In Passing

Corrie Copple (Tiegs)

Corrie Lyn Copple passed away peacefully in Sacramento in the early morning hours of Sept. 4, 2022, due to complications from cancer.

She was born May 28, 1958, in Alameda, Calif., and grew up in nearby Pleasant Hill. In her youth, she was a champion-level barrel racer. She also played tennis where she was a rare four-year women’s varsity tennis player in high school and went on to become highly ranked regionally and nationally as an adult. She then took up the game of golf and was an avid and accomplished player.

Corrie began her career in 1979 as a paralegal in real estate law and litigation, which she did for 13 years both in California and Idaho. In the mid-1990s, she founded and operated her own successful espresso coffee business at the airport in Boise, Idaho. In 2004, Corrie moved to the community of PebbleCreek in Goodyear, Ariz. She accepted a position as flight attendant with America West Airlines (now American Airlines) and rapidly rose to supervisory and management positions, ultimately serving as Manager of the Aviation Safety Action Program for Flight Attendants. In 2014 when the airline consolidated its corporate offices in Dallas, Texas, Corrie chose to remain in Goodyear. She obtained her Real Estate license and worked in new home sales for Robson Communities at PebbleCreek, then for The Realty One Group also in PebbleCreek. She moved back to California in July 2021 to live the remainder of her life with her loving partner, John Raeside.

Corrie is predeceased by her parents, Ronald Tiegs and Nelda Tiegs Stoops. She leaves behind her daughter Teri Lyn Fisher-Morris (Aaron), grandson Jude, sister Dana, boyfriend John Raeside, and her beloved dog, Sugar, along with dear relatives and loving friends.

Corrie’s beautiful smile, extraordinary sense of humor, and thoughtful kindness brought joy to those fortunate enough to be part of her life. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Corrie’s ashes will be scattered in Monterey Bay near the Pebble Beach Golf Course in a private ceremony. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Tuscany Falls Clubhouse in the PebbleCreek community in Goodyear on Monday, Nov. 21, at noon. Donations in Corrie’s memory may be made to the Cameron Champ Foundation to benefit youth in underserved and underprivileged communities (cameronchampfoundation.org).

Helen J. Francis

Helen J. Francis, 88, of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Oct. 7, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. Helen was born on Sept. 24, 1934, to Ona and Cass Johnson in Maxie, Va.

Helen married her high school sweetheart, Billy E. Francis, in 1953 and had three children, Eddie, David, and Lisa. Helen and Bill were married for 56 years until Bill’s death in 2009.

Seeking opportunities outside of their hometown in southwest Virginia, Helen and Bill moved to Hampton, Va., where they raised their children. Always dedicated to the needs of her family, Helen created a loving home and stayed at home until her youngest started school. Once she decided to work outside the home, Helen spent many years in the loan department of Central Fidelity Bank. In 1982, following a move to Williamsburg, Va., Helen left the bank and started a new career as a teacher’s assistant for special education students, providing them with the warmth and patience she was known for.

In 2019, Helen moved to PebbleCreek (Unit 19) to remain with her daughter and son-in-law upon their retirement. The move also gave her the opportunity to spend time with her son and daughter-in-law who also have a home in PebbleCreek. Helen loved the warm weather and blue skies of Arizona, spending time outside on her patio. She also enjoyed the occasional game of bocce, bingo, and cards, golf cart rides, concerts, and traveling the western United States in a RV. Helen forged new friendships in the years she lived in PebbleCreek and was well loved in the community. She frequently said she “had the most wonderful life.”

Left to honor and cherish her memory are her three children, Eddie (Shanna), David (JoAnn), and Lisa (Tom), grandchildren Maria, Olivia, Thomas, Kaden, Mackenzie, Rileigh, Zach, Matt, Will, Robby, Michael, Jessica, Robby, Tommy, Tahnee, and Kory.

Nanny, as she was affectionately known, was loved for her perpetual kindness, warmth, and loving heart. The family is grateful that they recently gathered in Goodyear to celebrate her 88th birthday, two weeks before her passing.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, Nov. 1, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the PebbleCreek home of daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Tom Kellis. Helen will return home to Virginia in the spring of 2023 to join her loving husband at Peninsula Memorial Park.

Lloyd Pottratz

Lloyd Pottratz, age 85, passed away peacefully on Sept. 27, 2022, after a long battle with cancer and a series of health issues.

Lloyd and his wife Judy have been longtime residents of the PebbleCreek community for over 25 years. They moved here from Davenport, Iowa, in 1996. Lloyd began his work in the financial world back in Davenport. In 1973 he branched out and founded Lloyd’s Plan Inc., which allowed him the opportunity to serve many people in the community with personal and business loans. Lloyd was involved with woodcarving, line dancing, church ministry, and as a volunteer at Perryville Prison, Andre House, and New Life Center. He and Judy also hosted the first Iowa party, and many more after that…Go Hawks! Lloyd was best known for his smiling eyes, practical jokes (especially getting his ear pierced at 84!), contagious laugh, generous spirit, hard work, strong faith, and immense compassion.

