In Passing – October 2026

Gary Bognar

Gary Bognar, 88, of Sun Lakes, passed away peacefully on Sept. 5, 2026.

Born Dec. 1, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, to parents Alice (Steffen) and Steve Bognar, Gary was the elder of two sons. He spent his youth in the family home on the West Side of Cleveland. In 1956 he met Kathy (Fagan), fell in love and married Nov. 30, 1957.

In 1969 he and the family moved from Cleveland to Phoenix, Ariz., to begin work at AiResearch/Garrett, later known as Allied-Signal and then Honeywell. Through many company name changes, he stayed and became a senior design engineer, finally retiring in 1996.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children, Michael, Michelle Mazurek, Marcia Wepfer (Tim), and Monica Kennedy (Ron); his grandchildren Jesse Mazurek (Sandra), Jessica Hamilton, Jonathan Wepfer (Lindsay), Forrest Kennedy, and Nicholas Wepfer (Madison); and his great-grandchildren Serena Hamilton, Bryce Graves, Evalyn Mazurek, and Damon Mazurek. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Brent.

A memorial service will be held at Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, 10940 E. Chandler Heights, Rd., Chandler, AZ on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 at 11 a.m.

Anne Prewitt Carlson

Anne Prewitt Carlson, 86, passed away peacefully on Sept. 1 in Cape Cod, Mass. Born in Croton, N.Y., in 1939 to Dr. Millard and Hortense Prewitt, Anne graduated from Briarcliff High School in 1957, before attending the University of Colorado, Boulder and Syracuse University, graduating from the latter in 1961.

Anne married Robert “Bob” Carlson, of Ossining, N.Y., in 1962, beginning a partnership that spanned more than six decades. They made their home in Briarcliff Manor and Chappaqua, N.Y., where they raised their family and were deeply rooted in the community. Anne became an elementary school teacher, working initially in the Pocantico Hills Central School District, and then for more than two decades in the Chappaqua Central School District. In retirement, Anne and Bob enjoyed their time in Chatham, Mass., and Sun Lakes, Ariz., for many years.

Always physically and socially active, Anne enjoyed playing golf, tennis, canasta, and mahjong with her many friends. She also enjoyed reading, gardening, and crossword puzzles.

Anne is predeceased by her brothers Eric and Paul Prewitt, and her husband Bob, who passed away in February. She is survived by her older brother Richard “Doc” Prewitt; her children Suzanne, Betsy, and David (Kim); and her grandchildren Emily (Jack), Maddy, Jackson, Willem, Owen, and Trevor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Eldredge Public Library in Chatham, Mass.

William Wayne Foster

William Wayne Foster was born on Aug. 28, 1941, in Shannon, Miss. In 1949, he moved with his family to Mesa, Ariz., where he grew up and made his home. He graduated from Mesa High School in 1960.

William dedicated much of his life to law enforcement and public service. He began his career with the Mesa Police Department, serving his community until his retirement from the department in 1989. He later continued his career with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, retiring in 2006.

William married Marcia in 1964, and had three children and later divorced. In 1974, he married Debra (Cates) Foster, with whom he shared more than 40 years of marriage, family, friendship, and life together.

William knew how to enjoy life. Summers often meant vacations in San Diego, while golf and billiards were favorite pastimes throughout the year. He was a Corvette enthusiast who enjoyed the Corvette Club, loved riding motorcycles, and was always ready for a good game of cards. He enjoyed Mexican food and watching football and baseball, but some of his happiest times were simply those spent celebrating holidays and being together with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Maudie Foster, and his brothers, Kenneth, Carl, Charles, and Joseph Foster.

William is survived by his beloved wife, Debra (Cates) Foster; his children, Stephanie Foster, Deanna (John) Winsor, and Matthew (Rachel) Foster; his grandchildren, Tiffany (Tony) DeFabritis, Derek Foster, Brandon Claybaugh, Christian Foster, and Kayla Foster; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Brenda (Larry) Eldridge of Mesa, Ariz., and his brother, James (Carolina) Foster of Morrisville, N.C.

William will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, neighbors, and all those fortunate enough to have shared in his life.

