In Passing

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Margaret “Peg” Stewart

Margaret “Peg” Stewart, 86, of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, surrounded by family, after a long battle with dementia. She was born on April 28, 1940, in Portsmouth, Va., to Ernest and Mildred Padden. She overcame significant challenges to build a successful career, raise her son as a single mother, and create a life filled with learning, creativity, and devotion to family.

Peg grew up in the Norfolk area and graduated from Granby High School in 1958. She married William Foster in 1960, and the couple welcomed their son, Bill, the following year.

After her husband left the family, Peg raised her son on her own. Determined to build a stable future, she completed a bookkeeping correspondence course and began a secretarial career in the construction industry. Her hard work and dedication led her to become the full-charge bookkeeper for WFOG-FM radio station in Norfolk.

When the station was sold in 1974, Peg relocated to Boston to begin a new chapter. There, she worked as a full-charge bookkeeper for a brush manufacturing company and met Chuck Stewart on a blind date through a mutual friend. They married in 1977 and built a life together in Massachusetts.

As her career progressed, Peg joined a bank leasing company, where she rose to the position of vice president and controller. While working full time, she earned an associate degree from Massasoit College and later graduated with honors from Lesley University with a Bachelor of Science in Management.

After retiring in 1994, Peg devoted her time to managing the family’s investments and pursuing many interests. She became an accomplished watercolor artist, served as president of the Dedham Art Association, studied classical piano, enjoyed gourmet cooking, and participated in a dining club.

In 2000, Peg told Chuck they had saved enough for him to retire, and he submitted his notice the next day. On Halloween weekend that same year, the couple moved to Goodyear, Ariz., where they spent many happy years traveling and making memories with family and friends.

Peg is survived by her devoted husband, Chuck Stewart; her brothers, Ernie Padden (Frances) of Chesapeake, Va.; Mike Padden (Megan) of Norfolk, Va.; and Steve Padden (Cindy) of Richmond, Va.; and her sisters, Susan Clarke (Ken); Doris Higginbotham (Buck) of Chesapeake, Va.; and Linda Lascara (Mathew) of Goodlettsville, Tenn.

She is also survived by her son, Bill Foster (Holly); her grandsons, Griffin Foster (Maddy) and Jack Foster; and her great-granddaughter, Margot Foster.

Peg will be remembered for her resilience, intelligence, creativity, and devotion to family. She faced life’s challenges with grace and determination. Her warmth, optimism, and love enriched the lives of those around her and leave a lasting legacy.

Howard “Raymond” Measles

Howard “Raymond” Measles, age 87, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas.

Raymond lived a life defined by dedication to his family, service to his community, and a strong work ethic. In 1969, he and his beloved wife, Laura, moved to Kenai, where they built a life and became deeply involved in the community they loved.

Raymond enjoyed a successful career with Tesoro Petroleum, retiring after more than 30 years of service. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was committed to public service, serving for many years as a member of the Kenai City Council and as Vice Mayor of Kenai. He took great pride in helping guide and strengthen the community he called home.

Following retirement, Raymond and Laura settled in Goodyear, Ariz., where they spent 20 wonderful years enjoying the sunshine, golfing, and participating in community activities. He treasured the friendships they made and the memories they created during this chapter of their lives.

Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Laura Measles; his children, Mark Measles of Salt Lake City, Utah, Buddy Measles of Kerrville, Texas, Brent Measles (Diana) of Nixa, Mo.; his three cherished grandchildren, Amber Thompson (Dusty) of Houston, Texas, Steven Antonoff (Kaitlin) of Columbia, Mo., Hannah Measles of Nixa, Mo.; his siblings, Dorothy Mae Bagley (David) of San Antonio, Texas, Laura Capeheart of Uvalde, Texas, Marjorie Hill of Deer Park, Texas, Cindy Zachary (Jim) of Lubbock, Texas.

He will be remembered for his dedication to family, his commitment to public service, his steady presence, and the lasting impact he made on those who knew him. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the community he served, and the many lives he touched throughout his 87 years.

Raymond will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

For Celebration of Life information, please reach out to Brent Measles at rbmeasles@gmail.com.

