OBITUARIES: ’57 GALS
Margaret R. “Peggy” (Alexander) Mitchell, 26, of San Leandro, CA, died unexpectedly during a pancreatic surgery in 1965. Survivors included her husband, Gerald E.; her parents, Mr/Mrs M. E. Alexander; and a sister, Cathy Alexander. She was a graduate of Mills College, and was a teacher and counselor at John Muir High School in San Francisco, where she was so loved that a scholarship was established in her name.
Mary Sue (Barnes) Searles, 71, of Spring Branch, TX, passed away at home on August 15, 2011. Born in Indiana, Mary Sue was an accomplished musician, mastering the piano and cello, and a published poet. She devoted her life to her community, serving as first president of the Wyoming Music Teachers Assn and organizing a program to send Christmas greetings to soldiers in Vietnam. She moved to San Antonio, TX, in the 1990s and was an administrative secretary at Southwest Research Institute. Mary Sue was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Barnes. Survivors included her children, Denise and Eugene Searles; her husband, Harve J. Hagerty; former husband, Richard Searles; and two sisters, Jo Ellen Enriquez and Margaret Rose "Meg" Barnes.
J. Annette (Battles) Mathis, 69, an Arizona native, passed away on July 30, 2007. Survivors included her father, Dwight Battles; and sister, Sharon.
Linda Sue (Baughman) Haught-Ripplinger, 53, of Phoenix, a school librarian, died in a single-engine airplane crash December 30, 1992, along with her new husband Richard Ripplinger and son James Haught. She was born in Peoria, IL. Survivors included her daughter, Melanie McNeely; sons, Jeff & Chris Haught; her mother; and two sisters. See obit for Richard Ripplinger ’56 for additional information.
Sandra R. (Blackburn) Hudson, 69, of Redlands, CA, passed away November 1, 2007, from cancer. This was only 17 days after her (military) husband, Jack, had passed away. Sandy had flown all over the world as an Air Force flight attendant. Survivors included their two sons, Michael and Terry, of Redlands, CA; and two granddaughters, Kristy and April.
Judith A. (Brown) Cardwell, 61, of Fountain Valley, CA, died on October 31, 2000, after a 23 year fight with Multiple Sclerosis. She was optimistic, hopeful, and courageous to the end, when complications related to the disease overwhelmed her. Survivors included her husband, Curt; and her children, Marc and Lynda.
Carol Sue Ann (Campbell) Hawkes, 65, of Franklin, Idaho, a teacher, died on August 4, 2004, of colon cancer. Survivors included her husband, Gene; 7 children: Katie, Lisa, Cody, Todd, Melissa, Adam & Joshua; 26 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; brother Don; sister Joyce; and extended family.
Carolyn A. (Cassens) Jackson, 36, of Phoenix, died on January 20, 1976, from Huntington's disease. She lived in Southern California from 1960 to 1970, and worked in the medical field. In 1970, she returned to Phoenix and worked for the city of Phoenix until 1971, when she became ill. Her parents, who are deceased, owned A-1 Television, located at 36th St. & Indian School Rd, for 20 years. Survivors included a daughter, Jill; a brother, Andy; an older sister Marilyn Bottorff; and a younger sister, Connie Darrow.
Judith E. “Judy” (Crook) Diehl, 72, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, passed away on September 29, 2011. Judy suffered from COPD . She was born in Cleveland OH, married James Diehl in Phoenix in 1960, and they moved to Kenosha in 1961. Judy was a long-time member of Bethany Evangelical Church. She was predeceased by her husband, James (in 2008); parents, Gilbert and Florence Crook; and step-mother Viva “Vie” Crook. Survivors included her sister Barbara (Crook) Loving, Camelback High class of 1971.
Barbara J. (Eklund) Zwick, 57, of Glendale, AZ, an office manager for ServPro, passed away on March 27, 1997. She was born in Chicago. Survivors included her husband, Glen, Camelback class of ’57; two daughters, Jennifer Farley & Rebecca; two sons, Robert & Jeffrey; and one brother.
Joanne N. (Finley) Butterfield, 68, of Globe, AZ, passed away June 24, 2008, in Claypool, AZ. She was a resident of AZ for 53 years. She graduated from Camelback High School in 1957, was a technical sales representative, and for many years an activist in her Phoenix neighborhood and a member of the Creighton school board. She married classmate Ray Butterfield, and they moved to Globe in 2003, where Ray passed away in 2005.
