Obituaries

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Joseph (Joe) Rauch, 67, loving husband of Karen (Ulasovich) Rauch, and loving father of Tatiana Rauch, left us too soon on August 24, 2023, after a short battle with cancer and related medical issues.

Joe liked problem-solving, which was evident in his career as a mechanical engineer.  He was awarded several patents for his designs.  He enjoyed working with his colleagues at Motorola, SEL, and Luminex, where he developed many strong friendships.

One of Joe’s loves was cooking and sharing the meals with friends and family.  He especially liked to create original seasonings and sauces to complement his recipes.  One of his joys was to cook and grill outdoors with his godson, Grant Hoffman.  Music was his second love, especially Pink Floyd and Rammstein.

While Joe was basically a homebody, he enjoyed daily visits with his friends at Orchard Meats; while vacations and downtime were even more fun when spent with close friends Ed and Suzanne Hoffman.  Two special fur babies, Nikko and Milo, made Joe both laugh and groan over the years.

Joe was born on May 27, 1956, in Chicago, IL.  After spending most of his life in Illinois, Joe and Karen moved to Arizona in early 2023 to begin retirement and to live closer to Tatiana, whom Joe adored.

Joe left behind a family who loved him dearly.  Along with Karen and Tatiana, he leaves behind two sisters, Ingrid (Paul) Ruff and Lu (Lothar) Klevenow, and his loving sister-in-law, Nancy (Frank) Susman, and brother-in-law Jim (Karen) Ulasovich.  He was also fond of his nephews Mark and Michael Ruff and Adam Ulasovich.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Delfina and Kurt Rauch.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in Joe’s name to ECAN (Esophageal Cancer Action Network) or Hospice of the Valley or the charity of your choice.

Donate click here for Hospice of the Valley

Give the Gift of Hope – Esophageal Cancer Action Network click here for ECAN

A celebration of life to remember Joe will be scheduled at a later date.

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Mrs. Cindy Lou Madison, 68 of Surprise, Arizona passed away on August 1, 2023, in Surprise, Arizona of cancer. She was born March 26, 1955, to Elwood Reed and Phyllis Hass in Richmond, Indiana.

She served in the United States Airforce from April 1976 to March 1982 as an E-4 SGT Personnel SPE.

One of Cindy’s many accomplishments was a career as an AAA AVT Travel counselor for 23 years. More recently, she graduated from Church for the Nations (CFTH) School of Ministry in 2021. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her spouse. Patrick D. Madison; her daughter, Amber Heimbegner; her son, David Madison; sister, Robin Hass; brothers, Timothy Reed, and Mark Reed; Stepfather, Robert Hass; and her 2 grandchildren, Brea Madison, and Tobias Heimbegner.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis Hass.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Reclaim Church—address: 8615 W. Kelton Lane #309 Peoria, Arizona 85382.

The family suggests that donations be made to Act of Love in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Mail Checks to: P.O. Box 110081 Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34211

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Martin “Marty” Harold Barclay was a kind, loving, and honorable man. A faithful husband, father, and papa. He took very good care of his family and was loved and respected by many. He left this world suddenly on August 1, 2023, at the age of 71.

He was born to Harold and Vera Barclay on August 10, 1951, in Big Rapids, Michigan. At the age of five, he and his family moved to Loves Park, IL. Once Marty graduated from high school, he joined the Navy, where he served during the Vietnam War. Shortly after, Marty married the love of his life, and he and Cyndi welcomed two beautiful daughters.

Later, Marty continued his education and, with the help of the GI Bill, earned his BS in Business Management with a minor in Chemistry from Rockford College. After working for years at Warner Lambert in Rockford, IL, a corporate restructure interrupted his career. While it was hard on Marty at the time, what he didn’t know was that this event would lead him to his forever work home at Crest Foods in Ashton, IL. Marty was hired as the Director of Quality Assurance and later invited to serve on the Board of Directors, which he considered a great honor. He truly loved working there and was well-liked by many. Marty was also a lover of unique sports and muscle cars, owning and enjoying several throughout his early years.

