In Passing

Robert B. Davitt

Robert B. Davitt, age 78, of Indianola, Iowa, passed away on Sept. 9, 2020, in Goodyear, Ariz. He was born on Feb. 6, 1942, to Anthony Phillip Davitt and Barbara Davitt on the family farm in Warren County.

Bob spent most of his life in Iowa, but retired to PebbleCreek Resort Community in Goodyear with his wife Linda, where he truly enjoyed the warmth and sunshine for eleven years.

Bob attended Drake University, received a bachelor’s degree from State College of Iowa and received his master’s degree from University of Wisconsin. Being educated and educating others was his passion. Bob held several jobs in education as well as other fields over the years. He taught at Kurtz Middle School in Des Moines, Iowa, owned an apple orchard in Cumming, Iowa, and owned a real estate company in South Des Moines. He was respected by many, and ultimately returned to Des Moines Public Schools as Supervisor of Business Education. After retirement he continued work at Mitsubishi, Hamilton College as Dean of Students, and DMACC.

Bob is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters Tami Becker (Brian), Erin Ennen (Major), stepdaughter Michelle Baker (Curt); four grandchildren; and four step-grandchildren. Bob is survived by sisters Mary Steinhauser, Joann Deatsch, and Helen Ripperger, and was preceded in death by his brother, Phil Davitt and sisters, Dorothy Thomas and Jane McCurnin.

There will be no local service. Family services will take place in Iowa at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Robert B. Davitt.

Beverly Jane Eckes

Beverly Jane Eckes (Bev) passed away peacefully in Goodyear, Ariz. surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020, just short of her 93rd birthday. The whole family came to visit the week before to celebrate her birthday, life, and the enormous mark she left on this earth. Bev heroically battled lung cancer for the last five years of her life. She never let cancer define her and filled her days with fun, family, card games, and travel.

Bev was born in Havelock, Iowa, on Aug. 24, 1927. She would fondly retell stories of her childhood adventures from epic snowstorms to playing games with her brother Paul. She married the love of her life, James Eckes, whom she met at a popular dance parlor. In doing so, Bev embraced the challenges of becoming an Army wife. She supported her husband and happily raised their four children: Judy, Steve, Jaimy, and Jill. At 50 years old, Bev decided the time was right to go back to school and graduated magna cum laude from Point Loma College with her BSN in nursing. For a couple of years, she kept busy working at the VA Hospital in La Jolla, Calif. Bev was offered the chance of a lifetime to take her skills overseas and decided to accept a position as an elementary school nurse working for the Department of Defense in Wurzburg, Germany. As an elementary school nurse, she kept everyone in line, well cared for, and up to date on their vaccinations. Some of her funniest stories were about the times when she found lice in one of her student’s hair, and when she taught sex education to the 6th graders. While working in Germany, she made many close friends who would gallivant with her across the European continent. Bev was always happiest sightseeing in new countries, interacting with people of different cultures, and visiting the many wonders of the world. She traveled far and wide, including a safari tour with her granddaughter Brooke in Africa, a one-month excursion in Europe with her granddaughter Whitney, walking on glaciers in Antarctica, hiking on the Great Wall of China, and a vacation in Thailand with her daughters Jill and Judy. Bev truly lived life to the fullest and had so many wonderful memories, stories, and photographs to prove it.

After retiring as a school nurse Bev returned from Europe to settle down in San Diego. Eventually, she decided to move to Goodyear to be closer to her youngest daughter Jill. In Arizona, she lived independently in a community called PebbleCreek, where she enjoyed playing bridge, stayed fit bobbing around the pool doing her water aerobics routines, drove over to Jill and her husband Jim’s house for dinner four nights a week, and seldom missed cheering Jill on at her various sporting events. Bev will always be remembered as an upbeat, witty, intelligent, compassionate, and candid woman.