Nelda (Flowers) Jackson , 47, a homemaker, died Aug. 4, 1986, at her Phoenix residence. She moved to Arizona in 1947 and became a teacher’s aide at Spitalny School. Survivors included her husband, William; daughters, Susan Bookman, Alicia & Julia; mother, Flora; father, James; and sister, Marilyn Sparks'59.
DeAnn (George) Ashby, 57, died June 28, 1996, at her home in South Jordan, UT, of Cardiac Rhythm Disturbance. She married Kenneth Ashby (class of '58), and attended BYU, majoring in Child Development. An active member of the LDS Church, she served with Young Women and Relief Society organizations. She traveled world-wide with her husband, Ken, President of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation. She was preceded in death by her father, and by a son, David. Survivors included her husband; a son, Kevin; daughters Julie Kirkman, Kaye Densley, Kendra Ashby & Gayle Ashby; her mother; and brothers Bob, Dick, and Ron George.
Sally Ann (Grimes) Burt, 72, of Sun City, AZ, passed away July 26, 2011, following 10 years of ill health and complications from a liver transplant in 2005. She led a full life, and her husband, Jack Burt, cared lovingly for her all these years. They were especially fond of riding together on their Harley motorcycles. Sally was preceded in death by her mother, Sarah A “Sally” Grimes, in 2002, and father Carl, in 1988. Survivors included her husband; daughters LuAnn Rogers & Shelly Carlson; sister, Sharon Troutt (Camelback class of 1960); and a granddaughter, Emily Kastner.
Sharlene Marie (Heath) Ahrens-Brandes, 72, of Billings, MT, died of breast cancer on September 10, 2010 in Billings. She had struggled on and off with cancer for nearly 26 years. Survivors included her husband Gordon C Brandes. No other information was available.
Judy J. (Hensler) Qualley, 55, of Lafayette, CO, passed away July 7, 1994.
Brenda L. (Hershner) James, 67, of Corona CA, died June 21, 2006, of lung cancer. Survivors included her husband, Robert Joseph James; and her sister, Victoria (Hershner) Tussing, class of 1968. No other information was available.
Sandra Jane (Hoffman) Finstad, 71, of Saint Johns, AZ, passed away on October 12, 2010. Sandra was a horse lover from her childhood years, and belonged to the “Saddlebags” riding club (counterpart of guys’ “Desert Vaqueros”). She went on to be an accomplished, professional horse trainer and won many honors. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 40 years, Daniel Finstad .
Marjorie (Jacobus) Billings, 57, passed away on February 14, 1997.
Sharon Jean (Jeffries) Ozment, 72, of Rimrock, AZ, died from effects of a 2006 stroke on July 11, 2011. She was born in Phoenix to Richard and Norma Jeffries, grew up in the Valley with her siblings, and graduated from Camelback High. She moved to Flagstaff in 1965, where she raised her girls. Sharon married Jerry Ozment in 1981. After both retired from APS they started a journey of fun together, running the Colorado River numerous times, and for years traveling all over the USA in their motor home. Sharon also enjoyed sharing new culinary experiences. She was predeceased by her father, Richard Jeffries. Survivors included her husband, Jerry; daughters Sherri Brooks, Sandi Balmaceda & Shelly Almendarez; step-daughters Cyndie Mattox, Tammy Martin & Dawn McCauley; her mother, Norma Hawthorne; brothers, David & Dan; and sister, Susan Myers.
Eleanor G. (Jones) Wilcox, 61, of Phoenix, died January 30, 2001, from cancer. Survivors included her husband, Billy R. Wilcox; daughter, Lisa Gayle Ebmeyer; and son, Charles Randolph (Kimberley) Wilcox.
Diann L. Kimmel, 67, of Houston TX, passed away December 30, 2006.
Rosie (Kirk) Green, 67, of Phoenix, passed away on September 25, 2006. She was a Native Arizonan and spent the majority of her years in the Valley and attended Phoenix schools, and graduated from Camelback High. Rosie was preceded in death by her parents Dan and Kalope Kirk and sister Sophia Smith. Survivors included two sons, Perry and Mark; a brother, Peter D. Kirk; and sisters, Rita Noble and twin Angela Bailey.