John William “Jack” Stipp

John William “Jack” Stipp, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2026. He was born in Chicago, Ill., and raised in Des Plaines and Arlington Heights.

Jack met his high school sweetheart, Mary Anne, and the two were married for 58 years, building a life together rooted in love, partnership, and family. Together they raised three children, Nikki, Christopher, and Danny, and were blessed with five grandchildren, Nolan, Kelsey, Mia, Ella, and Nina, who were the absolute love of his life who knew him as Big Daddy. Jack was the oldest of six children, Bob, Jewel, Jim, Bill, and Mimi.

In 1987, Jack moved his family to Lenexa, Kan., after being recruited as Director of Purchasing for Sysco Foodservice’s Compton division. He spent his entire career in the food service industry, building a reputation for integrity and hard work over decades, before retiring in 2014.

In 2020, Jack and Mary Anne moved to PebbleCreek, where he continued to enjoy one of his greatest passions: golf. He became an active and beloved member of the PebbleCreek Men’s Club, serving as Secretary, Vice President, and ultimately President, building friendships on and off the course that he cherished for the rest of his life. Wherever he went, his devotion to the Cubs followed close behind, and he never missed a chance to talk baseball or cheer on his team.

Jack will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his love of the game of golf, his unwavering Cubs fandom, and the warmth he brought to every room he entered. He leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter that will live on in all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Anne Stipp; his children, Nikki Slaugh, Christopher Stipp, and Danny Stipp; and his five grandchildren, Nolan, Kelsey, Mia, Ella, and Nina.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that remembrance donations be made to either the National Kidney Foundation or American Heart Association.

Marc Owen Olson

Marc Owen Olson, 69, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on March 29, 1957, Marc lived life with enthusiasm, generosity, and a deep love for his family. He spent many years working in agriculture, building a career grounded in dedication and hard work.

Marc embraced an active life and loved spending time with friends and family, traveling, fast cars, time on the golf course and the ski slopes. He had a natural charisma that drew people in and a warmth that made them feel special. Whether sharing a laugh, telling a story, or simply enjoying the company of those around him, Marc had a gift for making connections and creating lasting memories.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sherry; his sons, Barrett (Rianna) Olson and Kyle (Rachael) Olson; and his treasured grandchildren, Everly, Remy, and Croix, who lovingly knew him as “Pops.”

Marc’s legacy lives on through the love he gave, the relationships he built, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness and spirit. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Marc was well known for his saying, “Live Life,” something that he embodied in every sense.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared when available.

John David Conway

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the loss of our beloved “Johnny,” who passed away on May 24, 2026, at the age of 82. We will cherish his memory forever. He is survived by his loving wife Stella; his daughter Michelle (Chris); and his grandchildren Tiffany (Logan) and Nicholas.

Johnny was born on April 22, 1944, in the town of Hebburn, England. He became a journeyman machinist at the age of 20 after apprenticing at a local steel factory. When he was 22, he married his childhood sweetheart, Stella, and a year later, they set out for a new life in Canada, arriving in Calgary in 1967. In 1968, their daughter Michelle was born.

Shortly after arriving in Calgary, Johnny promptly got work as a machinist. Johnny’s entrepreneurial spirit later came to light when he and a partner started their own machine shop in Calgary called Millway Industries.

Millway’s fabrication and precision machining business provided custom parts and components to many different customers across Canada. Johnny bought out his partner in the late 1990s and was the sole owner until the eventual sale of the business in 2008, then Johnny retired.

He and Stella then bought a vacation home in Goodyear, Ariz. (PebbleCreek). They spent many enjoyable winters there, meeting new friends from the U.S. and Canada.

Johnny loved playing soccer, and as a young man in England, was invited to try out for the Newcastle United pro team. While in Calgary he played for the Calgary Callies competitive men’s soccer club. The Callies played in a local Calgary league plus numerous out of town tournaments. Stella, Michelle, and the families of the Callies players were always in attendance for the games and tournaments, where much fun was had by all.

Over the years, Stella and Johnny spent time travelling to various parts of the world. Some of their fondest memories were of cruises and trips spent with family and friends. Johnny also enjoyed playing golf, spending time with his family (especially his daughter and grandkids), and enjoyed many fun times with friends.

