In memoriam: Funeral notices, September 5, 2021

In memoriam: Funeral notices, September 5, 2021

Maxinne Benitez

BENITEZ, Maxinne (Jacobs)

65, has merged with the Creator; August 14, 2021 she took a last breath to complete this life journey. Born March 21, 1956, a proud member of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation Longhouse from St Regis Tribe, New York State. Relocation to Arizona to care for aging parents encouraged her to earn a massage therapy certificate from the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts. Maxinne's passion to help people combined bodywork with Bemer, a micro-circulation technology to offer unforgettable healthcare service. Committed to serving diverse populations like tribal elders, disabled people and world class athletes; she expressed an impressive level of maturity, grace, humor, confidence, and integrity. A tireless ability to bring calmness to stressful situations and a sincere drive to do better will be missed by everyone who knew her. Maxinne is survived by her husband, Mike Benitez; canine companion, Roadie; daughter, Sara McDonald; son-in-law, Shawn Oakes and three grandchildren; two sisters; one brother and many friends. Maxinne's big heart, good mind and endless acts of kindness bring her to a place of divine peace beyond suffering, embraced by the ancestors. May spiritual guides escort her to leave this earth, return to Sky World, and follow the star path to bring enlightenment to the Universe. A private ceremony to honor Maxinne is planned in the Catalina Mountains. Arrangements by AVENIDAS CREMATION AND BURIAL.

Iris Carson

CARSON, Iris Arlene (Downing)

February 5, 1930 - June 17, 2021

I see her in me, in most everything I do. From the love and devotion for my family, how and what I cook, in my body language, how I disciplined my children, my hobbies and mostly in the face that stares back at me from the mirror. I see so much of her in me.

Iris Arlene Carson (Downing) left this earth in her human form and transitioned to her angel status on June 17, 2021, into the arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ and her loving husband of 71 years, Dean Carson, as well as many others who had gone before her.

Born to Doris and Lloyd Downing on February 5, 1930 in Colorado, joining her older siblings; brother, Thane and sisters, Thelma and Louise. Iris' early life was filled with great sorrow and difficulties. Her mother passed away just seventeen days after Iris was born due to complications from childbirth. At that time she went to live with her aunt Amanda and uncle Art on their farm where she said that she had a very happy childhood. She rode horses, her favorite was Trill, and would crawl up in the hay mow and find baby kittens. She lived there until she was six years old. After that, Iris went to live in various households due to an ever-changing family dynamic. During that time half-siblings, Carol, Gary and Duane joined Iris' blended family.Eventually she ended up back with her aunt Amanda until the age of thirteen when Amanda passed away and she returned to her father Lloyd and his wife Oda's house until the age of 16. After that Iris lived in various households, earning her keep by cleaning house, cooking and ironing; she also worked at the local drug store in Wray, Colorado. Half way through her senior year of high school she was invited to move into the love of her life, Dean Carson's family home.

After graduating from Wray High School in 1948, Iris moved to Greeley, Colorado and worked in the courthouse while Dean attended college there.

When I said that Dean Carson was the love of her life, a truer statement was never uttered. Dean and Iris started dating when they were 14 years old. He said that when he saw her playing football in her overalls with pigtails in her hair, he knew that she was the girl for him.

They dated all through high school and married in 1949. They started a family and tried farming for a while, but when Iris got pregnant with their second baby, she told Dean that they needed to move back into town because it was just too hard on the farm with no electricity, indoor plumbing, heat or running water. After finding out that their oldest son, Kit, was deaf, Dean and Iris moved to Tucson, Arizona so that he could attend The Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind. Dean worked for a swimming pool construction company and Iris became the full-time wife and mother that she had wanted and longed for her entire life and boy was she good at it!