Judith A. (Kobor) Johnson, 49, of Phoenix, passed away January 28, 1989, after a brief illness. She worked as a credit manager for J-Jon Industries and was divorced. Born in West Chicago, IL, she moved to Phoenix in 1953 and attended North High prior to the opening of Camelback High. Survivors included her daughters Peggy & Patti; her parents, Jeanne & Louis Kobor; a sister, Diane; and a brother Paul. She was preceded in death by a son, Michael, in 1984. Paul said Judy had fond memories of friends and years at Camelback.
Barbara LaPole, 18, of Phoenix, died in early 1957 in a violent domestic dispute, while working at the local fast-food eatery, 'Dog 'n' Suds'. Survivors included her sisters, Marilyn'57 and Inetta'58; brother, Robert'60; mother; and father, Robert. All had only recently moved to Phoenix from Iowa. Barbara's picture and a beautiful Memoriam poem by John Brugaletta, class of ’57, can be found in the Camelback 1957 Yearbook.
Marilyn Kay (LaPole) Warner, 66, of Waterloo, IA, died Oct 31, 2005. Her sister was Barbara LaPole ’57 (see above), but no additional information is available.
Rollynn R. “Lynn or Renee” (Laughner) Kaldowski, 43, of Winslow, Arkansas, passed away in December, 1982. She came from a show biz family, had a good singing voice and aspired to a career in acting, but it was not to be. Survivors included her 1st husband, Bill Lloyd, and their sons (born 1960 & 1962): William Edson “Blaine” Lloyd (now Wm E. Kaldowski) and Stephen “Blair” Lloyd); also, her 2nd husband, Jim Heeren, and 3rd husband, John Kaldowski; also her mother, Dorothy June “Julie” Stanaford. Rollynn’s father, Rollin B. Laughner Jr., preceded her in death (1955) while Lynn was only a sophomore.
Barbara K. (Lindsay) Morgan, of Phoenix, died from ovarian cancer in 1994, according to Cousin Judy Durbin ‘62.
Nancy L. (Mayhew) Nachtwein, 64, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away March 18, 2004, from complications due to heart transplant surgery in 1992. She authored “A New Beginning”, Golden Eagle Press, Golden, CO, 1997, based in part on her early life experiences. Survivors included her husband of 46 years, Charles; two sons, Charles Jr & Kent; two daughters, Debbie & Tammy; and many Camelback friends. Nancy fought 'the good fight' for life in order to help mentor her grandchildren and watch them mature into young adults.
Meriem (Meibert) Harkins, 51, of Phoenix, a homemaker and former airline stewardess, died November 5, 1990. She was a 1953-54 class officer (treasurer) during her freshman year, when Camelback High was based on the North Phoenix High School campus. Meriem was born in Ohio and moved to Arizona in 1950. She was a member of First Christian Church. Survivors included her husband, Roy L Harkins, 71 (now dec'd); daughters, Lygia & Pamela; sons, Gary, Bradley, Douglas & Stanley; her mother, Bernice Meibert (now dec’d); and a brother, Virgil E.; Meriem’s father, Virgil B. Meibert, died in 1977.
Myrna J. "Joan" (Merrill) Duncan, 62, of Show Low, AZ, passed away January 21, 2002.
Roberta “Lyn” (Miller) Cowan, 68, of West Lebanon NH, lost her battle with ovarian cancer July 12, 2007, but handled her situation with tenacity and grace. Born in Hanover NH, she and her family moved in 1955 to Phoenix AZ, where she graduated from Camelback High School. She attended Whittier College, then transferred to Arizona State Univ., graduating in 1961 with a BA in Education. She was an active, lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Theta. In the early 1970's, Lyn, husband Ron and their children relocated to Hanover NH. In later years, she worked with Habitat for Humanity. Lyn was an active member of Philanthropic Education Organization, an educational sorority focusing on the educational advancement of women in our society. Survivors included her husband, Ron; son, Jeff; daughter, Lori; and brother, Kipp. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Roberta Miller. (excerpted/edited from The Arizona Republic, 7/15/2007)
Barbara L. (O’Daniel) Miller, 31, of Las Vegas NV, died of cancer in December, 1969. She was survived by her husband, Delbert Miller; 3 children; a brother, Johnnie; a sister, Charlen; and parents, Helen & Charles O’Daniel.