Marty retired in 2014, and soon after, he and Cyndi moved to Surprise, AZ to be closer to their children. He would continue with his hobby for cars, owning a Mini Cooper and, more recently, a mint condition Mazda MX-5. He and Cyndi would cruise Arizona on their Sunday drives or he’d stop by to take the grandkids for a “spin”. He enjoyed many years watching his family grow. To his family, he was their protector, advice giver, and jokester. He loved his family fiercely, and his sentimental side was their favorite. Even though they know life will be difficult without him, they take comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with his parents and all the loved ones who have gone before him. They truly believe that God must have had bigger plans for him. They have no doubt that he will be watching over them and will continue to guide them always.

Marty is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Cyndi, daughters Kelly (DJ) Clayton and Kari (Jake) Lewellen, his wonderful grandchildren Kennedy, Hayden, Jackson, Zion, Olivia, Eastyn, and Beckett. His brother, Dennis (Rennee) Barclay, and brother-in-law, Greg (Teresa) Jensen. Along with his faithful dog, Sonny, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Marty was preceded in death by his father, Harold Barclay, his mother, Vera (McDowell) Barclay and baby sister.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life gathering to honor Marty. This will be held in Illinois at a later date.

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Joanna DeMaris, 86, of Surprise, Arizona passed away on Sunday, August 6, 2023, from complications of COPD. Called Jo by her family and friends, she was born on February 20, 1937, the only child of Cleo and Charles DeMaris of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Jo graduated from Schenley High School in Pittsburgh in 1955 and then enrolled in secretarial school and became a skilled and valued part of several corporations, including WIIC (now WPXI), Channel 11.

Following the premature deaths of her parents, Jo left Pittsburgh in the early 1960s and moved to San Francisco.  She lived there and the surrounding area, the rest of her working life.  Jo joined Crowley Maritime Corporation, the West Coast-centered shipping giant, in 1971. She became the Executive Assistant to the Chairman and retired in 1999.  She then moved to Surprise, Arizona, where a number of friends had retired.

Friendly and gregarious, Jo made and kept many friends all her life. Jo loved cats and always had a cat or cats on whom she could lavish affection. She traveled extensively, though her real love was cooking and fine dining. An invitation to her dinner table was prized, and well rewarded.

She is survived by her two cousins, whom she considered her “sisters”, Frances K. Cohen of New York, NY, and her husband Peter Cohen and Debra Ann Walker of Pleasantville, NY, her husband James Walker and their son Jack.

For those wishing to make a gesture in memory of Jo, and her deep love of animals, we suggest a donation to PETSVET Animal Hospital, 15808 N. El Mirage Road, Surprise AZ 85378, 623-910-3242.

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Linda Burke, who loved to be called “Mamaw,” departed her family, having passed away in her home in Phoenix, Arizona on July 15, 2023. Linda was born on March 3, 1949, and was 74 years old. She was of the Baptist faith. She was a member of Victory Freewill Baptist Church in Jonesville, VA and Christ Church of the Valley in Surprise, AZ.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Ester Jones of Sneedville, TN; sister: Lucille Jones of Greenville, TN; daughter: Patti Purkey of Bean Station, TN; and granddaughter: Jessicia Pace-Coleman of Morristown, TN.

Surviving are daughters: Robin (Richard) Sanders, grandchildren: Storm, Chailene and Caressa, and her great-great-grandson, Sammy Sanders of Jonesville, VA; Vicki Burke, granddaughters: Tiffany Lawson and Brittany Burke, great-great-granddaughter, Miranda Lawson (Everette) of Jonesville, VA. Mary (Jason) McCord, grandsons: James (her namesake), Mason and Sean of Phoenix, AZ. Her son, Randy Burke, grandchildren: Gage, Charity, Shawna, Joey and Wayne of Memphis, TN. Brother, Benny (Vivian) Jones, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Special friends, Reagan Lee and Anna Marie Vigil Sutura and daughter, Autumn Jane.

At the last of days, she enjoyed watching TV, coloring, looking at her photo albums, crafting, gardening, time spent with her family, petting her beloved cat, Chibble and watching Statem Gap’s online services where her brother preached morning and evening Sunday Services.

Arrangements are being made for a return trip to Virginia and Tennessee. A memorial service will be held upon the return trip to Virginia and Tennessee. A memorial service date will be announced later.

