In Passing

Lynne Charlemyne (Molloy) Ackerman

Lynne Ackerman passed away June 1 after a brief but courageous battle with myelodysplastic syndrome, a type of blood cancer.

Lynne was born in Rochester, N.Y., the daughter of Lucille Diedrick Molloy and Donald P. Molloy. She grew up in Denville, N.J., and graduated from Morris Knolls High School in 1966. Lynne had a successful career as a commercial and corporate flight attendant. She started her career with Trans World Airlines and worked there for 9 years. After a brief hiatus with her three young sons, she returned to the workforce as a corporate flight attendant for another 30 years. During that span, she worked for Phillip Morris, the Ambassador of Mozambique, and NetJets.

She retired as a flight attendant in the mid-2010s but continued to stay active, working part-time at Saucon Valley Country Club. This allowed her to be close to her favorite activity, playing golf. Lynne also enjoyed swimming, bowling, and long walks with her beloved dog Monique. She liked watching college basketball and pro football, rooting for her New York Giants no matter where she was. With her occupation, she was able to travel a great deal and would always take the opportunity to explore the city or country she was in. She enjoyed going to the theater, discovering museums and dining at unique restaurants. After living most of her life on the East Coast (raising her family in Sparta, N.J., and initially retiring to Allentown, Pa.), she decided to move to Arizona in 2019 so she could play golf year-round.

Her memory is especially treasured by her three sons: William John Ackerman II (Amanda Springmann) of Falls Church, Va., Richard Edward Ackerman (Kin Wan) of St. Louis, Mo., and Derek Douglas Ackerman (Christina Hickel) of Phoenix, Ariz. Other survivors include sister Dr. Donna Molloy Mogan of Durham, N.C.; niece Tara Mogan Blom of Annapolis, Md.; great-niece Jacqueline Martin; and grandchildren Jack, Henry, Jacob, Evi, Scarlet, Lucas, and Oliver. In addition to her family, Lynne leaves behind many friends who will miss her dearly.

A Celebration of Life will take place at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Mount Arlington, N.J., on Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. (EST).

Lyda Evers

Ms. Lyda Evers of Goodyear, Ariz., died Aug. 20, 2022, at the age of 88. She was born June 12, 1934, in Hot Springs, Ark., to Raymond Smith and Lytha Phillips.

Lyda spent her early childhood in Mayer, Ariz., and graduated from Glendale High School. She was a veteran of the United States Army serving from October 1950 to September 1952. She married John “Hoot” Evers in September of 1952 and together they would raise three sons. For many years, she was an employee of the State of Arizona.

Lyda was predeceased by her brother, Leon Smith, sisters, Jenna Rae Spitler and Zoan Gentner, and her son, Daniel Phillip Evers.

She leaves behind her husband of nearly 70 years, John “Hoot” Evers, sons, John H. (Diana) Evers and Gary R. (Kathy) Evers, and her sisters, Joyce Gibson and Linda Gomez. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Phoenix at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 31. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.

Eric Lee

Eric Lee passed away peacefully on Sept. 2, 2022, near his home in Goodyear, Ariz., following a short battle with Alzheimer’s.

He was born in Denver, Colo., to Robert and Elizabeth Lee. He attended South High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. Eric then attended the University of Colorado in Boulder on a basketball and track scholarship where he majored in history. He was a member of the university’s Big 8 Conference championship basketball teams in 1962 and 1963. Post-graduation, he played on the 1964 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) USA Basketball team sponsored by the U.S. State Department.

Following graduation, he moved to Alaska where he was a high school teacher and coached athletics from 1965 to 1973. He was chairman of the Republican Party in Anchorage from 1970 to 1973 and served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention. From 1974 to 1979, he worked for the State of Alaska as Director of Community and Rural Economic Development. He moved to California in 1982 and, until 1986, owned and operated a small construction firm specializing in alternative energy systems. From 1986 until early 1992, Eric was the Regional Administrator for Region 8 of the U.S. General Services Administration appointed by President Reagan. He concluded his working years as a real estate investor and a self-employed contract investigator.

Eric was a loving father to his children and grandchildren. Eric had many diverse talents and interests. In addition to being an avid golfer and artist, he loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and flying his plane in Alaska.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Monica; children Kendall Lee Edwards of Scottsdale, Ariz., and her children Cade, Carson, and Crew; Jason Lee of Buena Vista, Colo.; Kelly (Dave) Edwards of Hillsboro, Ore., and their children Robbie, Katie (Andrew) Petersen, and Tommy Edwards. He is also survived by his brother Dennis Lee of Crossville, Tenn., niece Sherry (Joel) Lunstrum, and nephew Justin Falsetto. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Delisa Lee Falsetto Ore.

A very special thank you to all his family and friends who helped in his final days. Donations may be made to the Arizona Humane Society in memory of Eric Lee and all of his beloved pets to include Charlie, Juneau, Kenai, Muffin, Allie, and Jax. A Celebration of Life will be held in the fall, the date of which has yet to be determined.

