Obituaries

November 2020
Submit Obituary

Ronald Eugene Stone

Ronald Eugene Stone of Goodyear, Arizona, passed away on the 23rd of November, 2020, of COVID-19. He was born on the 21st of August, 1939 to Dwane and Norien Stone in Flint, Michigan. He met his husband, Steven Floyd York, Jr. in Flint, and the two decided to move to Arizona in 1984.

Ronald, affectionately called Ron by Steven, was a dedicated father, entrepreneur, and husband. He loved his children, two boys and two girls, and spent many happy years and moments with them, always there to offer his love and support in any situation.  His entrepreneurship lead him to owning his own hair salon, where Ron would work as a hairdresser for over forty years. He loved his customers, and they adored him and the work he did. He was incredibly talented in his craft, and they were tremendously loyal to him, not trusting anybody but Ron to style or cut with such precision and care. Ron loved his husband Steven; when they finally had the opportunity, they visited California to get married, on Thanksgiving Day no less. They were married for forty five years, with their marriage lasting for the duration of Ronald’s long, happy life.

Ron was a beacon of light to his family and his friends, a smiling face and a warm heart. His kindness affected everyone he met, be it family, long-time friends, customers in for a trim, or strangers just passing by. He will be remembered for his devotion, his gentle spirit, and the joy he brought with him wherever he went.

Ronald is survived by his children, Terri Wylie, Lori Stone, Randy Stone, and Mark Stone; his sister, Connie Souders; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great, great-grandchildren; and his husband, Steven.

Richard George Stotz

Richard George Stotz was often heard saying to strangers, “Of all the people I have ever met, you’re one of them.”  An extrovert, jokester, and consummate storyteller, Dick finished his personal story on his own terms.   Stotz passed away unexpectedly from cancer on November 24, 2020, in Sun City, Arizona.

Dick was born to George and Viola Stotz on September 1st, 1934, in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he grew up playing baseball and hockey and hunting pheasants with his father.  He was also known for tormenting the nuns in Catholic school.  He attended Washburn High School and then enlisted in the Air Force where served in Korea.

After his discharge, Dick went on to marry Elaine Westphal and start a successful career in the material handling business working for Clark Equipment in Minneapolis. The two enjoyed many fun times with their friends at the Minnesota Valley Country Club.

His career took them to Michigan where the couple joined a bowling league and Dick acquired his nickname – “The Big Banger.”

From there Clark Equipment took them to Scottsdale, Arizona then subsequent positions with Hyster and Caterpillar landed them in Plano, Texas.  He retired in December 2000.

In retirement, he served as a volunteer for child advocacy services driving foster children to their doctor appointments and parental visits.  He also enjoyed his regular Whataburger coffee club meetings bringing jokes to share with the group.  He was also a bit of a celebrity at the local Walmart due to his daily visits and interest in assisting other shoppers.

Stotz is survived by Elaine, children Tracey Stotz (Bob Johnson) and Rick Stotz (Marlene) as well as grandchildren Katy, Jake, Ashley, and Lauren.

 

He will be interred in Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, California.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be in his memory to the American Cancer Society.

Dillon Duncan Torres

Dillon Duncan Torres of Surprise, Arizona, passed away on the 12th of November, 2020, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born on March 15th, 2000 to Roger Torres and Mystie Duncan in Phoenix, Arizona. Dillon loved music and video games, and he loves his music loud. He always made a short story long. He was a devoted father, great son, and brother. He brightened every room he walked into with his big smile and sense of humor, and always made his presence known with his loud voice. He is survived by his son, Nathanial Torres; his girlfriend, Mea Gonzales; his parents Roger Torres and Mystie Duncan; His step-mother Suzette Torres; his brothers Roger II, Nick, Brandon, AJ, and Vincent; his sisters, Amanda, Vanessa, Ashley, and Haylee; and his grandparents Stephanie Torres, Pete Torres, and Patricia Milstead. The family held a private service.

Maria Martorella

Maria Josephine Martorella of Surprise, Arizona, passed away on November 1st 2020. She was born to Salvatore and Sarah Cardinale on the 23rd of November, 1966 in Monterey, California. She was a devoted matriarch to her family, being called “Nanni” and “Nonna” by her grandkids. She is survivied by her children John, Sarah, Gina, Alfonso Jr, Mark and Christian. Grandchildren Kaylee, Jaden, Alivia, James, Tema, Dally and Gianna. As well as survived by her biological mother, Jeanne Cour and biological brother, Shaun Blasi.

The family asks that donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Vicki Anne Cicogni

Vicki Anne Cicogni, age 77, died in hospice on Sunday, November 1st, 2020. She battled many years with rheumatoid arthritis which recently caused a lung disease and then caught COVID pneumonia.

Born July 11th, 1943 in Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1961. She became a supervisor for Bell Telephone Company. She married her cowboy on Nov. 13, 1964. Together they decided that she would choose the best career of staying home and raising her children.

Survivors include her loving husband, Carl Cicogni; Three children, Carla Hasper, James Cicogni, and David Cicogni; Her two brothers, James Kimble and Ken Kimble. She had 7 grandchildren: Whitney, Kelcie, Preston, Mercedes, Dawson, Waylon, and Payton. Two great grandchildren, Landon and Sawyer. Vicki was preceded in death by her mother Elizabeth Kimble and father Forest Kimble.

Services will be held at 9:30 AM Friday, November 20th, at Palm Valley Church- 431 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, Arizona, 85338. Friends and family are welcome to the service to celebrate her wonderful life. No reception due to COVID. Remember, Vicki “loved you more.”

 Previous Month
Call Now Button