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Floriene Terry, 95, passed away on August 10, 2023, in Surprise Arizona. She was born in Miami, Texas on March 12, 1928, to James Terry and Jessie Cunningham. Floriene spent her life working as a beautician and being a mom of four.

She is survived by her daughter Susan Cox (Robert), son Terry Walker (Martha), and four grandchildren Brenda Kecso, Thomas Boone, John Tallent, and Luke Walker. She is preceded in death by her two daughters Sharron Walker and Dolores Walker. Floriene will be laid to rest in Miami, Texas alongside her parents.

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Mr. Michael Anthony Filippone, 61, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away on August 2, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born January 15, 1962, to Anthony Filippone, and Irene Filippone (Carter) in Everett, Massachusetts.

In 1998, Michael met the future love of his life Anita while they were both working at Safeway together. No matter what Michael said, he asked Anita out first and the two quickly became inseparable. After two years of dating, and being true to the romantic Michael was, Anita and Michael ran off to Vegas and eloped at the Little White Wedding Chapel on August 11th, 2000. When Michael married Anita his dream of becoming a father came true as he became a stepfather to her son John Michael. While they may not have been related by blood, Michael’s love for his son was as deep as any parent’s. He always tried to show up for all of John Michael’s events. When John Michael had his first child, Michael was promoted to Papa Mike. He loved his granddaughter Espyn with every fiber of his being. His eyes would light up anytime she was around, and he loved playing with her whenever he was able to. Michael was a family man through and through.

Michael loved spending time with those he cared about. His voice was booming and loud but always friendly and full of laughter. He loved to joke around and make sure that everyone was having a good time.

Even though Michael fancied himself as an Arizonan, his Boston roots were never too far from the surface. When it came to sports, he always rooted for his home teams, The New England Patriots, The Boston Red Sox, The Bruins and of course The Celtics. If given the chance, Michael could talk about sports for hours and hours on end and if for any reason you wanted a subject change, he was a movie buff and could then talk about his favorite movies and tv shows for just as long. Michael also had a deep love for working out and for Italian food, his favorite restaurant being Olive Garden.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Anita Filippone; his son, John Michael Bustamante and daughter-in-law Ashley; his brother, Andy Filippone and sister-in-law Lynn; 1 Granddaughter, Espyn; 1 nephew Anthony Filippone and Tania Hagel as well as their 2 children; and many more family and friends than could be named. He also leaves behind his Chihuahua Russell Terrier mix, Rocky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother, and his beloved Chihuahua, Guero.

A memorial service will be held starting at 5 pm on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Thompson Funeral. Address: 926 S. Litchfield Road Goodyear Arizona 85338. The family requests that any flowers be delivered to Thompson Funeral by 1 pm.

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Franklin Munkres was born December 18, 1942 in Douglas, Wyoming to Audrey L. (Porter) Munkres, and her husband Dale. He is survived by his wife, Sherry L. Munkres and his sons, Stephen and Michael; Stephen’s sons Jackson and Henry; his stepsons Jeffrey and Andrew Demboski; Jeff’s sons Tyler and Code; Andy’s sons Ryan and Brendan; and by his sister, Ellen Dennis of Lander WY.

At first the family lived on their small ranch Northwest of Douglas. The little ramshackle house had a wood-burning cookstove, a pitcher pump by the sink, and a “Hoosier” kitchen cabinet. The icebox was filled with ice cut from a nearby pond. Of course, there was an outhouse. Lighting at night was from a couple of kerosene lanterns. On nice days his mother would check the yard for rattlesnakes, and then he could play outside with the two “ranch dogs” and his ever-present imaginary friend “Kemmesser”. When he turned four they moved to a small house in south Douglas so he could start Kindergarten.

In high school, he worked six days per week, for two years at the LaBonte Hotel, and two years at the Safeway store. December 18, 1959, he joined the Wyoming National Guard. Douglas was the forward support battery for Wyoming’s Field Artillery Brigade, where he served as an assistance mechanic and truck driver. Based on his army IQ test result of 140, he was offered but declined Officer Candidate School.