Ann L. (Robbins) Sourant, 37, of Phoenix, died of cancer on June 25, 1977. Annie was raised on the 33,000 acre P-Bar cattle ranch east of Scottsdale, now known as Fountain Hills & McDowell Mountain Regional Park, and attended schools in Scottsdale through her sophomore year. She came to Camelback High in her junior year, and particularly enjoyed her work on the school yearbook staff. The day after her graduation, she and ’56 classmate Michael Sourant were married. Survivors included parents, Dick and Delsie Dee Robbins (both now dec’d); husband, Michael (now deceased); two sons, Richard and Clay; two daughters, Lorilie and Charla; sister Nancy O’Brien (later, Nancy MacLeod, now deceased); and half-sister Renee Lee Barkdoll (now Aminah Smith).
Judith A. (Sammetinger) Klekner, 55, of Phoenix, died of cancer on October 7, 1994. She had been a teacher and active member of the Camelback Bible Church. She graduated from Good Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing in 1960, and worked in its maternity ward. She also worked at the Crippled Children’s Hospital, and later had her own dressmaking business. Survivors included her husband, John; three daughters, Teresa, Catherine Valentine, and Linda Buskirk; her mother, Evelyn Sammetinger; and a brother, John.
Marilyn M. (Sewell) Nevins, 60, of Las Vegas, NV, passed away on November 7, 2000.
Lynne Janes (Simpson) Rivers, 54, of Scottsdale, owner of a graphic design company, died during gall bladder surgery, Feb. 11, 1994. Survivors include her husband, Fred Rivers (West Hi ’56); daughters, Lauren Ulrich, Jill Janes, Jacque Janes, Ann and Sarah; sons, Kenneth Mott and Fred; and sister, Merrilee Hughes.
Lesley E. Staley is said by '57 classmate Bev Kiser to have died around 1981, but this hasn't been confirmed. Lesley dropped out after her junior year at Camelback to enroll in an art school. She also attended ASU.
Margaret “Pegge” S. (Taylor) Jones, 58, of Tiburon, CA, Sr. Proj. Analyst at the Fed. Res. Bank of SF, was diagnosed in Oct, 1997, with myeloma cancer. Chemotherapy was discontinued in Feb, 1998. Pegge then decided on a "last hoorah" for herself, family & close friends -- a 2-week trip to Maui, where she and friend Jim Hill would get married. The wedding took place at their rented condo, Mar 14, 1998. Her sister Penny said Pegge was happy, because she was doing what she wanted and had all of her family and friends with her to share her joy. Pegge passed away peacefully, two days later. Her son Michael was at her side.
Barbara R. (Thompson) Van Camp, 64, of Phoenix, passed away on October 7, 2003, following several strokes and a heart attack. Her children and special companion, John Urschel, were by her side. Survivors included John; children Scott, Sonya, Suzanne, and Stephen; 8 grandchildren; and former husband, Ron Van Camp, elder brother of ’57 classmate Bill Van Camp.
Gail Theresa (Times) Voita, 67, of Carlsbad CA, died of colon cancer on June 4, 2006. She was survived by her children: Vicky, Monica, William & Melanie; and a sister, Joyce (class of 1958).
Teresa A. (Weaver) Kindred, 58, of Phoenix, an antique dealer, passed away Aug 12, 1997. She was a member of the Central Ariz. China Painters Guild. Survivors included husband Del; 2 daughters, Kathi Rich & Kristi Udell; 2 sons, Frank & Dan Rich; a stepdaughter, Leslie; a stepson, Dennis; and a sister, Alice Weaver.
Carolyn E. Weeks, 57, of Phoenix, died of colon cancer on October 24, 1997. Survivors included a brother, Stanley, Camelback class of ‘61.
Joan C. (Whalen) Francies, 70, of Indianapolis IN, passed away on October 26, 2009. Survivors included her son, Harvey Francies. No other information was available.