A Celebration of Life was held Sept. 26 at the Oakwood Country Club Ballroom.

In lieu of flowers or gifts the family kindly asks that donations be made in William’s memory to Hospice of the Valley, with gratitude for the compassionate care and support they provide to families in our community. Donations may be made online at https://hov.org/donate.

Loren Gene Henry

Loren Gene “Hank” Henry passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, at the age of 93.

Loren was born in Lemmon, S.D. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and attended the South Dakota School of Mines, where he continued to develop the engineering skills that would become such an important part of his life and career.

Loren married his sweetheart, Jeri, and together they moved to Peoria, Ill., where he began a long and successful career with Caterpillar Tractor Company. In 1985, Loren and Jeri moved to Arizona, where he managed the Caterpillar Proving Grounds in Peoria. After retiring, they moved to Sun Lakes in 1999, where they built their dream retirement home and enjoyed many wonderful years together.

Known affectionately as “Hank,” Loren was a talented engineer, a dedicated husband and father, and a man who could solve almost any problem. He was a gifted handyman and took great pride in figuring out how things worked and making them work again. He also loved to travel and experience new places.

Perhaps one of Loren’s greatest gifts was his ability to tell a story. He had countless interesting stories from his life and loved entertaining family and friends with his humor, experiences, and wonderful memories. His stories, his wisdom, and his unique way of looking at life will be deeply missed.

Loren was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Jeri; his parents; and his brother.

He is survived by his three children, LuAnn Morse (Ron), Susan Buckingham (Tom), and Chris Henry (Marilyn); his grandchildren, Michelle Furcron (Jason), Matthew Morse (Hilary), Miles Morse (Lisa), Bryce Buckingham (Brittany), Lauren Henry, Remi Buckingham, Hunter Henry, and Riley Zuniga (David); and four great-grandchildren.

Loren leaves behind a legacy of love, ingenuity, laughter, and countless memories shared with the people he loved. His family will forever cherish the stories he told, the lessons he taught, and the many ways he made their lives better.

He will be deeply loved, fondly remembered, and greatly missed.

Richard Verne Hensley

Richard (Dick) Hensley passed away at the age of 100 on Aug. 18, 2026.

He was born on Nov. 12, 1925, near Chapman, Neb., but spent most of his early life in Central City, Neb. After high school graduation in June 1944, he served in the U.S. Navy with overseas duty on a destroyer in the S.W. Pacific and Asian waters.

In January 1952 he graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. After graduation he worked for three years as a test engineer for the International Harvester company in Melrose Park, Ill. Further employment, for 30 years, was as a sales engineer/account manager for the Citgo and Gulf Oil companies in Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan.

In March 1985 he took retirement from Gulf Oil. He moved to his home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., in January 1986.

Among his various interests and hobbies he enjoyed fishing, gardening, and billiards. The Cottonwood Country Club pool room at Sun Lakes was his second home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, and two sisters. Leaving to remember his passing are his longtime friend Dolly Martin and her family Tonya (Ron) Davis, Anastasia (Colton) Fordyce, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Sandra C. Humes

Sandra C. Wilson Humes was born in Saginaw, Michigan. She passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 2, 2026, at the age of 79.

Sandra attended Potter Elementary School, Arthur Eddy Junior High School, and Saginaw High School, graduating in 1964. Sandra graduated from Michigan State University with both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree.

Sandra married her high school sweetheart, Lovell Humes in 1973 before they moved to Phoenix in pursuit of sunshine and warm weather. He predeceased her in 2009. Her parents, William C. Wilson and Charlean Bell Wilson, her two older brothers, Leslie Vance Wilson and Charles Dwayne Wilson, all predeceased her. She is survived by seven nieces and nephews in Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Ga.

Sandra was a Reading Specialist in the Roosevelt School District in the early 1970s and taught at South Mountain High School from the mid 1970s to the mid 1990s. She was a Guidance Counselor at Maryvale High School and North High School from the mid 1990s until her retirement in 2000.

Sandra was a Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In 1967, she was a charter member of the Saginaw, Michigan, Alumnae Chapter.