Bev was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015. She bravely chose to fight for her life and underwent two rounds of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Her valiant efforts enabled her to take part in significant events, which included celebrating with chocolate martinis at both of her granddaughters’ weddings, meeting two great-grandsons and traveling to visit friends across the U.S. It was evident that Bev felt most at home when she was able to spend quality time with her friends and family. When the cancer returned, her family knew right where they needed to be. By her side they said their goodbyes with Bev being the bravest of all and reassuring everyone that, “I have lived a long, happy life and now I am ready to go.”

Bev was widowed in 1979. She was a mother of four, two of which predeceased her, Steve and Jaimy. She is survived by two daughters Judy and Jill, their husbands Jack and Jim respectively, two granddaughters Whitney and Brooke, their husbands Richard and Matt respectively, and two great-grandsons Brody and Jax. She will be forever missed, but great memories of her will live on in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren!

Her ashes will be spread on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts with family and friends raising a chocolate martini in her memory.

The following poem was written for Bev by her granddaughter Whitney.

My Hero

To the strongest woman I will ever know.

A matriarch, bestowing wisdom, you watched us grow.

This journey called life brings surprises and challenges around each bend.

But looking back now I would not change a single turn my wise friend.

My earliest memories stem from old photographs,

The smell of the ocean and time spent wandering down sandy beach paths.

An unrivaled storyteller, you cleverly taught me wrong from right.

I learned that love takes patience and perseverance but is worth the fight.

You celebrated my wild spirit that was hidden beneath dresses and bows.

Were present to share in my highs and lend a practiced ear to listen during my lows.

Reserving judgment, you gently offered suggestions or a hand to hold.

Hopefully, my granddaughter will have a Grandma half as intelligent, beautiful and bold.

A traveler with an unrelenting sense of adventure and an exceedingly sharp mind.

You refused to align with gender roles, proving that seek and thee shall find.

Your motto to learn from yesterday, prepare for tomorrow but live for today,

Enabled you to overcome any obstacle placed in your way.

A patient teacher to both young and old.

You taught a little girl to quilt so that she would never know cold.

A beautiful blanket of memories that were expertly crafted and sewn,

You provided a sense of security, to carry with me, so that I would never feel alone.

I will forever remember the morning that the doctor discovered the mass,

Desperately hoping it was all a bad dream and that this too shall pass.

In the face of adversity, you absorbed the news and remained the bravest of us all,

Steadfast and determined this was not to be your downfall.

Under expert guidance and armed with therapies to fight the unwanted guest,

In the end your heart and lungs reclaimed their original place in your chest.

On October 22, 2015 you proudly rang a celebratory bell,

a remarkable story of survival, that we can all now proudly retell.

The past five years have been eventful in many different ways,

Filled with beautiful weddings, squishy great-grandbabies, and Mickey Mouse birthdays.

Thank you for insisting on climbing mountains, crossing deserts and the plains of Texas too,

For the important moments in our lives just wouldn’t have been the same without you.

The future brings uncertainty but every day we will celebrate your win,

And your ability to rise above adversity even when hope appeared to be wearing thin.

It is our turn to help you through the dark moments and to conquer your fears.

Because every day with you is a gift we intend to fill with love, laughter and happy tears.

To the strongest woman I will ever know.

A matriarch, bestowing wisdom, you watched us grow.

The journey of life ventures on with new challenges around each bend.

But looking back now I would not change a single turn my wise friend.

Kenneth R. Gangl

Kenneth R. Gangl, October 6, 1945 to August 14, 2020.

Kenneth Richard Gangl was born in Fort Richmond, N.Y., the only child of Joseph and Loretta Gangl. Raised in Chicago, Ill., he graduated from Lindblom High School. He received his CPA and bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois, where he also bowled as a member of the Fighting Illini NCAA Bowling team.

Ken served four years in the United States Army, where he graduated from Officer Candidate School and completed a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain. He was proud of his service and attributed his success in life to his time in the military, believing it shaped him into the person he became.

He compiled an impressive list of professional achievements over the course of 40 years spanning trains, tractors, and trucks. He began his career at the Pullman Company, then earned his masters of Business Administration from the University of Chicago, and became the President of Case Credit. He then headed west to Bellevue, Wash., to work at PACCAR, where he retired as the Vice President of Finance in 2008.