George Michael McNeil

George Michael McNeil, age 74, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Phoenix, Ariz. He fought courageously but could not win the battle.

George was born in New Haven, Conn., on Nov. 22, 1947. He attended Syracuse University for two years and graduated with high honors from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science degree in management in 1985. He had a long career in project management with Gilbane Building Company, Providence, R.I. His work took him to upstate New York; Framingham, Mass.; Providence, R.I.; New York City; Pittsburgh, Penn.; and finally to run several major projects in New York state and New Jersey. In 1992 he received the Gilbane Building Company Iver Johnson Builder of the Year Award, Northeast Region. He successfully opened a District Office in Albany, N.Y., where an award was created in his honor called “The George McNeil Tough-Minded Award,” which is given yearly to an employee who displays the same qualities that George exemplified—the innate ability to do what is right, even when it isn’t the easy thing to do. He retired from the company as a vice president in January 2012 after a remarkable 46 years of service. Since then, he worked at maintaining many lasting friendships with coworkers.

George met his wife, Kathie, on a blind date in June 1968. They attended Woodstock that year and the rest is history! They were married 45 years on Aug. 27. George loved cooking and completed several diploma courses in cooking techniques. He was an avid Sudoku player and reader. George and Kathie retired to Arizona in January 2015. On June 2, 2016, George underwent a successful double lung transplant and thereafter lived life to the fullest. He and his wife have enjoyed trips to the Grand Canyon, Florida, California, Alaska, and their favorite place, Maui, Hawaii. In Arizona they have wonderful supportive neighbors and made lots of friends through golfing, bocce, and Putters Club.

George is predeceased by his twin brother, Graham, his father, George, and his mother, Virginia. Grateful for sharing his life are his wife Kathie, of Goodyear, Ariz., his nephew Sean (Lisa), great niece Kylie, and great nephew Ian from Jacksonville, Fla.

Always known for his winning smile and kind and gentle demeanor, he was a class act who will truly be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to Donate Life America or the American Lung Association.

Nancy L. Mowen

Nancy L. Mowen, an amazing mother, wife, nana, friend, mentor, counselor, servant, and daughter of William R. Pratt and Charlotte J. (Taylor) Pratt passed away Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born Aug. 27, 1947, in Belvidere, Ill. She married Marcus J. Mowen on July 28, 1973, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Rockford, Ill. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Nancy held a Bachelor of Science degree in education, Master of Science degree in education, and a CAS in personnel and guidance. At Northern she was an active member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority and Delta Psi Kappa Professional Honorary Fraternity. Nancy is survived by her husband of 49 years, Mark, and children Matthew (Ruby) Mowen, Milo and Luna of Longmont, Colo.; Marissa (Eric) Vermeer, Cael, Elliana, and Harper of Jewell, Iowa; and Michael (Jojo) Mowen, and Marley of Longmont, Colo.

She is remembered by her family and friends as kind, compassionate, and selfless, often putting her family first above her needs. Some of her happiest days were spent supporting her three children in accomplishing their own dreams in life. Nancy was an avid reader and lifelong lover of dogs. She enjoyed baking with her grandchildren, helping them learn new skills, and cheering them on in their athletic competitions and musical activities. Her life was a rich testimony of her unwavering passion for her family.

Nancy’s entire teaching and counseling career was spent in the Rockford Public Schools beginning in 1969. She taught and served as a guidance counselor at West, Auburn, and Guilford High Schools. Her care and concern for both her students and colleagues was evident in the way she passionately served.

A special thank you to Dr. David Hansen, Nancy’s primary care physician for many years. The family would also like to thank Dr. Monica Patel, Jenna Wilke, NP, and Lillian Thompson, RN, at University of Wisconsin Cancer Center, and Northern Illinois Hospice. Thank you to our faithful friends and family for the prayers and loving support. Please know how much peace and comfort you brought to a journey that would have been so much more difficult without you.

Condolences may be shared with the family beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Roscoe United Methodist Church with a memorial service starting at 11 a.m. A lunch will be served at the conclusion of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be given in Nancy’s name to Roscoe United Methodist Church Serenity Memorial Garden & Ashuary or the Rockton Remembers Hononegah Statue Fund.

Kathy Koch Scott

Kathy Koch Scott, age 77 of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on June 2, 2022, in Joplin, Mo. Services were held June 9 at St. Peters Catholic Church in Marshall, Mo.

Kathy was born in Marshall, Mo., on July 27, 1944, to John H. Koch and Mary Perkins Koch, the fourth of eight children. She was raised in Marshall and graduated from Mercy Academy in 1962. In 1963 she married John P. Scott, who survives of the home. After moving to Columbia, Mo., for two years where their first son was born and then to Kansas City, Mo., for two years they then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they spent the next 35 years and where their second son was born.