During her retirement, Sandra loved playing golf, going to the gym, participating in water aerobics, vacationing at her timeshares all around the world, taking cruises, attending jazz concerts and live stage plays, socializing, going to brunch, dancing, and playing billiards. She could talk on the phone with you for hours and loved hanging out with the African American Association of Sun Lakes where, over the years, she held various positions such as Publicity Chair, Newsletter Editor, Corresponding Secretary, and Recording Secretary.

Sandra was a member of First Institutional Baptist Church—Phoenix, Ariz., and a “Virtual Member” of Wheeler Ave. Baptist Church—Houston, Texas. In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider a memorial contribution to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). No local services are planned.

David Jackson Kitchin Ill, LTC U.S. Army (Ret.)

On Aug. 13, 2026, David went home to be with his heavenly Father. His three sons attended him at the time of his passing.

David was born Dec. 17, 1940, in Baltimore, Md., to the late David Jackson Kitchin II and Hilda Miller Kitchin. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon Louise Kitchin, and his sister, Sally Renhuart.

He served in the U.S. Army’s Medical Service Corps for over 26 years, serving in Okinawa, Japan; Vietnam; and Frankfurt, Germany, and many points in between. After separating from the Army in 1989, he went on to become the Associate Director of Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), later going on to teach other countries how to bring their hospitals up to standards instituted in the USA. As a part of his duties, he travelled extensively and donated over a million frequent flyer miles to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He was a born ­again believer and an active member of Baptist churches wherever he resided, walking the walk in all things.

He inspected and supervised the construction of countless medical facilities around the globe, even working directly for the Saudi Royal Family. He was an active member of Boy Scout Troops, districts, and Councils all over the world, earned the coveted Silver Beaver Award and was the father of three Eagle Scouts. He was an avid model train collector and exhibitionist. He was cheerful in all weathers and never met a stranger, regardless of what language they spoke.

Those left to cherish David’s memory are three sons, David Jackson Kitchin IV of Flemington, N.J., Kyle Kitchin (Helena) of Newland, N.C., and James Kitchin (Jennifer) of Salem, Va.; nine wonderful grandchildren; one sister, Constance Camunas (Dr. Joseph) of Greenville, S.C.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family members.

LTC Kitchin will be interred at the National Veterans’ Cemetery in Phoenix, Ariz., with his beloved wife, Sharon, at a later date.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Linville-Central Rescue Squad, 1940 Linville Falls Hwy., Newland, NC 28657.

Julia J. Pratt

Julia J. Pratt passed from this life surrounded by the love of a family that was the center of her world. A woman of deep Catholic faith, Julia lived her life with devotion to God, love for her family, and gratitude for the many blessings she was given.

Her passing follows the death of her eldest son, a loss she carried with a mother’s enduring love and faith. Those who knew Julia find comfort in believing that she has now been reunited with him and with loved ones who went before her, welcomed home into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior.

Julia leaves behind a beautiful legacy through her surviving children, four sons and one daughter, along with 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Through each generation, her love, laughter, stories, faith, and strength will continue to live on.

Faith was a constant presence in Julia’s life. The Church was simply a place she attended, but an important part of who she was. She believed in prayer, trusted in God’s grace, and found comfort in the promise of eternal life.

Julia also held a special love for Arizona. She treasured the scenery, warmth, and beauty, and especially the people who became part of her life. She enjoyed walking, and sharing laughter and conversation with friends. She had a special love for animals, especially the dogs that she cared for in Sun Lakes. These simple moments brought her great happiness and reflected the way she approached life—with appreciation for the people, places, and everyday blessings God placed along her path.

Her family mourns her absence while giving thanks for the extraordinary gift of her life. They will remember a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, woman of faith, and friend whose life touched generations.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Julia’s life and for every year, every memory, every laugh, and every moment of love You allowed us to share with her. Though our hearts grieve, we are grateful that her earthly journey is complete and that she may now meet You face to face. Welcome her into Your eternal kingdom, reunite her with those she has loved and lost, and grant her everlasting peace.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

Nuel E. Sanders

Nuel E. Sanders passed away Sept. 2, 2026. He had joyously celebrated his 94th birthday less than a month ago. He was interred at Valley of the Sun, Sept. 10, 2026.