Sandra L. (Wildman) Kennedy, 60, of Mesa, AZ, a retired Winn Realtors agent, died of cancer on July 26, 1999. She was born in Yakima, WA. Survivors included her husband, Kenneth; mother, Sadie Mary Wildman; Kennedy sons, Dean and Jim; brothers, Micael and Austin Wildman; former husband, ’57 classmate David Lackey (now dec’d), and their children, Michelle (Lackey) Messer and Mark Lackey.
OBITUARIES: ’57 GUYS
David W. Abbott, approx. 39, an iron worker, died in an accidental fall at a construction job-site, according to Joy (Ammerman) Mottl, Camelback class of ’60. Joy had dated David in high school, and her mother wrote to her some years later, when Joy was living out of state, upon reading of the accident in a Phoenix newspaper. The accident was estimated to have occurred around 1978.
Irving J. Barnett, 65, of Pittsburgh PA, passed away Oct. 23, 2004. Survivors included his wife Margery.
Karl M. Batroff, 66, of San Diego CA, passed away Aug. 28, 2005. He born in Peoria IL, and was a Phoenix police officer for about 20 years. Survivors included his wife Joanne, son Daniel, and a sister Karen Ryan.
Dale A. Bell passed away in 1967, according to his brother, attorney Leonard M. Bell ‘59. The family moved from hometown Chicago, Illinois, to Arizona in 1950. Survivors included his mother, Mary; father, Paul; and brother, Leonard.
Frank "Bud" Peter Bilitzo, 69, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on May 3, 2008. He was born in Ohio and moved to Arizona during childhood. Bud attended Camelback High School and graduated in 1957. He served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a Journeyman Ironworker for 26 years. Bud was the ultimate handyman -- there was not a job he couldn't do. He was also an avid hunter and outdoorsman, and enjoyed playing bingo. Survivors included his 3 children: Jill Anderson, Joseph and Daniel; and a sister, Ilona.
Ray A. Butterfield, 66, of Globe, Arizona, passed away on May 13, 2005. He served in the Army in Germany as a mechanic and assistant helicopter pilot. In civilian life he did community volunteer work and retired after 28 years in the computer field as Computer Systems Analyst at AiResearch/Honeywell. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Finley Butterfield '57; stepdaughter Chauna (Doug) Clifford; and sister-in-law, Kae Devereaux.
Henry M. Campa, 62, of Phoenix, passed away November 25, 1999.
Renault D. "Rene" Catalano, 56, of Phoenix, died of cancer, Feb 14, 1996. He chaired the Engineering & Technology Department (includes 14 divisions) of Glendale Community College, and was a 29-year veteran of the Maricopa district. He learned just before he passed away that Maricopa Community Colleges was to establish a $1000 scholarship in his name. Said Rene, "I'm thrilled ... to know that it will help someone. Even a reasonably priced community college can be hard for some people to afford." His sec'y, Betty Grauf, said "Rene was a wonderful, bright and compassionate man, and that he was greatly missed." Survivors included his wife of 33 years, Ruth Lytle; 2 daughters, Renee & Jacque; his mother, Jennie; brother, John; and sister, Rosanne Farence.
Frederick L. "Rick" Cornett, 53, is thought to have died June 15, 1993. No other information is available
Robert J. Davis, 47, of Phoenix, passed away in January, 1986.
Gordon Genoe, 49, of Gainesville, FL, passed away on March 15, 1990. Survivors are thought to have included a wife, Dara; and a son, David.
Wayne Vay Haddock, Sr, 70, of Elverta, CA, passed away on June 15, 2010, of bone marrow cancer. He was born in Phoenix, AZ. Survivors included his loving wife, Kathy, of 50 years; sons, Wayne and John; daughter, Cindy; and brothers, Edward Haddock and Ronald Haddock. Wayne was a Registered Nurse and worked for the State of California, Department of Health Services until he retired in 1985.
Douglas F. Hain, 36, passed away in March, 1975.
Gerald A. Hansen, 59, of Phoenix, a retired SRP project manager, died of leukemia on February 16, 1999. He was born in Minneapolis. Survivors included his wife, Karen (Gill) Hansen, class of ‘58; daughters, Candy, Cathy, and Toni; son, Randy; mother, Gladys; sisters, Janice and Jayne; and brothers, Steve and Scott. His brother-in-law is Vern Gill ’56.
James D. Hilsdorf, is assumed deceased, because his unique name does not appear in any internet database.
