Sandra Johnson
Sandra Johnson
Our beautiful and beloved family matriarch, Sandy Jones Johnson, formerly Sandra Simonette, went home to heaven on May 15, 2025.
Sandy, age 78, passed away peacefully at Dobson Home in Chandler, Ariz., after a brief illness. She was born on June 2, 1946, in Ilion, N.Y., to Arvon and Francis (Seidsma) Jones. Sandy attended Ilion Central Schools and graduated in 1965.
After school, Sandy worked at ICL and later at Remington Arms in Ilion, N.Y. In 1998 she moved from Ilion to Chandler, Ariz., where she worked at Cottonwood Country Club until her retirement. On April 11, 2012, Sandy married USMC Retired Sergeant Bill Johnson in Chandler, Ariz., where they lived for the past 12 years enjoying their children, grandchildren, many games of golf, dear friends at Cottonwood Country Club, and spending vacations on the coast of Seattle, Wash.
Sandy is survived by her husband Bill Johnson; daughters Tracy (Kevin) Loomis of Arizona, Shannon (Ben) Truman of Ohio, Sandra (Jim) Theobald of Arizona; and son Todd (Theresa) Lozo Sr. of N.Y. She is also survived by grandchildren Todd Lozo Jr., Deja Barreto, Dallas Loomis, Jacob Lozo, Olivia (Ian) Fairchild Grace Lozo, Sarah (Christopher) Rodriguez, and Andrea (Mikayla) Schurland, and great-grandchildren Julian Martinez, Ava Martinez, Fischer Lozo, Hayden Rodriguez, and Ashton Rodriguez. Other survivors include her sisters Cheryl (Tom) Deyle of New York and Nancy Stanga of Minnesota, sister-in-law Carolee Jones, and several special nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Arvon and Francis Jones, husband Bill (Babe) Simonette, brother Ronnie Jones, and brothers-in-law Dennis Stanga, Joe (Sylvia) Simonette, and Anthony (Linda) Simonette.
Sandy was known for her beautiful smile, kind heart, and spunky personality. She was an amazing cook and always lit up any room she walked into. She loved to dance and was an avid golfer. She also enjoyed the beach, bike riding, hiking, and girls’ trips with her high school “gals.” Some of her favorite days were spent with her sisters and bringing her kids together for special family vacations. She fully supported her children and they often found it hard to keep up with her youthful energy. She was deeply loved by her grandchildren and was always willing to join them on adventures. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Diane Siems
Diane Siems
Diane Siems passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, in Gilbert, Ariz., at the age of 80. She was the beloved daughter of the late Sonny and Elaine Siems and a cherished sister, Barbara Cloar.
Born on Dec. 6, 1944, Diane spent her childhood in Merrill, Wis., where she was known for her charm, cheerleading spirit, and natural popularity. Her father owned the local Cadillac dealership, and her mother was a devoted homemaker. Diane maintained close ties with her family and high school friends throughout her life.
After high school, Diane moved to Milwaukee, where she worked then relocated to Los Angeles, becoming a top salesperson and eventually the Senior Buyer for Frederick’s of Hollywood. Her career in fashion continued in Phoenix, where she held prominent buyer roles at Goldwater’s, Diamond’s, and The Broadway.
Diane had a passion for travel, visiting countries throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. She embraced adventure and new experiences with elegance and enthusiasm.
In her later years, Diane settled in the Sun Lakes community in Arizona. Retirement didn’t slow her down—she began a second career in real estate and became a successful Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty. Her professionalism, intelligence, and caring nature made her a trusted advocate for her clients.
Diane was stylish, thoughtful, and full of life. She brought warmth and kindness to every relationship and remained deeply connected to those she loved. She will be greatly missed by her dear friends and family at Coldwell Banker Realty, Cheryl and Michelle Arthur, Eileen Moore, Janet Swain, Ginny Harris, and Jim and Shirley Willis.
May her memory be a blessing.
Harold (Jerry) Vickery
Harold (Jerry) Vickery
Jerry was born on Dec. 16, 1942, in Evansville, Ind., and passed away May 15, 2025, in his home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., with wife of 58 years Jeannette (Jan) (Harper) Vickery by his side.
The son of Clifford Vickery and Josie (Hassette) Vickery, his only sibling died before Jerry was born so he grew up as an only child in the suburbs of Detroit where he graduated from Allen Park High School then joined Boilermakers Local #169.
Jerry joined the Navy at 21 years of age and served three years as a shipfitter. While serving on the USS Brumby in Boston, Mass., he met Jan at a judo club where he was helping teach. One month later, they were engaged and nine months to the day after their first date, they married.
Jan and Jerry moved to Michigan to begin their life together where they raised two sons, David and Michael. They built a wonderful life together, first founding two Montessori schools in Michigan before moving to Arizona in 1994, building a school building at 32nd and Chandler Blvd. in Ahwatukee and founding Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori Center. The school just turned 30 years old in January of 2025.
Jerry was an “old soul,” kind, gentle, and empathetic. He was generous with everyone and always told them to “keep it to themselves,” never doing anything for praise or glory. He loved sharing his knowledge, it did not matter if it was golf, chess, billiards, blackjack, home improvement, or how to trim a fruit tree.
A man of many talents, Jerry coached 7th and 8th grade boys and girls basketball. In his 20s, he was a Class B national chess player.
He loved to hunt, trained hunting dogs, and judged beagle field trials. He taught a junior college welding class for the boilermaker’s apprentice program. Jerry was a skilled woodworker; he loved building things. He was also a skilled blackjack player.
Jerry played golf with the Iron Oaks Niners and billiards in Iron Oaks and Cottonwood.
Jerry and Jan loved to travel and cruise, seeing over 40 states and enjoying 40 cruises, including a transpacific cruise to Australia and New Zealand, cruises to Central and South America, several to Europe, and many more.
Jerry is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Jan Vickery, his son Michael Vickery, grandchildren Trisdan and Trinity Vickery, and Max and Anna Vickery.
He is predeceased by his parents and oldest son, David Vickery. As per Jerry’s wishes, no service is planned. If so inclined, raise a glass of champagne and toast to a good man and a life well-lived.
Carolyn Wood
Carolyn Wood
Carolyn Wood, 91, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, in Chandler, Ariz. She was born on Sept. 6, 1933, in Bakersfield, Calif. Her family later moved to Berkeley, Calif., where she attended Albany High School. Carolyn and her husband Ken moved into the Oakwood area of Sun Lakes in 1996. Carolyn lived a long and active life filled with love, laughter, and a deep appreciation for animals and sports.
Carolyn was the beloved wife of Ken Wood for 60 years until his passing in 2014. They met in high school and together they built a life based on devotion and shared joy. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Chris, her son Jim, and her daughter-in-law Debbie. Carolyn cherished her three grandsons: Kyle, Jeff, and Kris, and great-granddaughter Finley.
A spirited woman with a quirky sense of humor that endeared her to all who knew her, Carolyn brought warmth and wit into every room she entered. Her love for animals was evident throughout her life—she found joy in their companionship and advocated for their care whenever she could.
Carolyn was a lifelong sports enthusiast, playing tennis into her late 80s and softball into her late 70s. She followed professional tennis, baseball, and basketball with enthusiasm. Whether cheering from the stands or watching from home, she embraced the thrill of the game with the same passion she brought to every aspect of her life.
Carolyn’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. May her legacy bring comfort and inspiration to all who were touched by her presence.