Tracie Allyn Frye King
Tracie Allyn Frye King, age 55, of Goodyear, Arizona died July 31, 2017, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born May 20, 1962, to Kermit and Judith Grey Frye in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Tracie was a thespian at El Dorado High School class of 1980. She attended college at Eastern New Mexico University and graduated from Fresno Pacific University. She was a Corpsman in the U.S. Navy from 1983 to 1984. Tracie worked as a school teacher. She continued her love of acting as a Community Theatre Raisin Cain Player. She was a member of the Kingsburg, California Women’s Club as well as a member of the Kingsburg First Baptist Church.
No more pain for Tracie, but we must endure the ache. Tracie was a shining light in so many lives. If one needed help with planning an event, Tracie was definitely the go-to person. She loved the challenge of making arrangements from anything to a simple birthday party for a two-year-old to make all the arrangements for the wedding of a 26-year-old daughter. To Tracie, life was all about family. If you were part of Tracie’s family, you knew it. She never forgot a birthday or an anniversary or a Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Tracie loved bestowing gifts on her family. I know of no one who always selected the perfect gift for the occasion. It wasn’t always just one gift either; she seemed to incorporate small gifts that complemented the main present.
It is never easy for anyone to lose a loved one. But what is important is giving them the send-off they deserve. If this is the first time planning a funeral, it may be worth it to learn about burial services, as this could be the starting point. No one wants to have to think about this, but it is inevitable.
Tracie’s love was unending and her faith unwavering. Her love of God had never been stronger.
Tracie loved every family member. Those loved included cousins no matter how far removed. Her uncles and aunts would know they were special in her heart. Her parents knew her endless love. Even in her final moments and through her agonizing pain, she expressed how much she loved everyone. No sibling could have been more cherished. Tracie’s love and loyalty for her husband went unmatched. In Tracie’s heart and eyes, she adored her children and would share her feelings of such pride in her actions and words to anyone who would take a moment to listen. Of all the love she doled out, none can compare to her love of her two sweet granddaughters. They knew her as Nana-Banana and she was especially overjoyed to have that title. All who knew her will have emptiness in their mind, body, and soul; those two very young granddaughters won’t understand that emptiness but will know that Nana-Banana won’t be far away and Nana-Banana will shine her light of love on them forever.
It is with Amazing Grace that Tracie has entered this world and touched so many people with her love. And it is with Amazing Grace that we cherish her memory and look forward to being with her again.
Tracie is survived by her husband, Anthony Randall King, daughter Lindsay Leigh King-Smith and her husband Wayne Patrick Smith, granddaughters Kennedy Leigh and Samantha Ellie Smith, son Jordan Anthony King, parents Kermit and Judith Frye, sister Laurie Beth Frye, brother K. Scott Frye and his wife Sylvia Rose, many nieces and nephews and a sweet dog companion, Gracie. She was preceded in death by her grandmother Louella Grey who died on the same date (July 31) in 1994. Tracie has joined all her grandparents that preceded her. The family suggests that donations be made in honor of Tracie to Liver and Kidney foundations of your choice. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear, Arizona.
Diane Linda Passafiume
Diane Linda Passafiume, the beloved wife of Keith, went home to be with the Lord on June 15, 2017. Her wishes were granted as she passed away in the home she loved looking out onto the patio she designed. She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Estelle Starsiak.
Diane was born in Chicago, Illinois, went to Elmhurst High School and Loyola University. She met her husband Keith in 1973 and was married in 1975. She worked installing software systems and was employed by the Bidwill family for many years.
The family lived in Naperville, Illinois for 23 years before moving to Arizona in 1999. They then moved to PebbleCreek in 2006. She loved it here and became very active in exercise classes, swimming, Yoga and especially Zumba. Diane used to be a Unit 40 representative and currently served as our Social Club leader. She was also the chairperson for the annual Poinsettia Ball for three years. She loved to travel and entertain; however, nothing brought her more pleasure than being around friends and family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.
Diane is survived by her husband Keith, daughter Julia, son-in-law Eric, brother Daniel Starsiak, grandsons Logan and Ryan and granddaughter Rayna. She will be greatly missed. There was no funeral service. Celebration of Life will be held in the Tuscany Ballroom on Tuesday, October 10 at 3:00 p.m.
Stephen (“Steve”) Paul Piechota
Stephen (“Steve”) Paul Piechota passed away peacefully on August 10, 2017 at Hospice of the Valley, Surprise, Arizona. He had been battling esophageal cancer which had spread to other organs.
Steve was born on August 4, 1947 in Omaha, Nebraska. He is survived by his partner of eight years, Susan Small, along with sons Stephen M. and Matthew; step-daughters Jackie Gibilisco and Jennifer Mitchell; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; sisters Barb and Marge Piechota. Steve and Susan enjoyed extensive traveling including river boat trips in Europe and lengthy vacations in Kona, Hawaii. In addition they enjoyed extended road trips throughout the western U.S.
Steve moved to PebbleCreek in 2004 with his spouse Mary Pat. He was her caregiver for two years as she fought MS until her passing. Two years later, Steve met Susan after an introduction at the pickleball courts by matchmaker, Shirley Dickover. Steve participated and enjoyed pickleball, PebbleCreek quiz nights and afternoons at the pool along with frequent card nights with friends. He also served on a Grand Jury several years back and volunteered to do it again! Prior to retirement, Steve was a territory manager in coffee sales. A memorial was held on Tuesday, August 15 at the Menke Funeral Home in Sun City. Memorial donations can be sent to the Hospice of the Valley, 14066 W. Waddell Road, Surprise, Arizona 85379. Please add “for Surprise PCU” in the lower left corner of the check.
Sherry Schlotthauer
Sherry Schlotthauer, 66, of Goodyear, Arizona died July 14, 2017. She was born January 5, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois to Charles and Lorraine Smaha.
Sherry was an incredible mother of two successful young men, Barrett and Chad. She always remained such a positive light through a 25 year battle with multiple sclerosis.
Sherry is survived by her husband Martin Schlotthauer, sons Barrett and Chad Schlotthauer, sisters Judy Sanders, Beth Moorehouse, brother Larry Smaha and one grandson, Elliot Schlotthauer. She was preceded in death by her sister Chris Lettow.
Condolences for the family can be left at www.ThompsonFuneralChapel.com.