Obituaries

August 2022
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Clifford “Cliff” Bourassa

Mr. Clifford “Cliff” Bourassa, 82 of Sun City, Arizona passed away on August 25, 2022 in Surprise, Arizona. He was born on June 10, 1940 to Eugene and Marion Bourassa. He served in the United States Army.

He is survived by his spouse, Judy Bourassa (Hornik), whom he married 55 years ago in Stamford, Connecticut. His surviving daughters are Megan Bourassa and Kathy Lightfoot (Dan), his surviving sons: Matthew Bourassa (Susan), Randy Bourassa (Kim), and Virgil Bourassa (Linda). His surviving sisters: Irene Larkin and Charla Fox, as well as his brother Charles Bourassa and his 6 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brothers James and John, as well as his parents Eugene and Marion Bourassa.

Cliff’s ashes will be scattered at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The family suggests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, or Lutheran World Relief in his name.

Beverly B. McCowan

Beverly McCowan of Surprise, Arizona transitioned from a stroke complication and from a fall hitting her head on August 17th, 2022.

She was born in Yakima, Washington to Ed & Bessie Cook on September 1st, 1939. She was married to Don McCowan who passed over in 2019. They were married 57 years.

She was a retired Portland Public (Middle high) schoolteacher. A member of the Methodist Church. She moved from Portland, Oregon to Arizona in her retirement. Her late husband and she loved to square dance, enjoy local entertainment, attend church, and spend time with family.

She was loved by her Granddaughter Jamie who always said Grandma made the best sourdough waffles and had a smile on her face all the time, I will miss her laugh. Her Grandson Justin will always remember the wonderful motorhome adventures they shared.

Beverly will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

I too will miss her happy disposition. She was my mentor as well as my mother. Very easygoing, always listening to me, and helped me a great deal in life. Mom, may you rest in peace, and you went the way you wanted to, in your sleep. Now you are reunited with Jesus and your family.

You are the example of 1 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I finished the race, and I have kept the faith.”

She is survived by: Joy Boryska (Daughter), Jim Boryska (Son-in-law), Justin Boryska (Grandson) Jamie Boryska (Granddaughter) Colonel Gary Cook (Brother.)

Kathleen Ann Veilleux

Kathleen “Kathy” Ann Veilleux, 72, of Surprise, AZ, passed peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 18, 2022, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

It would be wrong to say that Kathy lost her battle with cancer because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined to fight. When anyone else would have broken, she remained strong. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like.

Kathy was born in Pawtucket, RI on August 8, 1950, to Clifford “Cliff” and Kathleen “Kay” (McCormick) Thurber. She was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School and the University of Rhode Island. Kathy retired from Verizon (formerly New England Telephone) as a manager where she was employed for almost 30 years. She also retired from Cox Communications as a telephony specialist after 10 years of employment.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Cliff and Kay Thurber, and her loving son, Jonathan Veilleux. Kathy is survived by her husband, Gilbert Veilleux of Little Compton, RI, daughters Melanie Veilleux of Surprise, AZ and Erin DelleFemine of Seekonk, MA, grandchildren Tyler and Emily DelleFemine of Seekonk, MA, sisters Maureen Olivo (Tom) of Pawtucket, RI and Mary Forgue of Johnston, RI, nieces, nephews, and longtime friends.

In lieu of funeral services, and to honor Kathy’s memory, we ask that all who wish to participate donate to the Honor Health Foundation (Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center) in memory of Kathy’s name.

Donald L. Ehrlich

Donald Lloyd Ehrlich of Surprise Arizona passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 90, surrounded by his family on August 13, 2022. Donald was born in Shattuck Oklahoma on August 2, 1932, to Father Jake G. Ehrlich and Mother Ruth Ehrlich. His strong work ethic and desire to care for his family led him to enlist in the United States Navy at the age of 19. He then married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Norma Jean Bruton and they were married for 70 years.

Donald was known for being exceptionally passionate with his golf game where many memories were made with family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife Norma Jean Ehrlich; daughter Linda Laws; son Lyle Ehrlich and proceeded in death by his daughter Marla Summerour. His surviving sisters are Vera Riffel, Velda Harris and Karen Richardson. His surviving brother is Nelson Ehrlich and proceeded in death by his brother Roy Lee Ehrlich.

Donald has 8 Grandchildren and 12 Great-grandchildren. To honor Donald’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held in Shattuck Oklahoma on October 22, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Charity of your choice.

Dale Jon Bruemmer

Dale Jon Bruemmer (61), loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, and friend was taken too soon and called home to heaven Friday, July 29th, 2022. Dale was born in Gardena, California to Herman and Shirley Bruemmer on January 19, 1961. 

Dale is survived by his wife, Bernadette; his sons, Michael, Steven (Nicole) and Patrick; his daughter Heather (Jeff); Mother, Shirley; Brothers, Dave and Dan; Sisters, Julie, Janet, Joyce and Joan; and Grandsons, Nolan (13), Connor (12), Dylan (8) and Ayson (4). Dale is preceded in his death by his father, Herman, and Brother, Dennis. 

Dale was born and raised in Gardena, California until 1974 when the Bruemmer family moved to Placentia, California. In 1983 Dale moved to Riverside, California where he started a family of his own, which eventually led him to Phoenix, Arizona. 

Dale was a selfless, loving family man. His love for those close to him was deep and unconditional. He had a huge heart of gold and would give his shirt off his back for anyone. Dale did not rest until he made sure everyone around him was taken care of, fed and knew they were loved. He put everyone’s needs before himself. 