Johnny was full of life and always had a smile on his face with a good joke or two. He will be remembered for his generosity, loyalty, and enthusiasm for life. Johnny was a beautiful, kind soul and will be greatly missed by his family.

Geraldine C. (Cooksey) Greaves

Geraldine C. (Cooksey) Greaves of Goodyear, Ariz., (formerly from Framingham and Ashland), passed away on May 12, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Mt. Vernon, Ill., on Jan. 6, 1943, to the late Charles Cooksey and Linnie Smith. Beloved wife of Charles Greaves. Devoted mother of William Joiner Ill and his wife Sandra of Natick, Janet Joiner of Washington, D.C. Loving grandmother of Benjamin and Alyssa Joiner, Olivia S Joiner, and Quincy Logan.

Born in Mt. Vernon, Ill., Gerry was the third of six children born to Linnie Smith. Having graduated from Mt. Vernon HS (’60s) she began her education at Southern Illinois University (Carbondale) where she met her first husband, William Joiner, with whom she had two children, Janet and William Ill. Gerry began her nursing career in Southington, CT. While her husband completed his degree work at SIU, she worked at (now) Deaconess Union Hospital in Anna, Ill. Following a move to Massachusetts in 1971, Gerry began working at Framingham Union Hospital. Upon completion of her master’s degree from Northeastern University, she continued her nursing career in supervisory roles at Roger Williams Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Franciscan Children’s Hospital before taking her last job at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz.

Her accomplished career included the following professional credentials in nursing, her Registered Nurse licensing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Arts and Science, and Certificate of Perioperative Nursing with a specialty in surgical/operating room nursing.

With the passing of her husband, William Joiner, in 1981, she met and later married Charles (Chuck) Greaves in 1989. When work allowed and especially when she retired in 2008, she traveled, shopped, traveled, and shopped some more. There was nothing she looked forward to more than finding a good deal. She loved her blended family; her own two children, plus Chuck’s two daughters, Sheila and Elaina, which gave her nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In Arizona Gerry joined several clubs. She was most active in Just Folks of PebbleCreek and Sisters Of The Valley, social networking groups of African American descent. Members of these clubs would become some of her lifelong friends who loved and supported her throughout her journey. One of Gerry’s newest passions was “Gems by GG,” her jewelry business.

Jerome Briner

The Briner family says goodbye to our beloved Jerome. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side in Phoenix, Ariz., on May 11, 2026.

Early Life, Faith, and Service
Jerome arrived in this world 85 years ago in Indianapolis, Ind., born to Helen and Roy Briner on Nov. 23, 1940. Raised in a vibrant, devout Catholic household alongside his three brothers and one sister, Jerome anchored his faith in everything he did. After graduating from Hamilton Catholic High School, he proudly joined the U.S. Air Force, where he forged lifelong friendships and discovered the discipline to follow his dreams. He went on to graduate from The Ohio State University with a degree in accounting.

Love and Family
In 1966, while working at Ernst & Ernst in Columbus, Ohio, Jerome married the love of his life, Rita Smith. The two had fallen in love among the Buckeye trees of OSU’s beautiful campus. Jerome and Rita shared a deep faith in God, a love of knowledge, and a passion for adventure—values they passed on to their two children, Ben and Meg. In the 1980s, the young family moved to Arizona, which became their long-term home.

Professional Excellence
Jerome’s passion for accounting and tax law led to a distinguished career, culminating in his role as a Partner at Ernst & Young LLC. He believed in sharing his knowledge with anyone seeking answers. For years, on the evening of April 14, the day before Tax Day, Jerome could be found on the local PBS station, calmly and informatively answering last-minute tax questions for stressed callers. An active member of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA, formerly the National Association of Accountants), he was deeply honored to be inducted into the prestigious Stuart Cameron McLeod Society.

Community, Youth, and Ministry
Outside of work, Jerome filled his life with scouting, fishing, golfing, and travel. Scouting was a lifelong passion; after participating as a youth, he stepped into adult leadership roles at both the local Den and regional Council levels. In Goodyear, Ariz., he was incredibly proud to help form the local Cub Scout Pack at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
His devotion to his church community never wavered. Throughout his life, regardless of the parish he belonged to, Jerome was deeply involved in local ministries. He frequently served his congregations as a Lector in the Ministry of the Word, dedicated his leadership skills to the Pastoral Committee, and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.