He attended the University of Wyoming from 1962 to 1966, majoring in Zoology. He completed an additional five graduate level courses and the basic requirements for minor degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics. He was invited to join “Iron Skull” pre-med society, and Alpha Epsilon Delta Premedical Honor Society. He worked part time as a research assistant and worked summers as a truck driver and assistant mechanic. He graduated debt free with honors in 1966.

He attended the University of Colorado School of Medicine from 1966 to 1970. A straight A student, he won a scholarship and cash award in each of the four years. He also completed the course work, biochemistry, and probability & statistics to quality for minor degrees. He worked six days per week during the summers for a commercial masonry company and managed the apartments where he lived during the first two years. The second two years he covered the obstetric unit on “free weekends” (not on call) at General Rose Memorial Hospital. During the fourth year he worked for three months at a charity hospital in the “Bed-Stuy” ghetto in Brooklyn. While in New York he had the opportunity to meet Margot Seitleman, president of American Mensa, and pass the Mensa test at her office in the city. He graduated with honors free of debt in 1966.

He then moved to Hanover New Hampshire for graduate training. During “free weekends” he covered the emergency room at Springfield Vermont Hospital.

He returned to the University of Colorado to complete two additional years of training, the second-year voluntary, to round out his training as a general internist. During “free weekends” he covered the Denver Veterans Hospital Emergency Room.

In 1974 he joined Marquette Internal Medicine Associates in Marquette Michigan, where he served for many years as the group’s president. In 1979 he was elected president of the Marquette Medical Center, a group of about 65 doctors, with a plan to build a large addition to accommodate medical and surgical subspecialists, so residents of the upper peninsula would not need to leave the area for comprehensive medical care. Within a few years the number of physicians had nearly doubled.

On arrival in Marquette, he started long-distance running and cross-country skiing. He qualified and ran in the Boston Marathon in 1981.

In 1982 he signed himself and his sons up for membership in Marquette Tae Kwon Do, a traditional Korean martial art school. He earned his first-degree black belt in 1986. When the “second in command” of the school had to leave the area for an out of area work assignment, he took over his weekly class for 1.5 years at no charge to the school.

He met Sherry as a new patient in the mid-70’s. The surprising development occurred in 1990 when they met at a cocktail party and realized they were both in the process of divorcing. They started dating not long after that and married in 1994. Frank always says he didn’t have a chance: Sherry is sweet, kind and beautiful and she has that smile that can “light up a room”.

Frank started sailing after arriving in Marquette and owned a couple of small sailboats. When Sherry got interested, they bought a larger cruising sailboat which they sailed out of Marquette. Then, when nearing retirement, they bought a summer home in Escanaba Michigan and bought a large cruising sailboat, which they sailed in the bays and islands of Lake Michigan. Frank became “Coast Guard qualified” to personally charter boats up to 52 feet, and they took many sailing vacations to Florida, the Bahamas, and Chesapeake Bay. Each winter they would invite friends, two couples, to join them on a 50-foot sailboat to cruise the British Virgin Islands.

In retirement, they first moved to Charlotte County Florida. Unfortunately, they had significant damage from Hurricane Charley, so they moved to Maricopa County Arizona. They moved back to Bay Harbor Michigan for a few years, then back to an independent living campus in Arizona.

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Judy Annett Cook, 78, of Sun City West, Arizona died on July 25th,2023 in Sun City West Arizona. She was born on June 15th,1946 in Grinnell, Iowa.

A friend to all, Judy loved everyone. She was the type to never know a stranger and always offer a helping hand to those in need. Judy used her love of people to find a career as a barista at Kelly’s Coffee and Bakery at the Arizona Center. She enjoyed the fast pace of the work and the ability to meet new people every day.

Judy met her husband Tom Cook at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park Arizona. From there it wasn’t long before Tom asked Judy to marry him six short months after their first meeting. Judy and Tom married on May 2nd, 1998, at Tom’s home.

Judy immensely enjoyed traveling and on her most recent trip she and Tom went on a seven-week vacation going from London to Paris, then Amsterdam to Budapest before ending their trip in Helsinki. She liked exploring new places and seeing the different cultures from around the world. Judy’s other passions also included gardening, and tending to her beautiful roses, and animals.

Judy is survived by her husband of over 20 years, Thomas “Tom” Cook. She will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.