida, and Arizona Native American communities.

Irma moved to Galveston, Texas, living with her daughter Brenda. She maintained a healthy “fan club” correspondence with former students—often thanking her for the opportunity to learn music appreciation—and her former teaching colleagues. She attended Libbie’s Senior Day Program and read voraciously.

A graveside service was held on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Sidney, N.Y.

The family asks that donations in Irma’s memory be made to Sun Lakes United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice. Please share your memories on her memorial webpage www.malloyandson.com/obituaries/Irma-Ruth-Rahr?obId=26055827#/celebrationWall.

Jill Evans Talbot

Jill Evans Talbot

Jill Evans Talbot, 67, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away at her family home in Falmouth, Mass., on July 31, 2022.

She was born in Wellesley, Mass., as the youngest daughter of Mary and Harold Talbot. Jill lived her early life in Wesley before attending college at the University of Boulder. Her move out West allowed her to  follow her lifelong passion for a love of animals and the outdoors. She remained in Boulder for 40 years. While living in Colorado, Jill maintained a stable of goats and horses and was an avid competitor, organizer, and officiant of competitive trail riding, as well as a frequent world traveler.

She loved teaching others to ride and care for horses and often went on horse trips with her friends to ride the trails in various places across the United States. In 2014 she moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz., with her horses and cats. Jill battled breast and stomach cancer for the last 10 years of her life with courage and grace.

She is survived by her four nieces and nephews and their eight children. She was preceded in death by her mother Mary and two sisters, Nancy and Elizabeth. We all miss you, Jill!

This poem is in her honor.

What Cancer Cannot Do

It cannot cripple love.

It cannot shatter hopes.

It cannot corrode faith.

It cannot destroy peace.

It cannot kill friendships.

It cannot suppress memories.

It cannot silence courage.

It cannot invade the soul.

It cannot steal eternal life.

It cannot conquer the spirit.

Jim Thorburn

Jim Thorburn

Jim Thorburn, at 91 years of age, who resided with his wife Carolyn (“Kayo”) in Palo Verde for over 20 years, passed away Oct. 6, 2022, at home in Chandler, Ariz. He was surrounded by family: daughter Carrie, son Matthew, grandson Michael, and, most importantly, the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Kayo. With support from Hospice of the Valley and care from his family, Jim passed very peacefully in his own bedroom.

Jim and Kayo moved to Sun Lakes in 1997 and lived in Palo Verde for 20 years enjoying all the community has to offer and their many friends. Jim especially loved the trivia nights and was very active in the Sun Lakes Community Theater. He had roles in many productions and was also a member of the improv players. Six years ago, Jim and Kayo were ready for a downsize and had an estate sale, sold their Palo Verde home, and have lived in Chandler since.

The Thorburn family want to encourage SLCT members and other Sun Lakes friends to attend a celebration of Jim’s joyful and wonderful life at 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, at the Sun Lakes Chapel, 9240 S. Sun Lakes Boulevard, followed by coffee, cookies, and other treats in the chapel next door. Donations to the Robson Library should be made in lieu of flowers, because Dad loved books, and flowers made him sneeze. Friends, please bring photos, stories, or anecdotes to share with the group. If you are unable to attend but would like to share a story, you may email Jim’s daughter Carrie Thorburn at [email protected] and your story will be shared for you. You may also call or text Carrie at 208-230-7162.

Patsy Sue Redmond

Patsy Sue Redmond

Patsy Sue Redmond, lover of books, travel, bridge, and a feisty Corgi named Murphy, passed away in Chandler, Ariz., on Aug. 31.

Patsy was born in Lawrenceville, Kan., and raised in Grand Junction, Colo., where she attended primary schools and the University of Colorado at Boulder. In 1954 Patsy married Robert Redmond, and together they traveled throughout the Southwest where Patsy acquired her love of Native American culture and art. They also developed a love of German Shorthair Pointers and raised several award-winning GSPs. They moved to Reno, Nev., in 1961 where Patsy became an active community volunteer and an accomplished businesswoman.

In 1979 she was appointed Nevada’s deputy insurance commissioner and in 1981 was appointed Nevada State Insurance Commissioner by then Governor Robert List. In 1985 she was appointed Executive Vice President of the Nevada Association of Realtors and led the association until her retirement.

During her career, Patsy chaired the Nevada State Development Corporation, was appointed to the board of United Way of Northern Nevada, and served on the advisory committee for the University of Nevada/Reno College of Business and the real estate advisory committee at the University of Nevada/Las Vegas. Other service included the Women in the Services Defense Advisory Committee and the Nevada Women’s Fund’s board of directors. In 1989 Patsy was named Woman of the Year by the Reno Business and Professional Women’s Club.

Patsy moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz., in 2008 and was quickly welcomed into a rich circle of friends who enjoyed book clubs, Red Hat activities, bridge, and the many musical and theatrical performances offered throughout the area. Committed to leading an active life, she joined a bowling team and practiced tai chi.

Always ready for a new adventure, Patsy traveled extensively, enjoying places such as Petra, the Galapagos, and the Great Wall of China.

While living in Reno, Patsy hosted the family events, and her home was filled with laughter, great food, one talkative parrot, and a few German Shorthairs. She was preceded in death by Bob, her husband of 52 years; sister Edna Ruth; and, most recently, her beloved Corgi, Murphy.

She is remembered by her family: Eric (Joal), Kurt (Allison, children Cole and Carly, and great-grandchildren Cash and Dallas); and daughter Julie Rosser (Jesse and children Kyle and Evan).

A private celebration of Patsy’s life took place in Winchester Bay, Ore., on Oct. 30 in honor of her 90th birthday.