Walter W. Holmes, 69, of Tucson, died unexpectedly, June 6, 2009, after a short fight with cancer. Born in Salt Lake City, Walter graduated from Camelback High in 1957 and Brigham Young Univ. in 1963. He served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Zealand. In 1962 he married his sweetheart, Beverly. He made a career as a Financial Advisor. After years with Equitable Life, he started his own business, Holmes Financial Services, now in the hands of his son, Ken. Walter lettered in basketball and track in high school, and refereed high school basketball and volleyball for the last 30 years. He and Beverly served as the Tucson BYU Alumni Chapter Chairs for 16 years, and Walter served in the church as Bishop, and as a counselor in the Stake Presidency. He served as Bishop in the University Ward, as LDS fraternity advisor, and in the Institute Program. He traveled the world with his wife and children. Walter was predeceased by his father, Walter W Holmes, Sr, and his mother LaRhue. Survivors included his sweetheart, Beverly; his five children, Shere McLean, Shelley Andersen, Debby Ness, Jeff and Ken; and his brother, Farrell.
Henry A. Juergens, 68, of Winslow, AZ, passed away July 2, 2007. Hank was born in Brooklyn NY to Henryetta and Kurt Juergens, and the family later moved to Arizona. After high school, Hank started a successful machine shop with his brother, Freddy, with most of their contracts coming from AiResearch Corp. Hank had diabetes for many years, was on dialysis, and eventually lost a leg to amputation. Survivors included his wife, Marsha, and a stepson, Henry Jr.
Robert V. Jurasek, 51, originally from Gary, Indiana, passed away March 15, 1991.
Steven Earl “Steve” Kennedy, 72, of Peoria, Arizona, passed away on February 2, 2012, after a lengthy illness. He taught high school geography at Scottsdale High for many years. Steve lettered in baseball and basketball while at Camelback High, and was a member of the State AA Spartan championship basketball team in 1957. He also enjoyed golf, and worked at Scottsdale’s Orange Tree Golf Club. Survivors included his daughter, Rhonda Self; brother, Ron; sister, Marilyn Knirsch; and ex-wife Shirley Kenan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Garvene Kennedy.
David B. Lackey, 66, of Fort Myers FL, passed away October 8, 2006, from complications during cancer treatment. Survivors included a daughter, Michelle Messer; a son, Mark; and a sister, Glenda Russo, class of 1959.
Lloyd L. Leech, 47, of Tucson, AZ, passed away in July, 1989. Although he graduated in the class of ’60, he has a special place in the hearts of ’57 classmates, as he was the first recipient of the “Most Loyal Spartan” award, a gift to Camelback High from the class of ’57, presented by ’57 class president Keith Milner. Although wheelchair bound, Lloyd apparently attended every football and basketball game during his years at PCHS. He went on to earn a Bachelor degree from ASU in 1964 in Political Science & History, and took additional courses towards a Master degree at U of A in Tucson. He was survived by his wife Beverly and son Larry.
Raymond J. Lepper, 52, of Tempe, AZ, passed away March 1, 1991, after a lengthy illness. He was born in Indiana and moved to Phoenix in 1947. He started working at Motorola in 1963, and at the time of his death was a Purchasing Specialist. Survivors included his wife, Sandy; two sons, Alan and Grant; two daughters, Angie and Stacy; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Abbitt; and one brother, Gilbert Abbitt.
Billy Shea Littleton, 68, of Scottsdale, passed away April 27, 2008, following a courageous eight month battle with cancer. Billy was a native Arizonan, born in Morenci. His first career was as a sales rep for Jostens, Inc., a provider of class rings and graduation products from 1968 until 1979. Billy began his second career in residential real estate marketing and development in 1984. Along the way, he developed an affinity for residential development, with positions at Knoell Homes, Rancho Manana, and Presley/William Lyon Homes. In 2001, he established the Arizona division of Sun West Communities, which later became Stratland Homes. It was there that Billy built and managed a highly successful home building operation. Billy was a man of many talents and interests. His love of the outdoors led him to found the Tempe and Mesa chapters of Ducks Unlimited, as well as Anglers United. His love for horses was highlighted by his term as president of the Arabian Horse Show Association. He was an active member of the Tempe Diablos, beginning in 1973, and became one of the most entertaining and sought after charity auctioneers (Billy Joe Ray Bob) in Arizona and a fixture at the Diablos' annual Casino Capers event. Billy was also a gifted singer and guitarist, with an amazing talent for entertaining and creating song lyrics on a moment's notice. Survivors included his wife, Karen; three children: Bill, Tim and Sharee; and brother, Ed (Camelback class of ’56).