A Life of Adventure
Adventure and travel went hand-in-hand for Jerome. He constantly sought opportunities to learn about history, art, and new cultures, never missing a chance to visit friends and family along the way. After retiring, Jerome and Rita fulfilled their ultimate travel dreams, exploring every corner of the globe together and visiting all seven continents, including Antarctica.

Jerome leaves behind a legacy of faith, intellect, adventure, and deep devotion to his family, including his wife, Rita; his two children: Ben (wife Jodi), grandchildren Haley and Nolan; and Meg (husband Chris), granddaughters Kate and Lexi. He will be profoundly missed.

Richard (Rich) Mendick

Richard (Rich) Mendick, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life defined by love, service, and accomplishment.

Born Nov. 2, 1948, in New York City to Lorette Audette Mendick and Stanley Mendick, Rich moved with his family to California as an infant and was raised in the Los Angeles area. His life journey later took him to Denver, Colo.; Upstate New York; Fort Myers, Fla.; and Goodyear, Ariz., where he built lasting friendships.

Richard honorably served in the United States Marine Corps. He built a distinguished career in finance, beginning with Arthur Young & Co., CPA, and later with Times Mirror Corporation, where he worked for both the Los Angeles Times and the Denver Post.

Through dedication and integrity, he rose to serve as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for the international products company PIP. A Certified Management Accountant (CMA), he held degrees from Mount San Antonio College, Cal Poly Pomona, and the University of Denver.

He also served his community as an elected Albany County Legislator for three terms (12 years), reflecting his deep commitment to public service and civic responsibility.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Nancy; his children, Paul (Kimberly) Mendick and Melissa (Erik) Mendick; and his stepchildren, Julie (Kirk) Karins, William (Carolyna) Karins, and Andrew (Jennifer) Karins, whom he warmly embraced as his own. He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, cherishing time spent with his family. He is also survived by his stepbrother, Roger (Matilda) Lambert, and dear, lifelong friends Harold and Caroline Cracraft. He was preceded in death by his stepsister, Francis Lambert.

Rich embraced life with energy and passion. He and Nancy spent 25 years teaching line dancing and DJing country dances. They were known as “Rockin Rich and Danci Nanci.” A lifelong musician, he learned the accordion as a child, played in a rock band, and later enjoyed playing his guitars. He was also a certified SCUBA diver. Rich and Nancy loved traveling to the Caribbean, Iceland, Mexico, the Amazon River, Europe, and the Mediterranean. Rich found great joy in playing pickleball with his friends in PebbleCreek in Goodyear.

He will be deeply missed by his family, dear friends, and all who knew him. His legacy of love, music, laughter, and service will live on in the many lives he touched.

Pauline Erlick

Pauline Erlick, 89 years old, of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away on May 4, 2026.

Pauline was born on Nov. 19, 1936, to Bessie and Jim Martin in London, England. She was the daughter of a psychiatric nurse and auto mechanic (who served in the British army and helped liberate the Jews from the concentration death camps). Having been born right before WWII, this always shaped Pauline’s approach and outlook to life. She and her parents lived through the Germans bombing their home in London.

In 1962, while working in Belgium, Pauline met Preston Erlick, the man she would stay married to for her 57 years, until his passing in 2020. They were both on a work assignment at the time. He from the US and she from the UK. They wed that same year and then moved to the United States.

Pauline was passionate about travel, an interest she shared with her husband, Preston. This was important to them, and they did it for most of their lives. She lived many places around the world due to Preston’s work assignments. Her favorite place to live was two years in the outback of Australia.

Pauline had many passions in life. She loved writing and painting; she studied all religions and was fascinated about history. She was very well read and loved a good debate. And she was a lifetime animal advocate.

When people met Pauline, they would say that she was a strong, vibrant, and passionate lady who was full of life. Most people would say, “she’s always been one of my favorite people.” She had a rare and delightful personality and was as authentic as they come.

A couple of fun facts about Pauline is that her hair never went grey and she had modeled clothing, in Milan, Italy, in the 1950s.

