In Passing

Harold “Hal” Burt Coleman

Harold “Hal” Burt Coleman, 92, died September 27, 2015, in Peoria, Arizona, of acute myeloid leukemia. Hal was born in Boyne City, Michigan, December 14, 1922, an only child of Erie and Harold Coleman. He attended the University of Michigan until WWII interrupted his schooling. In the military as a combat infantryman, he earned three purple hearts, a Bronze Star, a Silver Star and a Presidential Citation. After the war he completed his education earning a Master’s Degree in Math and Physics, an MBA and a PhD.

Hal began his long career as an aerospace engineer specializing in missile and space guidance and aviation systems. In this capacity he designed the guidance rockets for the Apollo Space Craft. He also directed and developed systems for air to surface missiles, cruise missiles and other defensive missiles. In the early 1970s he began working with the DOT and the FAA and worked with these governmental programs for the next 29 years.

Hal is survived by his wife Marlyn Derby-Coleman, daughters Patricia Coleman and Jayne (Michael) Johnson, son William (Barbara) Coleman, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his first wife Margaret Coleman and daughter Peggy Anne Coleman.

A funeral service was held Friday, October 2 at PebbleCreek’s Eagle’s Nest Golf Club. A service was also held October 7 in Traverse City, Michigan, with interment in the Oakwood Cemetery. Condolences for the family can be left at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Carrie Mae Curtis Hull

Carrie Mae Curtis Hull of Goodyear, Arizona, passed away September 28, 2015 at the age of 81 years old.

Carrie was born August 9, 1934, in Raleigh, Mississippi, to Elmer and Essie (Sullivan) Curtis.

She transferred with her company, Control Data, from the South around the age of 40 to Charbonneau golfing community in Wilsonville, Oregon, where she retired. Later she moved to PebbleCreek in Goodyear, Arizona, to the sunshine state and golfing community. She was one of the first residents in the community and pursued her passion—golf.

She held many offices and chair positions, as well as President of the PCLGA in its early years and Member-Guest Chair in the PCLGA. She continued to be very active in the PCLGA and for several years served as Ambassador for the PCLGA monitoring pace of play. At the time of her death she was President of the new PebbleCreek Putters Club, which she co-founded last February. She worked several years to create the Putters Club and was so excited that her dream came true this year.

Carrie loved life itself. She had a wonderful sense of humor and touched many people’s lives but most of all she loved her family—she will be missed but not forgotten. We will not say goodbye but see you soon.

Carrie is survived by daughter Sandra Middleton Branham of Hood River, Oregon; three grandchildren, Shantel Branham Castellion of Montana, Jace Branham of Vernonia, Oregon and Tony Branham of Hillsboro, Oregon; brother Charlie Curtis of Raleigh, Mississippi; sisters, Bennie Curtis Jinright of Troy, Alabama and Betty Curtis Houston of Gautier Mississippi. She was preceded in death by only her parents and brother, John G. Curtis.

Private burial services were held at Idlewilde Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon.

A Celebration of Life for Carrie will be at PebbleCreek Country Club (Goodyear, Arizona) at a future date.

Arrangements were under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

Please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for  family.

Ron Dickinson

Ron Dickinson was born in Spokane, Washington, in March of 1943. He grew up in the Seattle area with his two younger brothers and their parents and graduated from Bothell High School. While attending the University of Washington, where he earned degrees in Business and Law in January 1964, he played the saxophone in the Rose Bowl and Tournament of Roses parade with the Husky Marching Band. Ron joined the U.S. Navy Jag Corps and after serving three years active duty, he remained in the reserves until retirement. Ron was with the City Attorney of Mercer Island, Washington, for 22 years where he and his wife Victoria also called home. Enjoying many social activities, he played slow-pitch softball as team pitcher with life-long friends. In 1994 Ron became a Federal Judge in the Social Security Hearing Office. He worked in the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Charleston, South Carolina, and Phoenix, Arizona, until his retirement in May of 2013. With a sense of curiosity and adventure, he and Victoria enjoyed travels abroad, cross country trips, golf, Wine Club and barbeques with his amazing friends. A three and a half month car trip up the California coast to Seattle was perfect this summer. Ron passed away unexpectedly on September 12, 2015, two days before returning home to Phoenix.

