13 minute read
OBITUARIES
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Raymond Lane
Mr. Raymond Lane, 66, of Peoria, Arizona died December 20, 2021. He was born December 9, 1955 in Denver, Colorado to Alvin Lane and Charline Goodson. To read the full obituary and leave the family condolences, please visit www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/Raymond-Lane
Julia Anne Duff
Julia Duff of Litchfield Park passed away December 26, 2021 at Banner Boswell Medical Center. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Sue Duff of Asheville, NC and grand daughter, Nakiska Duff of Hendersonville, NC. A memorial service will be held to remember her on Friday, February 4 at 10:00 AM at the Church at Litchfield Park. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in her honor to the Friends of the Litchfield Park Library.
Barbara Jean Brainard
In 2021, we said goodbye to Barbara Jean Froman Brainard (Barb). She left this planet much like she lived – fighting for every minute of life. Preceded in death by her son, Scott, she is survived by her husband, Dr. Bill Brainard, three daughters (Lisa Watson, Beth Jordan, and Aimee Schoaf), six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Barb was born and raised in Edna, Kansas – which to this day remains a rural, one stop sign town. Her parents owned one of the original “Baby” Bell companies, and their family was instrumental in connecting their very rural Kansas community to the rest of the world. Her childhood was one spent managing the community switch board, and climbing phone poles to keep the lines live during the wild Kansas weather.
She attended the University of Kansas, where she received her degree in Education and met the man with whom she would navigate life, Bill Brainard. They were married for 65 years and lived out loud their marriage vows. The two small town Kansas kids took on big challenges, including serving a tour of duty in Japan during the Vietnam War. Barb taught at Narimasu Elementary School in Yokohoma, Japan while Bill was a lead medical officer treating critically wounded soldiers. In 1969, while living in Japan, Barb was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She was in her early 30s and had three young children. Her doctors advised her to “figure out who would raise her children” as she’d not likely live to see them graduate from high school. Rather than give up, Barb and Bill locked arms and battled her disease together. They did not allow it to define their lives. She ultimately raised four children and led a very active life. In fact, until the disease finally made it impossible for her to walk without a cane, most of her closest friends and confidants had no idea she’d been battling MS for decades.
After 17 years in the military, the couple took a chance and joined a band of military doctors who served together in Japan to form what would become the nucleus of specialty practices in Phoenix, Arizona. Barb became entrenched in the Arizona Medical Auxiliary, which delivered community programming – including baby-sitter training and other certification courses for teens – programs that still exist today.
Ultimately, the couple landed in their beloved Litchfield Park, AZ, where they raised four children and have lived for nearly 50 years. Barb was a tireless community servant; she served nearly 20 years as a Litchfield Elementary School District Board Member and four terms on the Litchfield Park City Council. She owned a small business and was a self-taught computer programmer in the late 1970s. Two of her daughters subsequently built careers in the tech sector, and often wonder what their mother’s career might have looked like had she been born 30 years later. Barb’s oldest daughter inherited her passion for education and community service and is following her path as a teacher city council woman.
What we remember and honor the most is a mother and wife who was ever-present and fearless. She beat the odds of MS with her infamous mind-over-matter approach, a sense of humor, and humility. She is greatly missed, but we rejoice in the idea that she is literally “running” with the angels in a body that mirrors her indomitable spirit and is hugging her oldest child, Scott, who passed away in 2006.
A memorial service for Barbara be will be held at the Church of Litchfield Park, 300 N. Old Litchfield Road, on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or Hospice of the Valley.
Charles McErlean Jr.