Kathy was a stay-at-home mom for most of the boys’ early years and then worked as a bookkeeper and secretary after the boys left home. As the boys were growing up she enjoyed traveling during vacations, visiting relatives, and taking the boys to National Parks and historical sites. She particularly enjoyed automobile trips, and in later years she and John visited all 48 lower states, drove to Alaska twice and visited Hawaii numerous times. After retiring in 2000 they began international travel visiting six continents. She particularly enjoyed her visits to the Holy Land and to Rome.

She always had an artistic aptitude and made many pencil sketches throughout her life starting with her high school and the local hometown newspaper in her teens. After moving to PebbleCreek and joining the Art Club she developed a love of painting and set aside a room in her home as her studio. Pictures she took on her travels were the inspiration for many of her paintings. She also continued drawing with pencil and charcoal creating scenic pictures and portraits of her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband John; her sons Ron Scott (Julie) of Glendale, Ariz., and Doug Scott (Shelley) of Commerce Township, Mi.; four grandchildren and one great-grandson; and five siblings, Betty Gazverde, Larry Koch (Char), Glenn Koch (Dian), Judy Koch, and Pat Smith (Leroy).

She was preceded in death by her parents, a granddaughter Sarah Joan Scott; and two sisters Norma Gorrell and Darlene Cochran.

Helen W. Still

Helen (Watt) Still, 91, of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Aug. 31, 2022. She is survived by her daughters Sharon Paulson of Redmond, Wash., and Susan Still of Hoodsport, Wash.; her son Steve (Amy) Still of Austin, Texas; and grandchildren Trevor Paulson of Redmond, Wash.; Taylor Still of Denver, Colo.; Zach Still, Allison Still, and Kennedy Still of Austin, Texas.

Helen Mae was born on June 10, 1931, in Buffalo, Wyo., as the youngest child of Thomas and Mary (Cash) Watt. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert “Bobby” Watt, and sister Dorothy Hill. The family moved from Buffalo to Seattle where Helen graduated from historic Queen Anne High School.

Family was of utmost importance to Helen. She adored her children and grandchildren and looked forward to their calls and visits, telling stories, and celebrating their accomplishments. She reveled in staying in contact with friends and family across the West whether it be the beloved cousins from Buffalo and Kaycee, her nephew in Albuquerque, or her former classmates in Seattle.

Helen enjoyed what life had to offer in the Northwest from traveling, gardening, the mountaineering club, Seattle Unity Church, and her neighborhood group. When she chose to move to Arizona, she availed herself of the many opportunities the desert had to offer including the PebbleCreek Singles Club, bocce ball, The Church of Litchfield Park, and her numerous card groups. She was so grateful for the many friends she had made from Seattle to Goodyear.

Heartfelt thanks go to Jill Santy whose unwavering friendship, support, and care for Helen during the past four years was invaluable. Special thanks to Hospice of the Valley and Ryan House for their loving care of Helen during her final days.

A small family celebration will be held in Seattle at a future date.

Jim Wolfe

James Richard Wolfe—affectionately known to everyone as Jim or Jimmy—unexpectedly passed away at his home on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.

Jim was born in Queens, N.Y., on Feb. 7, 1947, to Robert and Helen Wolfe. After Jim graduated from Garden City High School in 1964, he served as a volunteer firefighter before enrolling in the U.S. Air Force, where he went on to proudly serve in Vietnam. Jim was honored to serve for his country.

After the U.S. Air Force, Jim started a long career in the Consumer Discretionary Products industry at American Greetings in the San Francisco Bay Area. Jim led several sales divisions at the company both in Indiana and Northern California before retiring and moving to Arizona in 2004.

Jim and his wife of 40 years, Vicki, had two children, Mark and Heather. Jim was also a proud grandfather to three wonderful grandchildren, Layla Rose Wolfe (17), Scarlett Victoria Clarke (7), and Graham James Clarke (5).

Outside of his career and his devoted time as a father and grandfather, you would inevitably find Jim telling stories and jokes with family and friends as he made his way around the golf course. Having spent many years golfing his way around California and Indiana, Jim settled in PebbleCreek as an avid member of the “Bushwhacker” golfing group.

Jim’s other great passion in life was baseball. When Jim wasn’t on the golf course, he loved nothing more than watching either of his two favorite teams in action—the Oakland A’s and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Jim fulfilled a life-long dream last year when he attended the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., with his son, Mark, and his son-in-law, Jason.

In addition to golf and baseball, Jim loved to travel, listen to ‘60s music—the Rolling Stones being his favorite—and sit around the kitchen table telling stories with family and friends while sipping on a nice glass of Josh cabernet with his dog, Riley, laying by his side.

Jim is survived by his former wife, Vicki Wolfe, their children, Mark Wolfe and Heather (Jason) Clarke, his older brother, Tim (Betsy) Wolfe, his sister, Jane (Sam) Cowan, and his younger brother, Roger (Mary) Wolfe. He will be missed every day.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Vietnam Veterans of America, organizations Jim felt strongly about.