In 1961 Dean started Carson Concrete and Decking with Iris by his side, and it quickly became the premier concrete company in Tucson. It has been said that behind every successful man there is a woman leading the way and that is exactly what Iris did. Where Dean supported the family with his work and Carson Concrete, Iris was his secretary, and bookkeeper while at the same time nurturing, molding and supporting our family through her daily endeavors from home. She was so dedicated and worked so hard to raise six children. We always had clean clothes (15 loads a week), without a dryer, just a clothesline until the 70's. There was breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day and this was in the days before microwave ovens. She told me that the neighborhood kids liked to come over because the house always smelled like something good was cooking. Mom was an excellent seamstress, making many prom and bridesmaids dresses, school clothes and homemade Halloween costumes. Refinishing furniture was a hobby that she found joy in and she produced some beautiful pieces that have been kept in the family. Mom spent so many hours sitting in bleachers watching her sons and daughters participate in multiple sports and other school activities. She was selfless, beautiful, strong and brave. She went ultra-gliding on the beach in Mexico at 70 years of age, and drove to Colorado by herself (just her, her cheese and crackers and her 38-special by her side). Mom liked to ride quads and go 4-wheeling and she pretty much bought all of the family cars on her own. Those salesmen didn't scare her. She was also a great dancer she mastered the twist. The two things that she did not accomplish in her life was going skydiving and getting a tattoo (just a small little rose). Mom was the disciplinarian in the family because she knew that dad wasn't. She said that her greatest accomplishment was producing and raising six children to adulthood without them ending up in prison or hooked on drugs. And that was during the 60's!

She wasn't just our mom she was a mom to every child she met. She was a fierce warrior and protector. She fought for those who couldn't fight for themselves. Mom found out that one of our friends had been beaten with a belt by her father. Mom went to their house and told the dad that if she ever saw so much as a bruise on our friend, she would take her away from him. She let our brother's friend stay in our camper when life at home got too hard. She bought gifts for children whose parents couldn't afford it and spent countless hours babysitting neighborhood children, who's single mothers had to go to work. She was also so compassionate for people in need. One time she was at the grocery store and there was a family, a mom, dad and a couple of children, and they didn't have enough money to pay for their groceries. So, she paid for their food and then invited them to stay with us for a few days until they could move on. During Christmas time, she would ask the A.S.D.B. school if there were children that would not be able to go home for the holiday, and there always were. So, there were many Christmases where we had extra children at the house and there were always presents for them as well as us. She was also an extreme animal lover. We made frequent trips to the Humane Society, where they knew her by name, and she would always take one of us kids with her so that when she would bring home a dog(s) or cat(s), she would tell dad that WE really wanted it. But he knew.Mom loved camping, fishing and hunting and she never complained about all of the work that she had to do to make those trips some of the best times of our lives. After mom and dad bought their house in Eagar, AZ, those great family get-togethers continued no matter how big the family got. The 4th of July celebration there became a family tradition including building a family float for the parade, an afternoon BBQ and the fireworks show at night. A lot of the family would bring their tents and RV's and set up on the back part of the property. We would sit around a campfire and tell stories about the family, passing on the history of the Carson clan. Mom and dad made sure that our family heritage, traditions, and skills were and are being kept alive.

Mom and dad shared a love rarely seen in this day and age. They were totally devoted to each other. Their lives were filled with good times and bad, but they always persevered and the laughter that they frequently shared was a blessing to watch. Mom and dad reserved Saturday nights for their date night. I remember sitting in the bathroom and Lawrence Welk would be on the TV and I would watch mom put her make-up on, getting all gussied up for dad. She looked like Jacqueline Kennedy to me, just so beautiful. They never stopped taking care of themselves or each other. Mom would leave lipstick messages on the bathroom mirror for dad and this was after being married for 50 years. They had a sense of humor and frequently played jokes on each other or teased each other. They kept it real. Their lives totally embodied the vows of for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. They lived it, immersed themselves in it and prevailed, all the while leading our family by example. Mom and dad's legacy has grown to include six children, Kit (Connie), Terry (Diana), Cathie (Mary), Susan (Dan) Hicks, John (Lori) and Deana (Michael) Vance. In addition, they have 17 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Mom's mind, sharp wit and sense of humor stayed with her until the very end. Her memory rivaled that of her children and grandchildren, and she was the best storyteller. She so wanted to go and be with dad and on June 17th of this year she soared. On the day that dad passed on, a double rainbow appeared in the sky, it was fairly visible and, I believed, as confirmation that he had completed his journey home. On August 1st of this year, one year and one day after dad passed (1+1), the most beautiful, bright, vibrant double rainbow that I have ever seen appeared again. One larger, one smaller but in tandem with each other, showing me that mom and dad are together in glorious harmony in the house of the Lord.

Mom and dad, you held our hands for a little while, but we will hold you in our hearts forever! We love you and miss you terribly. Until we meet again.

