Simply CremationObituaries
Lelon P. Hicks III
Lelon Purcell Hicks III (affectionately known by family and friends as “Buggy”) was born on January 21, 1970, to the late Lelon Jr. and Mildred Hicks on Fort Ord Army Base in Monterey County, California.
Lelon was the middle child in a family that made sure he was immersed in the Apostolic faith from a young age. His family were active members of the Bethesda Apostolic Church in Fresno, California under the leadership of the late Bishop Henry L. Johnson. Lelon services as Bishop Johnson’s armor-bearer.
Lelon attended and graduated from Fresno High School in 1988 and joined the United States Army shortly thereafter. During his service in the Army, he received numerous accolades including a National Defense Service Medal.
Lelon married Janelle Johnson of Fresno, California and their union produced two children: Sha-Ron in 1991 and JaVonte’ in 1995. After their union ended, Lelon relocated to Phoenix, Arizona in 1997. He joined Temple of Greater Beth-El under the leadership of Bishop Gregory Newman. Lelon served as armor-bearer for Bishop Newman for 10 years. Lelon was best known at church for his impeccable style and class. He loved fashion and donned many custom-made sleeveless suits, French-cuffed shirts, and his favorite alligator shoes.
In 2002, Lelon married Stacy Cain of San Diego, California and their union produced four children: Aiden in 2006, Sydney in 2007, Andrew in 2012, and Avery in 2018. Lelon and Stacy settled in Surprise, Arizona, and worked hard raising their children while maintaining full-time jobs and obtaining their college degrees from Arizona State University.
Lelon had a love for college football (Go Buckeyes!), grilling, watching gangster movies and spending time with his family. Although the end of his life was marred with self-doubt and sorrow, he leaves behind a strong legacy that will continue on with his six children for generations to come.
Lelon passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2022, in Surprise, Arizona at the age of 52.
Lelon is preceded in death by parents: Lelon Hicks Jr., and Mildred Hicks.
Lelon leaves to cherish his memories: His wife of 20 years, Stacy Hicks; Former spouse: Janelle Dillard; Children: Sha-Ron, JaVonte’, Aiden, Sydney, Andrew, and Avery; Siblings: Derek, Dion, Norchelle, David, and Helen; Uncle: Richard (Wendy) Hicks; Nieces and nephews: Brittany, Deron, Sarea, Karonn, Jarron, Olivia, Briana, David Jr., Isaiah, Ciara, Daevon, Damon, Darian, Jamison and Jonas; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A visitation and funeral service will be held starting at 1:30 pm, Friday, June 17th at Thompson Funeral Chapel; Address: 926 S Litchfield Road. Goodyear Arizona, 85338.
Ruth Ann Reed
Ruth Ann Reed, beloved wife, mother and friend of many passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Surprise, Arizona on May 27, 2022 with her loving husband Dean by her side. She was three months shy of her 86th birthday.
Ruth lived a full and happy life. She enjoyed travel, golfing, playing bridge, Mahjong, sewing, cooking, crafts, reading and especially spending quality time with her many close friends, family, and grandchildren.
Ruth was born in Anaconda, MT on August 28, 1936, to Art and Corella (Giggles) Gustafson. She was the second of four siblings and graduated from Anaconda High School in 1954. She attended Western Montana College in Dillon, MT. After receiving her teaching certificate, Ruth taught 4th grade in Deer Lodge, MT in 1956 and 1957. She later worked as a substitute teacher in the Helena School District.
Ruth married Dan Larsen in 1957. They moved to Bozeman, MT where Dan was attending Montana State University working on his Civil Engineering degree. While in Bozeman, their first son, Tim, was born in 1960. After Dan graduated from MSU, he embarked on a training program for the Bureau of Public Roads (later called Federal Highway Administration), which took the family to numerous states over the next few years. Their second son, Todd, was born in 1963 in Anaconda. In 1965, Ruth and her family settled in Helena, MT after the training program ended and Dan took a permanent position as a Civil Engineer with the Bureau of Public Roads. In 1966, their daughter Suzanne was born in Helena. Ruth and Dan later divorced but remained friends.
In 1977, Ruth married Dean Reed who was a Certified Public Accountant. She worked with him for many years as a bookkeeper and secretary. Dean and Ruth celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in April. Ruth and Dean remained in Helena until 1998 until they purchased a second home at Sun City Grand in Surprise, Arizona becoming snowbirds, spending the warm winters in Arizona and cooler summers in Montana. This also allowed them to play golf year-round, which they enjoyed very much.
Ruth was blessed with a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. She made friends easily and loved meeting people from all walks of life. Those who were fortunate enough to spend time with her often were frequently rewarded by her well-known “Ruth-isms” – which were always hilarious, typically silly, and occasionally true. To know her was to love her – she truly made this world a better place.
Ruth is survived by her husband Dean of Surprise, Arizona, son Tim Larsen (Kathy) of La Quinta, CA and son Todd Larsen (Karen) of Bermuda Dunes, CA. Ruth is also survived by her brother Dick Gustafson (Helen) of Whitefish, MT, sisters Carol Lang (Jerry) and Diane Lorengo (Roy) of Anaconda, MT, grandchildren Jeff Walker of Kuna, ID, Jared Larsen of La Quinta, CA, Cooper Larsen of Los Angeles, CA, Brady Morrison of Helena, MT, Jenna Hobdy (Andrew) of San Francisco, CA, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Suzanne.
A Celebration of Life will be planned in the future.
Please sign the guest book and share memories of Ruth.
Andrew J. Burford
Mr. Andrew James Burford, 81 of Surprise, Arizona died on May 27th, 2022 in Surprise, Arizona. He was born on July 23rd, 1940, to David and Mae Burford in New Kensington, Pennsylvania.
He will be remembered as a loving son, husband, and father. He is survived by daughters; Marilee Mae Rudin, and Heather Shea, his son Drew David Burford, and son-in-law Dino Rudin, as well as his grandson; Drew Burford Jr.
Andrew was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Kay Burford.
A service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, June 11th, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Seton Roman Catholic Church; Address: 9728 W Palmeras Dr. Sun City AZ 85373. Burial will be at Sunland Memorial Park; Address: 15826 N. Del Webb Blvd. Sun City, Arizona 85351
The family suggests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