Lloyd is survived by his wife Judy, seven children and their spouses, 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, three sisters, and two brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Tom, and grandson Joseph.

Lloyd’s funeral mass and celebration of life was held on Oct. 3 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Davenport, Iowa. Many of his PebbleCreek friends attended as well as friends and family from around the country. May he rest in peace and know that he is missed and loved by many!

Ronald Eugene Roat

Ronald Eugene Roat was born on July 24, 1947, in Canton, Ill., to Charles and Thelma Roat of Havana, Ill., (deceased) and passed away Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at 8 p.m. at home surrounded by his wife and children. He has two surviving brothers—Keith (Donna) and Eldon (Kari) both of Havana, Ill., as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces. Ron grew up on the family farm until he left to attend college. He attended a one-room schoolhouse until high school and then attended Havana Community High School where he graduated with the class of 1965.

Ron went on to Olivet Nazarene University to study biology/botany. After his junior year in 1968, he made the decision to enlist in the United States Air Force in anticipation of being drafted. Ron served at the Phu Cat, VietNam Air Base 1969-1970.

Ron married Cheryl O’Bryant, his high school sweetheart, in May of 1971. They were married for over 51 years. He finished his tour of duty in Grand Forks, N.D., in 1972 and moved back to Illinois. He farmed for four years before buying farmland in Winigan, Mo., in 1977. Their three children were born in nearby Kirksville, Mo.—Benjamin (Kathy) of Phoenix who have three children (Brandon, Atticus, and Jette); Dana (Mark) of Goodyear who have three children (Henry, Charlie, and Ruby), and David (Jaclyn) of Spring Grove, Ill., who have four living children (Gavin—deceased 2012), Emma, Noah, Isla, and Sara).

In 1987 Ron made the decision that farming was not providing a good income, so they moved to Phoenix, Ariz., and later moved to PebbleCreek in November of 2005. Ron got a job with Service Master at John C Lincoln Hospital and then with the City of Peoria, where he was a Water Utility Technician for 13 years. After moving to Phoenix, he joined the Air National Guard and served in the Air Force for over 20 years, retiring in 2006. Ron participated in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ron was honored by his squadron by being selected Airman of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2002. He received the Meritorious Service Medal by distinguishing himself as an Aircraft Propulsion Specialist for the 161st Maintenance Squadron, 161st Air Refueling Wing, Phoenix, Ariz.

Ron served as a member of the choir, building committee, moving crew, and also supported Cheryl in her health care ministry at Turning Leaf Church of the Nazarene. In November 2020, Ron fell and broke his hip. After that his Alzheimer’s disease led to a decline in his health. He had a great smile to the very end and will be remembered for his servant’s heart and faithful commitment to God, his family, community, and country.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. at the Turning Leaf Church of the Nazarene, 5800 N. Litchfield Road.

Jo Ann Yealey

Jo Ann (Hall) Yealey passed away Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, after a brief illness. Jo Ann was born in Beech Grove, Ind., on Jan. 26, 1929, and lived 93 years to the fullest. She was a joy up to the end of her beautiful life. She is survived by her only child, a daughter Chanca Morrell, two grandsons Cory Crafton and Craig Crafton, granddaughter-in-law Angela (Fichtner) Crafton, soon-to-be granddaughter-in-law Becky Bobb and three great-grandchildren, Darian Crafton, Chance Crafton, and Lucas Crafton.

Jo Ann spent several years working as a cabinet inspector for Admiral Corporation in Shelbyville, Ind., from which she retired. She later went to work in the sporting goods department at Target in Shelbyville, Ind., from which she later retired. Jo Ann also assisted her husband “Snag” (that was his nickname) in the cleaning business at O’Neil Steel in Shelbyville, Ind., which later she and her daughter took over after her husband’s death. A few years later she married her high school sweetheart Talva “Mac” Yealey and they shared a beautiful life together until Mac passed away in 2000.

Jo Ann moved to PebbleCreek in 2010. She lived with her daughter and son-in-law Clark Morrell. Clark preceded her in death in 2018. She was very active in the PebbleCreek community and is best known for her appearance as Minnie Pearl in Showtime Productions. “Howdy” is how she would greet you followed by “See ya round like a donut” as she said goodbye to people.

A Celebration of Life was held on Oct. 1, 2022, at 10 a.m. at the Church at Litchfield Park, 300 N. Old Litchfield Road. On Oct. 29, a graveside service was held at Van Pelt cemetery in Waldron, Ind. A luncheon and Celebration of Life were held immediately following the graveside service at the St. Paul Christian Church in St. Paul, Ind.

Many thanks to all of you for your cards, visits, and attending my mom’s Celebration of Life.