The rest of the family would like to express our profound gratitude for our sisters; Cathie, Mary and Susan, and Dan, Susan's husband, for devoting their lives to caring for mom and dad, when the rest of us couldn't or didn't. Cathie and Mary lived at mom and dad's home on Palo Verde on numerous occasions when one or the other needed care. Susan and Dan welcomed mom into their home after dad passed away so that she would not have to go to a care facility. They all took such great care of her, seeing to her every want and need. Cathie and Mary also moved in to help with mom. They all put their lives on hold to make mom and dad's lives the best that they could be. Towards the end, Susan and Cathie started taking shifts at night, changing at 3:00 a.m., and Mary and Dan joined in during the day and whenever else they were needed. They all said that it was an honor for them to care for mom and that they all had such great times with her, and they were with mom when she passed. We would also like to thank Kelly Splane, mom's part-time caregiver, she was not only an excellent caregiver, but a very good friend to mom and the rest of us as well. There are many other family members; grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that stepped up to help as well. So, thank you for the mobile hair cutting service, moving services, meals brought to feed them, and time spent playing cards and just being with them. It meant the world to them.

Services will be held at Saguaro Christian Church, 8302 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ, 85710 on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided at the church, following the service. AT THIS TIME THE CHURCH IS ENFORCING A MASK AT ALL TIMES POLICY! In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Youth On Their Own: website yoto.org or the Humane Society: www.hssaz.org Arrangements by ABBEY FUNERAL CHAPEL.

Kanella Conklin

CONKLIN, Kanella A.

1959 - 2021

Our furry friends paused to hang their heads in sorrow and say thank you to our amazing sister, wife, aunt, cousin and friend Kanella "Nell", as she passed away from cancer on August 15th. Our kind, generous, bold, silly and courageous sister lived her best life as a champion and companion for animals, especially those in need of special love and understanding. Kanella adored horses and compassionately gave of her time to volunteer in animal rescues/shelters and fight for the humane treatment of farm animals. She was a voracious reader, dog and horse whisperer and a lover of music and dancing. Kanella was the proprietor of "Kanellas" clothing on Fourth Avenue for 30 years. A well respected and loved retail pioneer, she paved the way for other fearless entrepreneurs on the avenue. Our sister was a Tucson Icon, but her humble and beautiful nature never made that important to her. She touched everyone she met, cared passionately about all living things and made this world a better place simply by being in it. Her loss is beyond measure, she was the best in all of us. Kanella leaves behind her loving husband of 40 years, Steve; siblings, Joe, Margo and Nick (Sonnie, Nicky and Rachel). Friends will gather this afternoon (September 5th) at the Chicago Bar from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. for a celebration of life. If you would like to honor Kanella in some way, please consider donating to a local animal rescue/shelter. We are heartbroken, we love you and miss you Nell. Arrangements by AVENIDAS CREMATION & BURIAL.

Ralph Darling

DARLING, Ralph E., Jr.

85, passed away in his sleep in late May 2021 after fighting debilitating complications from his quadriplegia. Ralph was born in Washington D.C. to Ralph and Mary Darling in July of 1935 and was a kind and loving son throughout his parents' lives.

Ralph attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. where he was enrolled in ROTC, played on the tennis team, worked at KSLU Radio, and met his future wife, Mary Ann Shepard. After college, Ralph served as a Lieutenant in the US Army for a brief time before joining the family business at R. E. Darling Co. in Maryland in 1959. Ralph was a key contributor on the life support products the company produced for NASA on the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs during the 1960's.

Ralph was a devoted and caring father who attended all of his kids' events as they were growing up, either as a coach or as a fan. The neighborhood kids in Potomac, Maryland thought of him as the cool dad because he was always out with his children teaching them how to ride a bike, playing catch, or going sledding in the winter.

Ralph relocated to Tucson, AZ with his family in 1977 when R. E. Darling Co. consolidated its operations at its Tucson plant-site, and he took over as President of the company in 1983.

Ralph led the company's success and growth in his role as President until 1995, when he transitioned to become Chairman of the Board.

Ralph married Debye Heimann in 1997 and became a stepfather to her young sons, Bradley and Taylor. Ralph meant the world to them, and to them he was just "dad". Ralph was a strict but patient father, who guided his children to be respectful, kind, and giving. He always made sure that something important was learned along the way. The boys enjoyed his quick wit and humor, and he never missed cheering them on in sports.

Throughout his life, Ralph loved being outdoors, whether it was at the beach, hunting, fishing, or playing tennis or golf. He had a great sense of fun and adventure and he loved to travel, including road-trips around the U.S., basking in the sun in San Diego or Hawaii, and exploring foreign countries.