While in school, he met his beloved wife of 53 years, Mary, and they wed in 1967. Ken and Mary had four children and seven grandchildren. Although Ken worked tirelessly to provide for his family, he never missed a sporting event or recital by one of his children. Time with them and celebrating their accomplishments was the cornerstone of his commitment to family.

Throughout his life, he was an avid traveler, either road tripping or jet setting, visiting five continents and countless countries. He fell in love with Maui, Hawaii, and could often be seen at a luau or a sand trap surrounded by beautiful lush golf courses. His acumen for travel was matched only by his athletic prowess. Ken played for numerous softball teams, including the Illinois state champion Bank of Westmont, and most importantly and enjoyably the PCSSA in PebbleCreek, where he could be seen on Saturday mornings playing and cheering on the teams. He also joined company bowling teams, and golfed some of the greatest courses in the world. When not playing sports, he loved watching Chicago’s sport teams, especially the Bears, Bulls, and White Sox. When not traveling or immersing himself in sport and leisure, he chose to use his time by giving back to his community, supporting many local organizations and serving on the Board of Directors for St. Mary’s Hospital while living in Racine, Wis.

Ken passed away in his home, surrounded by his loving family. Services were held on Aug. 31 at Holy Cross Funeral Home and Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Ken wished donations be made to Wounded Warriors, Phoenix Rescue Mission, or Shriners Hospital (Chicago) for children.

Bob Bourland Means II

PebbleCreek mourns the passing of Bob Bourland Means II, born April 15, 1947, in Oakland, Calif. He proudly served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War as part of the 178th Aviation Company, crewing Chinook helicopters and transporting soldiers and cargo throughout the DMZ and southern Vietnam. After the military, he dutifully served in the Oakland Fire Department for more than 30 years until his retirement, retiring as a Captain.

Proud of his military service, Bob volunteered in the VFW and the American Legion Post 313 in Larkspur, Calif. Bob was an officer for many years in Post 313, serving as Commander for the three years before leaving California for Arizona.

In his three years in PebbleCreek, Bob enjoyed pickleball, bocce, Wine Club, Fine Dining Club, and ballroom dance.

No memorial service is planned due to COVID-19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity supporting veterans.

He is survived by his partner and wife of 22 years, Lindsay Laven; sister Cheryl McLemore; brother Mark Means; daughter Natalie Terrell; and twin boys Brett and Brian Means.

Diane Carol Munger

Diane possessed a personality that stood out, she never said anything bad about anyone and always had a smile on her face. She was the epitome of the perfect mother, wife, and friend. She doted over her husband, children, and grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling with friends, especially on cruises where she would win on the slot machines, actually winning a lot and paying for the cruises. She was a lucky girl in more ways than one.

Diane was born Nov. 21, 1947, in Seattle, Wash., first born to Milton and Myrna Hayes (deceased). She had two sons in her first marriage, Todd Foltz (killed in a car accident at age 18) and Brock Foltz who resides in Seattle.

She married the love of her life, Norman Munger and extended her family with open arms to son Roland Munger, Oceanside, Calif., and daughter Veronica Jacobson, Puyallup, Wash. She gained four grandchildren who she adored, Thomas and Mathew Munger and Hunter and Savannah Jacobson.

Diane graduated from Sealth High School in West Seattle (1966). She was employed at Rhodes and Fullway Accounting Firm in Federal Way, Wash. Her favorite employment was with the airlines. First with America West, US Airway, and American Airlines for 15 years. She loved the airlines and they loved her. Diane was diagnosed with lung cancer last December, and fought a hard battle until Aug. 18, 2020.

Diane leaves behind her close-knit siblings, Danny Hayes, Seattle; Larry Hayes, Maple Valley; and Denise Ellsworth, Auburn. She had many friends here and in Washington whom she loved to golf with. She enjoyed the dinner groups here in PebbleCreek for 20 years.

There will be a family service with family in Seattle at a later date. Burial in Kent, Wash., at the Tahoma National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of the Valley.

Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.

Mary Patricia Peaper

Mary Patricia (Pat) Peaper, age 84, of Goodyear, Ariz. passed away on Aug. 26, 2020, in Goodyear, Ariz. She was born on Aug. 31, 1936, to John S. Feary and Kathleen M. Mahoney in Los Angeles, Calif.

Pat is survived by her husband, Jim Peaper; her daughter, Eileen Krock; her brother, Arthur Feary; and her one grandchild, Connor Krock.

Pat’s formative years began with her grade and high school education, having been taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Following graduation in 1956, from St. Mary’s Academy in Los Angeles, Pat entered the Sisters of St. Joseph order and began her teaching career shortly thereafter, having taught K through 8th grades for 36 years. During this time, Pat received a BA in Social Science from Mount St. Mary’s in Los Angeles, and a Reading Specialist certificate from Portland State in Oregon.

Pat left the order in June 1970, and met Jim a few months later when she moved to Oregon to teach. They were married on Aug. 28, 1971.

Pat was heavily involved in several charitable activities during our marriage including 18 years on the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Curriculum Committee for kindergartens as well as helping open them around the city. Additionally, Pat was involved with adult education within our parish, feeding the poor and homeless in Los Angeles and Goodyear, and as a member of the National Charity League with our daughter for several years.

One of her favorite charities was helping the Presentation Sisters with their Learning Center in Watts. She was most involved with their fundraisers, and was scheduled to receive an award for her 20 years of service there. For those wishing to remember Pat through an act of charity, please make your contributions to the Presentation Learning Center, 10843 Gorman Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90059.

Services will take place at a later date in Los Angeles.

David Gene Smith

David G. Smith, 72, passed away Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, at his home in PebbleCreek, where he resided in Unit 21, Goodyear, Ariz. He was born in Danville, Ill., the oldest of three sons to Claude B. and Sylvia (Arjona) Smith. His family moved to the Republic of Panama for two years when he was five, where his father worked as a guard on the Panama Canal.

He graduated from Danville High School where he played football and wrestled. After high school he served in the Marine Corps reserve and graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Math education. He was also on the Illinois State University Wrestling team.

He was a math teacher, coach, and an administrator in the Rock Island Illinois School District for almost thirty years coaching wrestling, football, and girl’s softball, and serving as Athletic Director. He then moved to Schaumburg, Ill. to become athletic director at Lake Park High School in Roselle, Ill., retiring in 2004.

David loved wrestling. As an assistant and head coach, he helped develop several state champions for the Rock Island Rocks. He also served as an official and worked the tables at the Illinois High School state wrestling tournament for many years. He was active in the Illinois Association for Athletic Directors and worked as a mentor for newer athletic directors.

Upon retiring, David and his wife Kathy moved to Arizona and split their time between Arizona and Illinois. They were members of Desert Springs Community Church. He loved golfing with friends, particularly his 9-hole golf league in PebbleCreek. He and Kathy enjoyed traveling and exploring in their RV, especially with their friends in the Rovin’ Pebbles RV Club. They both enjoyed working together part time at professional football and hockey games, as well as many concerts. David also worked at Super Bowls in Phoenix, Dallas, and Indianapolis. David loved sixties rock and roll, and had an uncanny ability to remember former students’ names and stories when they came up to him even after many years.

He is survived by his wife Kathy, Goodyear, Ariz., daughters Christine (Scott) Pederson, Peoria, Ariz., Jennifer (Cameron) Dewaele, Waddell, Ariz. and Elizabeth (Chase) Andree, Champaign, Ill., step-children Bret (Laura) Daghe, Speedway, Ind., Nicole (Seth) Fischer, Litchfield Park, Ariz., and Amanda (Artie) Woods, Wood Dale, Ill., Wade (Melissa) Jensen, Pontiac, Ill., brothers Charles (Mary Kay) Smith, Champaign, Ill., Tom (Kelly) Smith, Chanhassen, Minn., and numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be an intimate family service in Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in David’s name to the Cleveland Clinic or the American Heart Association.