Pauline and Preston had lived in the Arcadia area of Phoenix, since the early 1990s. After Preston’s passing, while visiting her daughter, Kathy, in PebbleCreek she fell in love with the community and moved five doors down. In PebbleCreek, Pauline enjoyed singing in the Ukulele Club, going to karaoke at Eagle’s Nest on Wednesday evenings, enjoyed eating on the Eagle’s Nest patio, and stayed physically fit by going to the gym and walking around the neighborhood.

Pauline is survived by daughter Kathy; sons Rob and James; stepson Lance; grandchildren David, Jason, Anna, and Sarah; and great-grandchildren, Brooke, Ashlyn, and Colton.

Rita Longley

Rita Longley, beloved wife of Keith Longley, passed away on April 29, 2026, at the age of 91.

Born in Littleborough, Lancashire, in Northern England, Rita met Keith when they were both just 16, beginning a love story that would span a lifetime.

Together, they raised two daughters, Sharon and Debbie. In 1967, they moved to Hertfordshire, England, because of Keith’s new job in London, where they spent 11 happy years. Rita thrived there—becoming President of Ladies Circle and building a successful career in sales.

In 1978, Rita and Keith embarked on a new adventure, traveling across the pond to Westchester, N.Y., where over the next 18 years, they built an independent British import company supplying the clothing industry before retiring to Arizona.

An avid painter, quilter, and golfer, Rita was also a founding member, alongside Keith, of both the Ballroom Dance Club at PebbleCreek and the PebbleCreek Players, appearing in five productions and directing seven plays to great acclaim.

Above all, Rita had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, paired with a mischievous sense of humor that brought joy to those around her. Her granddaughter Hannah recalls how Rita would meet every visitor with a cup of tea and a conspiratorial smile, always ready with a story that left the room in stitches.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Keith; her two daughters, Sharon Longley Flint (Andrew Flint) and Debbie Longley Koopal (Steve Koopal); and six granddaughters: Dr. Kristen Longley Flint (Stefan Deutsch), Kathryn Flint Wald (Alex Germany-Wald), Kelly Flint Crisp (Collin Crisp), Hannah Koopal, Gemma Koopal, and Sarah Koopal, all of whom she loved dearly.

Rita’s life was a testament to love and family. Her legacy will live on in the family she created and cherished, and in the many lives she has touched.

Rita will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Her warmth, creativity, and spirit will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Walter D. Piehl

Walter D. Piehl moved peacefully on to the larger life on April 11, 2026, with his wife by his side. Devoted son of Walter A. and Corinne (Heingardner) Piehl. Born on Jan. 15, 1933, in Chicago, Ill.

Beloved husband of Diane (Hoyt), fond brother of the late George (Elfriede) Piehl and sister, Roberta (Piehl) Tidemann; nephew Erik (Stephanie) Piehl; brother-in-law Bob (Christine) Hoyt; niece Christie (Neal) Friedant; Robert (Kathrine) Hoyt; Tim (Liz) Hoyt; great-nephews Zach Friedant, Harrison and Greyson Hoyt, Henry Piehl; great-nieces Halle Piehl, Ashley Friedant, Parker and Juliette Hoyt.

Wally joined the United States Coast Guard in the 1950s learning a useful trade working in the engine room. He spent four years active/four years inactive with most of his tour in Alaska aboard an ice breaker. Upon discharge he went to work for Illinois Auto Electric Company working on fuel injection systems for diesel power dealing with all the railroads in the United States. He traveled the eastern part of the county for many years calling on the railroads. He retired after 35 years of service in 1993.

As a child in Chicago close to Wrigley Field he had a neighbor as a groundskeeper who let the young boys play ball in the outfield. A favorite story!

He served on the church board in his Chicago church and upon retiring to Goodyear, Ariz., and joining The Church at Litchfield Park, served a deacon with a focus on memorial services along with between service coffee. He helped friends as needed with his handyman skills and supported his wife in her numerous singing adventures. In PebbleCreek he worked as a sound assistant for both PebbleCreek Singers and ShowTime Productions.

He and Diane, his friend and partner, were married for nearly 62 years and traveled the world learning and enjoying many wonderful places.