Nuel is survived by his devoted wife, Judy, of 55 years; his daughter, Dawn L. Driver (Sanders); son, Timothy C. Jewell; son-in-law, Dana R. Driver; daughter-in-law, Paula Sanders (Turley); four grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; nieces; and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Gregory W. Sanders; parents, Nuel and Ada Sanders; and sisters, LaVerne Smith and Wanda McGechie.

He was born in Snomac, Okla., Aug. 5, 1932. At a young age his family moved to Moore County, Texas. He attended Dumas, Texas, public schools and was truly a “Ding-Dong Daddy” from Dumas. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1950 serving as countermeasures and radar operator flying P2V Neptune aircraft. During the Korean War his operational tours were flown from Atsugi, Japan, and Kodiak, Alaska. Nuel’s time as a Naval aviator ignited his life-long passion for aeronautics and avionics. He was separated from the U.S. Navy in 1953.

Nuel joined North American Aviation/Rockwell International in 1955, retiring in 1988. At North American/Rockwell he was a project manager for the Minuteman missile program and served as project manager for the company’s development of the first NASA Space Shuttle. After retirement he formed his own aeronautics consultancy firm NES Corp.

He also consulted at Aerojet. Nuel has also been honored and recognized by the Air Force Association and Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, with his name placed on the “Wall of Honor” in Washington, D.C. Nuel also enjoyed flying his Cessna 170 aircraft as a hobby and taking family on trips.

His work took him around the world; living and working in California, Europe, and Japan, Washington, and Utah. Nuel and Judy finally retired in Sun Lakes, Ariz., in 1996.

Nuel had the biggest and kindest heart. He was actively involved in communities wherever his assignments took him. He was the first to help someone in need, as exemplified by his involvement with the Neighbors Who Care organization. Nuel enjoyed watching Diamondback baseball, playing cards, traveling, and cruising the Seven Seas. He was an avid sportsman, and enjoyed golfing, water and snow skiing, and sport fishing.

Nuel was president of the Utah Air Force Association and was an active member of the Korean War Veterans Association. He played his last cribbage game and won in August 2026! This loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather will be greatly missed.

Carolyn Grace (Johnson) Tagatz

Carolyn Grace (Johnson) Tagatz passed away peacefully on Feb. 8, 2026, surrounded by loved ones and her beloved cats, Handful and Princess.

Affectionately nicknamed “Nine Lives Tagatz,” Carolyn overcame a hip fracture in 2022, Stage 3 colon cancer in 2024, and most recently battled Stage 4 kidney cancer. A fighter until the end, she faced her suffering with remarkable dignity and grace.

Carolyn was born Sept. 2, 1934, in Runnells, Iowa, to Ruth and Clarence Johnson. She spent her early childhood on the family farm with her brothers, Robert and Jack, before the family moved to Des Moines. She later welcomed her younger sister, Sue. Carolyn graduated from East High School and attended Drake University.

A childhood friend introduced Carolyn to Tom Tagatz, and they married in April 1955. They shared 66 years of marriage before Tom’s passing in February 2021. Together they owned and operated several True Value Hardware stores in Sioux City, Iowa, and South Sioux City, Neb. Carolyn thrived in business and became the first woman elected to Cotter & Company’s marketing board.

After moving to Sun Lakes in 1997, Carolyn and Tom traded working five or six days a week for golfing five or six days a week. They treasured their Sun Lakes community, their many wonderful friends, and especially their three grandsons.

Carolyn’s lifelong love of animals continued after Tom’s passing. She rescued a litter of feral kittens, eventually adopting Handful and Princess, who became treasured companions.

Carolyn is survived by her children, Thomas Tagatz and Ann (Guy) Cascella; three grandsons, David (Jacque), Daniel, and John “Jack” McFarlane; three great-granddaughters, Georgia, Annabelle, and Sonora “Nora” McFarlane; and her sister, Sue Renaud.

Carolyn lived with determination, honesty, humor, and strength. She is now at home with her Savior and her beloved Tom.

Together again.