Clarence Raymond “Ray” Long, 64, of Altus, OK, passed away December 11, 2003.
Jim J. McLeland, 51, of Glendale, a salesman, passed away August 10, 1990, in Phoenix. Said wife, Sue, “Jim passed away of a heart attack, doing what he loved to do most, playing golf. He was on the 18th tee at the time.” Jim was an Army veteran. Survivors included his wife; two daughters; one son; one sister; and one brother. Jim was the principal class “detective” and active organizer for the well-attended 32nd-year reunion of the class of ‘57. His (half) brother, John McLeland, married ’56 classmate Paula Amoroso, now deceased.
Clyde Patrick "Pat" Morris, 57, of Phoenix, died September 9, 1996. No other information available.
Thad B. Morris, Jr, 62, of Phoenix, passed away October 6, 2001, after an eight-year courageous battle with cancer. This loving man was survived by his wife of 41 years, Gail Fischer Morris (class of ’59, now deceased), and his two daughters. For 33 years, Thad worked as a successful computer technician and manager in the Phoenix area. His love of life showed in his family, woodworking, golf, fishing and travels.
Billy Joe Neal, 65, of Mormon Lake, AZ, member of Phoenix Ironworkers Union Local 75, passed away July 27, 2004, following a massive stroke. Survivors included his daughters Laura & Angela; and sister Karen Sue.
Thomas James Oliver, 72, of Dewey, AZ, died September 28, 2011, at the Northern Arizona VA Hospital in Prescott. Tom was born in Tucson, AZ, to Joseph and Dorothy Oliver. He graduated from Phoenix Camelback High School, then served in the U. S. Air Force, working as a navigator and attaining the rank of major. While in the Air Force, he served four tours in Vietnam. Tom attended the University of Nebraska, where he completed a bachelor's degree in general studies. After completing his graduate education and earning master's degrees in geology, geography, and computer science, he embarked on a career as a professional geologist. His hobbies included soaring, photography and technology. Survivors included his sisters: Patricia Kearney, Jo Ann Willis and Ruth Farrelly; and his brother, Don Vogel. He was preceded in death by his wife of 10 years, Mary Carol Oliver.
Frank Petz, 41, passed away on June 17, 1980. Survivors included his wife, Carol Tarnow Petz, Camelback class of ’56; a son, Jeffrey, Camelback class of ’87; and a daughter, Kathi, Camelback class of ’80.
Leroy A. Potter, 65, of Parker, AZ, passed away October 23, 2006. Survivors included his wife Jacqueline.
Elan Joyd Richardson, 73, of Bullard, TX, passed away May 12, 2011, in Tyler, TX. He was born in Mount Pleasant to O.B. and Avis (Buck) Richardson, and was a member of the Church of Christ. He owned and operated RAPI Ltd. in Arizona for more than 30 years. Elan resided in Bullard since his retirement. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Lenelle Wagner. Survivors included his sons, Dylan and Shane Richardson; daughter, Hailey Jones; and several family members in Arizona, including cousin Joyce (Richardson) Stevens (Camelback High ’57).
Stanley A. Rutherford, 49, of Redmond, WA, passed away on May 15, 1988. Survivors included his wife, Barbara Gottschalk Rutherford, Camelback class of ’57; and three children. Said Barbara, “Stan was a fun-loving guy. He loved baseball, and coached American Legion Baseball for 18 years. He was a sales representative for several large companies. No one was ever a stranger to Stan. People say he could make friends with anyone.”
John Eldred Smith, 72, of Mesa, AZ, died of cancer on December 6, 2010. He was pastor of a Lexington, OK, church for many years. Survivors included his wife, Iris; and a brother, Rev. Dick O. Smith ’59.
Dr. Richard B. Stifler, 68, of Vanderwagen NM, passed away unexpectedly on November 7, 2007. Survivors included his wife Paula. No other information available.
