Janice “Jan” Hilliker Fowler
With heavy hearts, we are letting Jan’s many loved ones know that Jan passed away on April 8, 2022, at her home in Goodyear, Ariz.
She so dearly loved her family. Her three children, Chuck, Dianne, and John, have all been able to be together with Aubrey in Arizona to share both tears and laughs, which is exactly what she would have wanted.
“Grammy” was an adoring and proud grandma to Aaron, Megan, Keely, Macie, John, and Christen, and a great-grandma to Matthew and Elena. Her incredible generosity and endless creativity was certainly her trademark. Not a holiday went by without a special arrival and often a quick-witted personalized poem for each of them, which was much anticipated by all!
She was incredibly talented with her needlework and quilting. She learned from many of you and others she has taught, as well. She spent countless hours creating very special and thoughtfully designed quilts, but the best part for her was when the time came to give the finished product to her loved ones.
Jan and Aubrey were married for 62 years. It was seldom they weren’t side by side, and it was inspiring to observe their love for each other. They were best friends through life, and Aubrey was right by the love of his life when she passed peacefully in her sleep.
They lived their dream retirement and truly traveled the world. They experienced almost every continent (don’t count Aubrey out for Antarctica yet), and it’s not easy to win the game of “name a country that Mom and Dad haven’t been to.” They worked very hard to make this well-deserved dream come true.
She was so grateful for the many friends she had made along her path in life from Denver to Omaha, then to her peaceful retirement retreat in Arizona. Thank you all for your gifts of love and friendship, she will stay with us all in spirit forever.
A very small family service will be held in Denver at a future date.
Perry Jackson
We are saddened to announce the passing of Perry Jackson, 85, on April 1, 2022. Perry is survived by his wife, Margaret Sue; sons Russell (Kelly), Roger, and Neal (Nicole); and granddaughters Abigail, Jordan, and Olivia. Perry was born and raised in Farmington, N.M., where he lived until he moved his family to Albuquerque to continue his career with the telephone company where he retired after a long career. Later, he and Sue moved to Arizona to be closer to their granddaughters. Perry was an avid wood carver and an active member of the PebbleCreek Woodcarvers Group. In lieu of flowers, please share a favorite memory, photo, or a message of condolence on Legacy.com. No services will be held; memories will be shared at a gathering of immediate family in early June.
(Mary) Patricia Shields Milich
Mary Patricia (Pat) Shields Milich, 76, of Goodyear, Ariz., (formerly of Hainesport, Medford, and Southampton, N.J.) died on April 13, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix. She grew up in Pemberton Borough, N.J., the daughter of the late Margaret Kemp and Joseph Hager Shields. Widow of Stephen D. Milich, she is survived by her three children, Mary Meehan of Leiden, The Netherlands; Anne Stagliano of Litchfield Park, Ariz.; and Peter Milich of Newport Beach, Calif. She also is survived by her beloved grandchildren, Sophia and Stephen Stagliano and Mira Meehan.
The oldest of seven children, Mrs. Milich leaves behind three sisters and three brothers as well as dear members of her late husband’s family. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Mrs. Milich graduated from Holy Cross High School in Delran, N.J., Class of 1963. She attended Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J., taking courses at night while working fulltime as a reporter, columnist, and ultimately editor of The Burlington County Times Advertiser in Pemberton, N.J. During that time, Pat won numerous awards for her writing and editing from both the Burlington County and New Jersey Press Associations.
From 1991 until her retirement in 2007, she served as Director of Public Information for the Mount Laurel and Lenape Regional public school districts in New Jersey. Mrs. Milich was a member of the Hainesport Township Board of Education for 10 years, serving two years as the board president.
She was a member of St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Medford, N.J., prior to moving to Arizona in 2012, at which time she joined St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Goodyear.
While in Goodyear, Mrs. Milich served on the board of directors of the PebbleCreek Singles Club and the PebbleCreek Bocce Association. Her primary “job” during those years was that of a full-time “Grammy.” She often would tell people it was the best job she ever had, and the most rewarding.
Here is her farewell, in her own words:
“I have been shown in so many ways throughout my life the love, kindness and collegiality of my loving family members and dear friends. I am now entering into eternal life with so many wonderful memories of and deep appreciation for all the people in my life who made it so worth living. Take care of one another and please remember, no matter what happens in life, ‘don’t let the flowers die.’”
A celebration of life will be held this summer in New Jersey. Condolences may be offered at 4200 W. Village Parkway, Unit 2129, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340.
Barbara “Barb” Irene Van Trump
On March 31, 2022, Barbara “Barb” Irene Van Trump, beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away at her home in Goodyear, Ariz. The youngest of three daughters to Roger “Pete” and Mary Hebdon Peterson, Barb was born on Dec. 11, 1954, in Caldwell, Idaho. Pete wanted a boy to take over the farm, but with three girls, he decided Barbara would have to do. As a result, duty and the hard work of running a dairy farm dominated Barb’s childhood. This upbringing may have explained her indomitable spirit and work ethic. Barb could not be deterred once she set her mind to something. A proud member of the “Iron Butt Association,” she had no trouble handling a Harley or trekking all over the country behind the wheel of a 41-foot bus.
Barb had a nomad’s spirit that drove her from her rural environs in Idaho, first to the Air Force and then to the side of her husband, William “Bill” Van Trump. Bill was a railroad man who lived on the rail and traveled wherever the work was needed, which suited Barb, and they made their first home together in a boxcar. Soon enough, Barb gave birth to Angela, whose first crib was a dresser drawer, as Bill and Barb’s travels took them from Grand Island to Omaha to St. Louis to just about every city and town in the Midwest and West.
Tragedy and trial were sometimes companions on Barb’s travels. She lost her first son, Andrew, after five challenging years of life. But Barb’s dauntless countenance carried her through the tough times.
Eventually, Barb settled down for a time in Salt Lake City. There she traded her geographic restlessness for an equally varied set of occupations. From housekeeping to real estate to running a crafts and hobby shop, she did a little bit of everything. Barb resumed her travels in retirement, living at times in Colorado, Nebraska, Washington, and Arizona. Never still for long, Barb was a voracious quilter, a proud member (and board member) of the PebbleCreek Rovin’ Pebbles RV Club, and avid mah jongg and Hand and Foot player.
Finally, at the end of her travels, Barb is survived by her husband, two children, Angela Fontes and Will “Buddy” Van Trump, and one granddaughter, Morgan Fontes. Barb’s Happy Hour was held in Sunrise Park on April 21, where neighbors and friends bid farewell to a great lady. Services will be held in Omaha, Neb., on May 23, 2022.