In Passing – April 2015

Linda Ann Avery

Linda Ann Avery

Linda Ann Avery

Linda Ann Avery was born February 14, 1946, in Morgantown, Kentucky, to Louise Arnold and Charlie Shay.

Linda graduated from Butler County High and then attended Western Kentucky University. When she was 21 she met and married Randy Sheets, making Indiana her home for 39 years. They raised their four children: Cassie, Courtney, Collin and Coty there. Linda embraced the Sheets family tradition of cattle showmanship and was an enthusiastic 4-H mom.

Linda is best characterized by her vivaciousness, unique sense of style, competitive spirit, fun loving nature and generous heart. She was a loving wife, mother, aunt, sister, daughter, teacher, coach and friend to many. Her relationships were the focal point of her life around which everything else revolved.

She taught Physical Education and health for many years and was also a volleyball and track coach with many winning teams. She continued her education at Purdue University, serving as guidance counselor and then as an elementary school principal. Linda loved interacting with students and teachers and found much joy through her work. She was also an active member of Badger Grove Baptist Church.

In 2006 Linda embarked on a new adventure, migrating westward to Arizona with her husband Joe Avery. There she continued her athletic pursuits by playing in many tennis leagues and competing on the pickleball courts at PebbleCreek. She loved desert life and made many wonderful, supportive friends.

Linda is survived by her husband Joe Avery, daughters Cassie and Courtney Sheets, sons Collin and Coty Sheets, stepson Todd Avery and daughter-in-law Liz Avery, granddaughter Caroline Avery, sister Brenda Sue Porte, many nieces and nephews, extended family and her beloved dog Pickle. She loved her family and friends with all her heart. Her strong and beautiful spirit will be greatly missed.

Celebrations of her life will be held both in Arizona and Indiana. Donations may be made in care of Joe Avery, 16798 Almeria Road, Goodyear, Arizona 85395 in Linda’s honor towards a memorial bench at PebbleCreek.

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Carol Halvorson

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Carol Halvorson

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Carol Halvorson

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Carol Halvorson, 68, of Goodyear, Arizona, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2015, after a brief but fierce battle with cancer. Jackie was a loving and beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her husband Paul Halvorson; her daughter Kristina Halvorson; her son Erik Halvorson and his wife Jennifer; her son David Halvorson and his wife Carolyn; her seven beautiful grandchildren, Gus, Marin, Avery, Ingrid, Maia, Sonja and Brynne; and her parents Ken and Margaret Bergstedt. A celebration of Jackie’s life was held February 22 at the Tuscany Falls Country Club in Goodyear, Arizona. Condolences can be sent to www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Leroy Clark Rodgers (Miser)

Leroy Clark Rodgers (Miser)

Leroy Clark Rodgers (Miser)

Leroy Clark Rodgers (Miser), 88, of Goodyear, Arizona, died March 10, 2015. He was born March 9, 1927, to Harry J. and Brentha (Clark) Miser in Kansas City, Missouri. Leroy graduated from Sumner High School in 1944 in Kansas City, Kansas. He served in the U.S. Army from May 10, 1954, to May 9, 1956, as a Private E1. Leroy was employed at Sosland Envelope Manufacturing for 33 years in Kansas City, Missouri. He helped establish KC Envelope in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1978 and retired from there in 1997. Leroy enjoyed fishing, golfing and traveling. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He was a member of Just Folks of PebbleCreek in Goodyear, Arizona. He was a member of Hillcrest Covenant of Prairie Village, Kansas, and PebbleCreek Community Church.

Leroy is survived by his wife Patricia, daughters Rosaline Williams (Nylie) and Gina Larkins, sons Shawn Rodgers (Sofia), Robert Woods, George Roath Jr. (Tamara), Gregory Roath Sr. (Enjel), sister Harriet McWright, 26 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Leroy was preceded in death by mother Brentha Miser, father Harry Miser (Amanda), sisters Frances Strickland, Brentha Lee, brother Robert Miser, son Jon Roath and grandson, Shawn L. Rodgers Jr.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, March 18 at Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear, Arizona. Burial was held March 19 at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona. Condolences can be sent to www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.