Dale loved cooking for his family. If you asked him for one scoop on your plate, he made sure you got three just in case. When Dale wasn’t in the kitchen cooking and feeding his family, it was a sure bet he would either be feeding the slots at the nearest casino or on the course hitting one straight to the green.

Dale may have left this world unexpectedly, but he made sure the ones he loved knew they were loved so much by him. He will be deeply missed. 

In Dale’s honor, a small family celebration of life will be held for immediate family & close friends that reside in Arizona. 

Denise V. Clark

Denise Victoria Clark, 70, of Cincinnati, Ohio died on August 9th, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born on September 17th, 1951 to Willie Absolom Clark Jr. and Elizabeth Jane Ricks in Cincinnati, Ohio.

This world was Denise’s sitcom where she was the star and we were all her supporting characters. Denise took control of her life and never let life or its struggles control her.  She was a strong and fierce woman who loved to show up and show out! When Denise arrived at a party everyone knew it; she was loud, funny and always the best dressed. She was a little bit vain and proud of it, there was no shame in wanting to look and feel her best at all times. Her energy took over the room when she walked in. If you were around her you knew you were in for a great time. She made everyone feel like family even if she had never met you before.

Amazing doesn’t even begin to cover the kind of mother Denise was. She loved her children with her whole heart and always made sure they got to experience everything life had to offer. From music, dance, sports and clubs Denise was always there to support her three kids. She always made sure her kids looked perfect so they could feel just as confident as she did.

Denise is survived by her children Terri Leflore (Todd), Brandon Friason, and Christopher Friason (Johanna), her Sisters Dawn and Donna Clark, Brother Darryl Clark (Lynda), six Grandchildren, four Great-grandchildren and a host of Nieces and Nephews. She was proceeded in death by her Parents Willie and Elizabeth Clark, her Sister Deborah Wilhite, and her Sister and best friend Lori Jennings (Hosea).

Private services were held with a small gathering of friends and family. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to The Ryan House.

William Johnny Chester Jr.

2-4-1961 – 8-8-2022

Bill was born in Roswell, New Mexico on February 4, 1961 to Martha K (Emerson) Chester and William J. Chester Sr.

He had one brother, John (Scott) Chester-Tami, and his cousin James (Salty) Hennington-Darlene, whom he always considered his big brother.

Bill grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and went to Manzanita Elementary and Cortez High School.

Bill married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Diane (Sullivan) Chester in 1982. They had an amazing and beautiful love story for 45 years. They had that “Just One Thing” and always will…. FOREVER.

Bill was a hard-working, Christian man who started his own business in Prescott, Arizona, and became an expert in his field. He was honest, fair, and always willing to go the extra mile for his customers.

Bill was the father of three boys; William (Billy) Chester III, John (Joey) Sullivan Chester and Braydon J. Chester. He was the GREATEST dad in the whole world. He always put his boys first and made time to coach their sports teams, teach them anything and everything and even support them in their racing hobbies any way he could. But mostly, he taught them the importance of love and family. And he showed that, every minute of every day.

Bill thanked God every day and felt blessed. He appreciated the little things in life. He loved golfing with family, Sprint Car Racing, spending time with family and friends and hanging at the beach. He loved his family and friends and always wished and prayed for the best for everyone. A Hug and a Kiss was the best gift he would say.

A Memorial Service will be held at:
CCV Church in Surprise
14787 W Cholla Str
Surprise, AZ 85379
South Entrance
September 14th, 2022
11:00 am

Jeff C. Jessee

Jeff Cleveland Jessee was born in Norton, Virginia to Troy and Mary Belle Jessee on September 25, 1936.  He has a fraternal twin brother Jack. He was married to Doris Carpenter on December 30, 1960. Three daughters were born in this marriage; Sherri (deceased) Carrie Glade (Brandon) Angela Watson (Matt). Jeff and Doris have 9 grandchildren; Sumer, Maggie, Amy, Tanner, Alexa, Gunnar, Tyler, Hunter (deceased), and Sierra.  Also, there are 10 great-grandchildren.

Jeff was very athletic and was Little All American his senior year of high school, was recruited to play football in the Marine Corps, and received a full football scholarship at Centre University.

Professionally, Jeff was an Assistant Professor in business and became the Director of the Computer Center at what is now known as Truman University. The family moved to Arizona in 1974, where Jeff became a Real Estate Broker and an educator in the profession by teaching real estate classes. He obtained his Contractor’s License and managed/constructed residential subdivisions.

Jeff had many interests and accomplishments. He obtained his Pilot License with an instrument rating, and he loved to skydive. Jeff was an avid reader, tennis player, golfer and he hiked the Grand Canyon several times.

Jeff was proud of his service in the Marine Corps, and always let people know he was a Marine. “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”

He is survived by his wife Doris, his daughters Carrie and Angela, and his grandchildren. Jeff was so loved and he will be greatly missed. There is comfort in knowing he is residing in his heavenly home and we will see him again.

A graveside service will be held on August 23rd, 2022 at 11am at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Ruben Carrillo

Mr. Ruben Carrillo, 70 of Surprise, Arizona died on August 3rd, 2022 in Surprise, Arizona of natural causes. He was born on March 26th, 1952, to Frank Carrillo and Josephine Carrillo in Salinas, California. He served in the U.S. Army as a SPC4.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Olivia R. Carrillo, and his daughters: Destiney Carrillo, and Trisha Carrillo.

Ruben was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Thomas Carrillo, Raymond Carrillo, his sister Evelyn Orozco, and his nephew Bryan L. Orozco.

Burial will be held at a later date, in Gonzales, California 93926.

The family suggests that donations be made to Monterey County SPCA.

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