Charles F McErlean, Jr (aka: Chick or Chuck) of Pebble Creek Resort Community died on 12/23/21 in Goodyear, AZ. Born 11/23/38 in Detroit MI to Charles Sr. & ThChaeodora McErlean. Chuck attended Fenwick High School in suburban Chicago, graduating with honors before enrolling at Georgetown University in Washington DC. He followed in his Dad’s footsteps, both in attending Georgetown and becoming an Attorney. During his college years, he picked up the game of golf and began a lifelong love of the game. Upon graduation, Dad enrolled in Law School at Notre Dame University and upon graduation, joined the Naval Academy as an Officer in the Judge Advocates office, stationing in DC and eventually Camp LeJuene (NC) before his Honorable Discharge. Upon his military service, he joined United Airlines in their Legal Department, starting a 34-year career that spanned both the regulated & deregulated airline industry, offering many legal challenges that Dad successfully accomplished. Some of his highest accolades came from his work with Boeing, General Electric & General Dynamics, negotiating complex, multi-million dollar deals to help accelerate United’s growth to become the world’s largest airlines. Chuck also found time during his military career to start a family, bringing son James Patrick and daughter Laura Jean into his family by way of adoption. Upon accepting his job at United, Chuck completed his family with Kelly Lynn, however, that’s not where the family story ends. During his life, Dad enjoyed attending many activities and functions with his 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren: sports/games/competitions, school concerts and graduations topped this list, except when he wanted to teach one of us the game of golf. Upon retirement, Dad started his “fur” family, the fourlegged friends that became a very important part of his life. Starting with Sparky & Susie, Dad’s fur family was all about rescuing his little buddies. Dad added Buster & Teddy to complete the fur family. Buster and Teddy remain in the extended McErlean family. Dad’s life in retirement, in addition to his family, was centered around the Pebble Creek community. He was active with the Bunker Busters and various golf groups. He enjoyed spending time with the Singles Group, hosting movie nights and attending dinner nights in the West Valley. However, his favorite activity was the Sunday Brunch group at Eagle’s Nest, where he and his friends spent nearly every Sunday solving the world’s problems. Charles is survived by his daughters, Laura Enright and Kelly Hunt; son, Jim McErlean; and brother, Robert McErlean. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles McErlean, Sr; mother, Thedora McErlean; sister, Mollie McErlean, beloved dogs, Sparky McErlean, and Susie McErlean; and many beloved family and friends. Visitation held at Thompson Funeral Chapel on Sunday, Jan 9th at 1p (to 4p). A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin 9:30am with a memorial mass following at St. John Vianney’s on Jan 12th at 10am. Burial will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of AZ on Jan 12th at 12:30pm (prompt): 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024. The family suggests that donations be made to Sun Valley Animal Shelter in Glendale AZ.
Terri Lynn Hahn
Terri Lynn Hahn, age 63, of Buckeye, AZ passed away from complications of ALS (Lou Gehrig's) on December 30, 2021. Terri was born on September 23, 1958 in San Manuel, Arizona. She married David Hahn in 1975 and she graduated from San Manuel High School in 1976. They started their family and had three children together. Terri attended Glendale Community College and earned her Nursing degree in 1983. She worked at Maryvale Hospital for several years and then joined the practice of Park Avenue OB/GYN in Phoenix, AZ. She furthered her education and obtained her Nurse Practitioner license in 1994. Terri dedicated her life to helping others and stayed with the practice until her ALS diagnosis in October of 2020. Terri remarried in 1996 to Lance Knight of Buckeye, AZ. She was best known for her positive attitude and caring for others. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. Sundays were reserved for family time and a home cooked meal. She leaves behind her husband, Lance Knight; mother Janet Thurman; and her three children: Rick (Tiffany) Hahn, Jarrod (Amanda) Hahn, and Lynsey Clay. Terri had eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father Yvon Cooper and her sister Renee Tafoya. Services will be held on Thursday, January 13th, 2022 at 11:00 at Summit Community Church, 20555 W. Roosevelt Street, Buckeye, AZ.
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James O. Martin
James O. Martin, 93, passed away on December 12, 2021 in Arizona following a short illness. J.O., as he was affectionately called by friends and family, was born on November 9, 1928, in Huron, South Dakota to Glenn O. and Myrtle Martin. His elementary, high school, and first year of college were spent in Huron, followed by three years at South Dakota State University where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. He played Jackrabbit baseball and served on the SDSU University Student Council. Following graduation he proudly served in the Korean War as a fighter pilot with the United States Air Force (USAF). After returning to civilian life, he was a Captain and Flight Manager with United Airlines before retiring in 1991 after 33 years in Chicago. The highlight of his flying years came when he joined the Lima Lima Aerobatic Flight Team, a civilian precision formation flying demonstration team based in Naperville, Illinois. Jim performed in air shows across the nation, often cheered on by family, and he made many friends along the way. His “happy place” truly was among the clouds, flying freely through the skies. A long time resident of PebbleCreek, he was an avid skier, golfer, and tennis player and a true friend to all who knew him. He was inspired and driven throughout his life to support the many and varied charities that served the needs of people in our country and world. He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Arlene Johnson Martin, and his children - Kim Paschal (Jim-deceased), Jon Martin (Rita) and Wendy Landers (Tom), grandchildren - Amanda Martin, Nate Martin, Corey Landers, Colleen Landers and great granddaughter Olivia Rhodes. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Myrtle, and his sister Betty Schuelke. Memorials may be sent to Homeless Youth Connection at 9950 West Van Buren, Suite 114, Avondale, AZ 85323 or Evans Scholars Foundation at 2501 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL 60026-8022.