Ralph suffered a broken neck in an accident in 2009, which left him paralyzed from the chest down. Despite this, Ralph maintained his good-natured way and sense of humor throughout his lifetime. His will to live a long, full life and his desire to walk again after the accident were truly inspirational to all who knew him.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Debye, and stepsons, Bradley (Brandis) Heimann and Taylor Heimann; by his children, Linda (Michael) Caverly, Susan Darling, Gary (Sandy) Darling, Robert (Jeana) Darling and Sally (Eric) Bockisch and by his grandchildren, Lara Darling, Stephen Caverly, Marc Darling, Dean (Kelsey) Caverly, Anna Darling, Elizabeth Caverly, Scott Bockisch, Heidi Bockisch, Natalie Darling, Matthew Darling, and Elias Heimann.

Love and gratitude go out to close family friend Abby Hungwe, who helped care for and support Ralph for many years after his accident, and to the Barkley family, Weston, Randi, and River, who have loved and looked out for Ralph and Debye over the past few years. The family also wishes to thank the nursing staff at Bayada Home Health Care for their care and support for so many years. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.

Lupe Desjardin

DESJARDIN, Lupe "Baby" Aguilar

was called to her heavenly home on the afternoon of August 24, 2021 at the age of 96. She is preceded in death by her husband, Rudy F. Desjardin and her granddaughter, Amy. She had great faith in the Lord throughout her life. Although she worked many jobs from childhood, one being a Rosie the Riveter during WWII, her greatest accomplishment was being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

She is survived by her children, Ray (Amy) Padilla, Mary Ellen Gallego, Lupita (Ray) Romero, Elva (Dave) Buckwalter, Diane (Neto) Lopez and Darla (Stuart) Tawney; grandchildren, Michael, Patrick, David (McLain), John Paul (Julie), Anne (Ryan), Mark, Michelle, James (Daisy), Stephanie, Jennifer (Ricardo), Jessica (Eduardo), Erica (Richard), Emily (Chris), Stacy (Ken), Nancy (Jason), Kiley, Ashlee, Courtney, David, Melissa (Johnny), Larissa, Ernesto, Rudy (Kim), Katrina, Alex, Jacob (Christine), James (Andrea), Stephanie (Robert) and Stuart (Junia); great-grandchildren, Sara, Katelyn, Evelyn, Jacob, Isabella, Matthew (Belgi), Megan (Ronnie), Eric (Chloe), Raquel, Ricardo Jr., Christian, Leila, Najib, Danielle, Dominique, Richard Jr., Christopher Jr., Isaac, Ezra, Larissa, Sadie, Mackenzie, Kennedy, Brittney (Javier), Taylor, Cooper, Jadon, RJ, Nathan, Elijah, Ryder, Bentley, Norah, Ellie, Nina, Mila, Josiah, Elijah, Evangelina, Liam and Theodore and great-great-grandchildren, Jetlynn, Frederic, Mateo, Leonel, Madison, Mackenzie and Jayden, and the Aguilar family, Tonio, Chale, Lalo, Rudy (Annie) and Manny Gallardo.

Open viewing will take place on Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. at Calvary Chapel East Campus, 8711 E. Speedway Blvd. Memorial service from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery on Oracle Rd. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

Thomas Lee

HOSSFELD, Thomas "Tom" Lee, DDS

passed on Friday, August 6, 2021. Tom was born in Enid, Oklahoma, the eldest of three siblings. Preceded in death by father, Loyd F. Hossfeld; mother, Helen F. Hite; brother-in-law, Eduardo (Ed) Nuñez and mother-in-law, Dolores L. Ortiz. Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janie L. Nuñez; brother, Dennis (Tath) and sister, Vicki.

Tom was part of a military family and his education spanned multiple locations including Tucson; Bossier City, Louisiana; Bermuda; and Newfoundland. He graduated from Northern Arizona University where he played on the varsity golf team and was a member of the Blue Key Honor Society and Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. After graduation he attended the University of Washington where he obtained a teaching degree and taught junior high math and science. He then attended the University of Washington School of Dentistry, joining the Navy reserves during that time. After his naval service, he set up practice in Tucson where he enjoyed the challenge of caring for and building relationships with patients, many who became friends.

Tom's avocation included exhibiting and breeding dogs. In 1967, he acquired his first Scottie. Along the way he added Dandie Dinmont terriers and Standard Wirehaired dachshunds. He then segued to judging. He was approved to judge all terrier breeds as well as 19 hound breeds and Best in Show.

Tom was a member of the Scottish Terrier Club of America (STCA) since 1984. He served the organization as a board member, worked with the Illustrated Standard Committee and co-chaired the Judges Education Committee. For his contributions, he was awarded a Silver Service medallion.