Ron is survived by his wife Victoria, daughter Laura, son Ashley, five grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Family and friends will gather on Mercer Island, Washington, in the near future to sprinkle Ron’s ashes and to celebrate his life. You are so loved and missed.

Any donation to the American Heart Association would be appreciated.

Howard D. McLaughlin

Howard McLaughlin, age 72, died on September 16, 2015, at his home in Goodyear, Arizona. He was born February 28, 1943, in North Platte, Nebraska, to Lucille and Alvin McLaughlin.

Howard spent most of his life in the great Northwest, attending high school in Woodburn, Oregon, and college at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. A true “Beaver Believer,” he had a long career in the food industry from processing and logistics to management. He spent many years with Agripac, Inc. in Salem, Oregon.

He is survived by his wife Vicki McLaughlin, daughter Shelly Starry, son Vic Allen, sister Janice McGinnis, brothers Glenn and Delbert McLaughlin, six granddaughters, two great grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews as well as his beloved dog Bucky Rue. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, sister and nephew.

During his years in PebbleCreek he could be found on the golf course, bocce courts and exercising or walking his dog. Howard will be remembered for his great smile and positive attitude. He was a very special person to so many people.

A Celebration of Life for Howard will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85014 or you may call 602-530-6900.

Ruth Gronert Donaho

Ruth Gronert Donaho entered eternal rest at 11:30 a.m. on September 22, 2015, at Hospice Serenity House. Ruth was born on October 4, 1933, to William C. and Louise R. Gronert. She leaves her husband Melvin of 60 years, her siblings: Kenneth (Sydney), Donald (Jean) and Audrey Williams as well as her son Stephen, her daughter Katherine Wessman and her grandchildren Jennifer and Seth Wessman. Ruth was a lifetime member of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, beginning with attending St. Peters Lutheran Church and School in Arlington Heights, Illinois. After graduating from Arlington Heights High School, Ruth attended the Walther Memorial Hospital’s School of Nursing in Chicago. Having received her certification as a registered nurse, she completed her B.S. in Nursing from the University of Illinois in 1955. She then completed her Master’s degree in Nursing from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. While at the University of Illinois she met and married her husband of 60 years, Melvin Donaho. In 1965 and 1969 they adopted their two children while they were employed in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In 1969 Ruth, Mel and family accepted positions at the State University in Plattsburgh, New York where Ruth became an instructor in nursing and served until 1995 when they retired to the PebbleCreek retirement community in Goodyear, Arizona. Ruth was well-known for her service in nursing, to her church and to her communities. Ruth was highly active in Life in Christ Lutheran Church where she served on the Altar Guild, with Lutheran Women in Mission where needed and assisted Mel to write and direct three highly successful religious dramas. In fact, although in great pain, three days before her entering eternal life, she completed all costumes and the stage design for the readers’ theater production, The Book of Job. She was a long time Scouter and served in numerous capacities from Scout Leader Trainer, Camp Bedford Program Director and nurse (nine summers), District Leader and Trainer. She received numerous rewards to include The District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver. As a resident of PebbleCreek she served in the Expressions Gallery for 20 years, played and taught the Recorder while participating in the Kokopelli Recorder Consort and participated in several other activities such as ceramics, wood carving and stained glass. Most important, Ruth was a friend to everyone, loved by many in PebbleCreek as well as Life in Christ Lutheran Church. She loved and served her Lord all her life right up to her passing into Eternal Life. A Memorial Service was held to honor Ruth on Saturday, October 10 at Life in Christ Lutheran Church in Peoria. In lieu of flowers, please honor her by contributing to either Hospice Serenity House or to the Life in Christ educational building fund at 14802 North 75th Avenue, Peoria, Arizona 85381. As Job stated, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Ruth would also agree with Job when he stated, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” Condolences for the family can be left at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.