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Deadline for obituaries is Thursday at 5pm for Wednesday. All obituaries will be approved by our staff prior to being activated. Be aware there may be early deadlines around holidays. Call 623-535-8439 Mon-Fri 8:30-5 if you have questions.
Robert Barker
Robert F. Barker (Bob), 82 passed away peacefully on December 25, 2021 at Abrazo Hospital in Goodyear. Bob was born September 15, 1939 in Phoenix, AZ. Visitation was held January 12 at Thompson Funeral Chapel. A funeral mass was held at St. Thomas Aquinas on January 12, followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Avondale, Arizona. To leave the family condolence and read the full obituary, please visit www.thompson funeralchapel.com/obituary/Robert-Barker
John Hammond, Jr.
Mr. John Hammond Jr., 75, of Goodyear, Arizona died December 22, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. He was born November 16, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York to John Hammond Sr. and Helen Mislosky. A visitation was held January 4, 2022 at Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear, Arizona. A mass will be held at a later date at St. Bernard Church in Brooklyn, New York. To read the full obituary and leave the family condolences, visit www.thompsonfuneral chapel.com/obituary/John-Hammond-Jr
Georgia Themia Lord
Georgia Themia Lord, Mayor of Goodyear, AZ, passed away Dec. 12, 2021 at the age of 83, surrounded by family and friends. As a politician, wife, and mother, she was known for her poise and polish and a rare mix of outspokenness and diplomacy. Born April 23, 1938 in Lansing, Michigan to Greek immigrants, her early school years were spent in the rural community of Round Lake. She recalled lean years during the war and its aftermath, but they were happy times. As the wife of a career Air Force Offi cer and pilot, Georgia moved frequently and her ability to lead others was a gift that served her well anywhere she lived. When she and husband Ron were assigned to Bonn, Germany to serve in the offi ce of military attaché, Georgia’s style, charm, and diplomacy shined as the couple found themselves immersed in the intrigue of the Cold War among allied nations. Back in the States, Georgia had a successful real estate career in Virginia. Once retired, Georgia and Ron sought out a place to call home. Georgia loved the southwestern friendliness of the Goodyear community. Local leaders quickly recognized that certain something Georgia possessed and asked her to lead the Goodyear City Center Committee. It was at age of 65, her political career was born. She was elected to the Goodyear City Council in 2005 and was elected mayor in 2011, a seat she held until her passing. Among many other awards, she received an honorary Doctorate of Public Administration from Franklin Pierce University in 2019 and was named one of the “50 Most Infl uential Women in Arizona Business” by Arizona Business Magazine in 2014. Her legacy will also live on through her crowning achievement, the development of the Goodyear Civic Square at GSQ, which will open in summer of 2022. She was a role model to many, immensely passionate about her city, and was a dedicated public servant. Though warm and kind, she was also known for being very forthright and relished the opportunity to speak frankly. She was witty and her strength was unmatched. Georgia is proceeded in death by her husband Ron Lord, parents Margaret and George Cotsikas, brother Nicholas J. Cotsikas. She is survived by Kimberly Lord Stewart and spouse Richard Glenn Stewart; son Shane Jeffrey Lord; daughter Cassandra Louise Lord and spouse Phillip Gerard; daughter Tiffany Lord Arnaldo and spouse Edgar (Joe) Fabila Arnaldo; James D. Archer, the father of their daughter Kimberly, as well as four grandsons, and four great grandchildren. Her celebration of life will be held Jan. 21, 2021, 10:30am (MST). Please see www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com for details on parking and alternate location for weather. To watch the celebration of life online, see the City of Goodyear facebook page at 10:30 am, https://www.facebook.com/goodyearazgov. In lieu of fl owers, please see the Thompson Funeral website for condolences and legacy projects in Mayor Lord’s name. Funeral services under the direction of Thompson Funeral Services.