Dr. Richard E. Studer, 59, of Palmer, Alaska, died unexpectedly of a massive stroke on January 10, 1998. Richard joined the Air Force Cadets after graduating from Camelback, and married Terri Sinclair in 1969. He attended chiropractic schools in Florida, Illinois and Texas. After graduating from Texas Chiropractic College in Houston, in 1978, he practiced in Arizona for 5 years, then moved to Alaska, where he chose to practice in the Mat-Su Valley area. He was a sports car enthusiast, had a private pilot’s license, loved sailing, and will be remembered as a great listener. He belonged to Kiwanis clubs and chambers of commerce in the communities in which he lived, and was very active in the LDS church. Survivors included his wife, Terri; a daughter, Sara Marie; a daughter, Jenine, by a previous marriage; a sister, Jean McLeer; and a brother, William.
Richard Douglas “Dick” Swartz, 69, of Mesa, AZ, died August 31, 2008, of myeloma cancer. Dick was active in ROTC at Camelback, had a long career in the Army, and was wounded in action several times. He mused that he sometimes had a problem in airport security, due to shrapnel still in his body. Dick spent most of his Army career in Germany and Korea, and retired in 1991. He enjoyed life, made many friends, and was proud of serving his country and being a career soldier. He was buried with military honors on September 5, 2008, at the veterans’ National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Survivors included his sister, Carolyn Swartz.
John C. Thoren, Jr, 67, of Tempe AZ, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2006. He was the owner and operator of Thoren's Architectural Woodwork, Ltd., a Tempe firm started by his father in 1944, and was active in the affairs of the Architectural Woodwork Institute and other standard-setting woodworking organizations. Projects of the firm were many and varied, including the Arizona Club, Westcourt in the Buttes, Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch, airport terminals, law offices, renovations of New Mexico and Texas State Capitols. A graduate of Arizona State University, John donated labor and materials to assist renovation of the University Club and Old Main. He was an active member of Sigma Nu beginning in his college days, and served in many capacities there, including as its national president (Regent) from 1982 to 1984 and as a Board Member of the Sigma Nu Foundation. Locally, John was a tireless supporter of the Zeta Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Nu. He was President of the House Corporation and continued as a member of the board. Survivors included cousins, aunts and many friends. (excerpted from The Arizona Republic, 7/2/2006)
Richard Rudolph “Dick” Voinov, 71, of La Mesa, CA, passed away December 13, 2010, surrounded by his children and their families. He loved golfing, driving his 1934 Ford 5 window coupe, planning building projects, and sitting on the front porch with coffee in the morning and wine in the evening. Survivors included his wife Janet; his children; and many other extended family members.
Capt. Charles M. Walling, 27, of Phoenix, an Air Force F4 fighter pilot, was reported on August 7, 1966, as missing in action in Viet Nam. On March 17, 1978, Lt. Col C. M. Walling’s status was changed to “presumptive finding of death.” In 1995, the military gained access to his crash site and, after 6-9 months of excavation, found his dog tags. The tags were returned to his family, putting an end to the uncertainty of his death. Survivors included his wife, Julie Landvatter Walling (later Julie Dykes, now deceased), class of ’56; sons, Jeffrey & Michael; parents, Milton & Jessie, now deceased; one brother, John; three sisters, Carolyn, Margie & Kathy; and six grandchildren. The well-attended 32nd-year reunion of the Camelback class of ’57 was held in Chuck’s honor, and several family members were in attendance. In 2010, a few of Charles’ remains were found at a nearby excavation site. A full military service at Arlington National Cemetery is planned for June 15, 2012, where his remains and those of his deceased wife Julie will be buried together.
Perry D. Ware, 51, of Phoenix, passed away October 10, 1990. Born in Lawton, Oklahoma, Perry was a member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, and a member of the Kiowa Gourd Clan, a traditional warrior society of the Tribe. He attended Phoenix College after graduating from Camelback High School. After working in sales for Arizona Public Service and Spaulding Sporting Goods, he owned several small businesses. Survivors included four younger siblings, Kent, Jr. ("Andy"), Gary, Janet and Susan; and two children, Gregory and Julie.
John Webster, 37, of Phoenix, passed away in August, 1974. John and his brother Don pursued their education despite being confined to wheelchairs by muscular dystrophy. They completed their subject requirements through homebound instruction.
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