Tom was also a member of the Scottish Terrier Club of California, the Dandie Dinmont Club of America, and the Desert Valley Dachshund Club. In Tucson, he was a member of the Cañada del Oro (CDOKC) and Madera Canyon Kennel Clubs serving as an officer and working many hours to help the clubs host annual shows. In 2020, CDOKC awarded him the AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship medallion for positively impacting the sport of purebred dogs.

Tom was a longtime member of the UA Wildcat Club and rarely missed a football or basketball game. He was most proud of being in attendance for the Wildcat Final Four Championship in 1997 and subsequently attended several other Final Four tournaments.

Tom had an artistic eye and used this skill to fashion unique jewelry for Janie. He also created bronze statues. Tom and Janie loved traveling, especially cruising the European rivers and experiencing Europe's Christmas markets. He loved fly fishing; he tied his own flies and made his own fly rods. His prize catches ranged from steelhead to halibut and salmon. He had a wonderful sense of humor, took great pleasure making dozens of tamales at Christmas time with Janie's family, and loved nothing more than a rousing political debate.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., at Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN), 500 W. Calle Concordia in Oro Valley, followed by fellowship and lunch in the Third Space.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to OVCN Upward Sports (ovcn.church then click on Giving) or the Scottish Terrier Club of America Health Trust (https://stca.biz/about-the-stca/ways-to-help/). For information call VISTOSO FUNERAL HOME 544-2285.

Roberta Morales

MORALES, Roberta

Passed away August 1, 2021, she attended Catalina High and NTSU where she studied music. She started performing at La Fuente Restaurant when she was five with her sister, Lisa and joined her later as Sisters Morales traveling all over the world. She and her sister were the first Latina duo to be signed by RCA in Nashville.

Roberta created a music program for M D Anderson for the children who couldn't leave the hospital or their rooms at Christmas, and concerts for Toys for Tots in San Antonio and Houston.

Roberta is survived by her brother, Michael; sisters, Dianne and Lisa; sister-in-law, Anne; stepbrother, Louie; nieces and nephews, Amelia, Jason, Drew, Thomas and Graciela. There was a special bond with the 24 Vasquez cousins, not to mention the love she had for the Morales, Obregon and Ortiz cousins, aunts and uncles.

Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 10, 2021 at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave., Tucson. Donations can be made in her name to MD Anderson Cancer Center PCARE, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/gifts.

Mary Ann Parker

PARKER, Mary Ann (Beaty)

In Loving Memory

Mary Ann passed away peacefully August 31, 2021, with family by her side, after a happy and fulfilling life. She is survived by three sons, David, Bill and Roger; four grandchildren, Ryan, Amanda, Sabra and Zach. Mary Ann worked and lived in Tucson for many years as well as spending 18 years in Salt Lake City where she had many friends and enjoyed Church activities. She graduated from Ole Miss University and was an avid Genealogist. She loved family history and connections with the past. She will be buried in Salt Lake City and there will be a memorial service in Tucson. TBA

Jayne Shaffer

SHAFFER, Jayne Ann

Celebration of Life

Please join us for Jayne Ann Shaffer's

Celebration of Life

on Sunday, September 19, 2021.

--

We would love to have you stop by

anytime between 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

and honor our beloved wife,

mother, grandmother, and friend.

We look forward to remembering her with

stories, laughs, drinks and food.

Please contact us at (520) 296-8100

for more information.

Frank Urquides

URQUIDES, Frank C.

of Pinetop died Sunday, August 15, 2021 in Phoenix, he was 72 years old. Beloved son of the late, Edward Legarra Urquides and Emilia Gonzales Urquides of Tucson; brother of the late Maria Ana Urquides who died in 1946 and late brother to Hilario Fernando Urquides who died in 2013. Survived by beloved children, Marisa Ann Ramirez of Tucson, AZ and Eduardo Francisco Urquides of Phoenix, AZ; beloved brother to Mary Delores Pantoja of Fremont, CA, Edward and Martina Urquides of Union City, CA, beloved grandfather to McKayla Vasquez of Tucson, AZ; Callan Urquides of Phoenix, AZ; Cooper Urquides of Phoenix, AZ; nieces, Christina Tachner and Marianne Bloomberg; nephews, Anthony Urquides, Marco Urquides and Roman Urquides of Tucson, AZ; and the many close friendships that he created throughout his life. Frank's life will be honored in a private ceremony in the White Mountains where he called home.