Shirley Louise Williams
Shirley Louise Williams
Shirley Louise Williams, née Streater, born Sept. 5, 1930, passed away May 20, 2025. Shirley was born in Denver, Colo., to parents Louise and Shelton, and fondly recalled her days at South High School. In 1949, Shirley married Francis Williams, the love of her life, and the two raised a family together in Colorado Springs.
She was proud of her years volunteering at Penrose Hospital, her aspens, and her alpine wildflower garden. Shirley played a mean game of cards and was famous for her lemon bars and holiday cookies, her contagious cackle, her contempt for vegetables, and her silly sense of humor. Though she lived in Arizona for 25 years, cherished her local friends, and loved being close to her daughter and family here, she always missed Colorado, her beloved Pikes Peak, and snowy winters.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fran; her parents; and her two older sisters, Eleanor and Caroline. She will be missed and remembered by her five children, Chris, Cathy, Bob, Chirl, and Sauney; by her grandkids, Teva, Ben, Amy, Joey, Carl, Stephanie, Kristen, and Francis; by several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and her in-laws and her in-loves, all of whom she loved dearly until the end.
Her graveside service took place May 28 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
In lieu of flowers, her family asks for contributions to be made in her memory to Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs or Friends of the Peak, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of Pikes Peak. Condolences may be expressed at whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
Aubrey Fowler Jr.
Aubrey Fowler Jr.
Aubrey Fowler, 85, passed away peacefully at home on April 8, 2025, with his family at his side. He was born on Sept. 4, 1939, in Pagosa Springs, Colo. He was a loving husband (Janice), brother (Stanley), father (Chuck and Dianne), and “Grandpa” (Aaron, Megan, Keely, and Macie).
His beloved wife Jan passed away on the exact same day, and almost the exact time three years prior.
Jan and Aubrey were residents of PebbleCreek for 30 years, having built one of the first homes in the community. They worked very hard to retire at the age of 55 so they could enjoy their golden years in the warm weather, different from all the years prior in Colorado, where they raised their two children: Chuck and Dianne.
Their hard work paid off, and their dream of traveling the world came true. They were avid cruisers and touched all but one continent. Aubrey’s fierce devotion and commitment to everything he undertook is something that all who knew him admired.
In memory of Aubrey, please consider making a donation to The American Kidney Fund.
Bonnie Claire Schaefer
Bonnie Claire Schaefer
Bonnie Claire Schaefer, age 86, of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
Bonnie worked as Director of Purchasing for the City of St. Cloud, where she was respected for her dedication and kindness. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and cherished summers at the lake in Minnesota. Known for her delicious blueberry scones, Bonnie enjoyed baking, cooking, and trying new recipes to share with loved ones.
She was an active member of the Ladies Niners Golf Club at PebbleCreek and loved playing Bunco and Yahtzee with friends. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband and close companions. A loyal Minnesota Vikings fan, Bonnie looked forward to football season every year.
She is survived by her husband Raymond Schaefer and her children: Deborah (Kevin) Pietrzak, Shannon (Paul) Meyer, and Mark Schaefer. Grandchildren: Michael (Lindsay) Tomsche, Lukas Meyer, Ashley Meyer, Ava Meyer, Hunter Schaefer, and Deacon Schaefer. Great-grandchildren: Vincent and Raymond Tomsche. She is also survived by her brothers John and Charles Oster.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Josephine and Carl Oster, and her brothers Jim and Paul Oster.
The family extends their deepest thanks to Bonnie’s hospice nurse, Kathy, as well as Hospice of the Valley and Legacy House of Avondale for their exceptional care and support. The family has suggested that donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley.
Bonnie will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and love of family. She will be deeply missed.
A Funeral Mass was held June 9 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
Howard J. Schafer
Howard J. Schafer
Howard J. Schafer, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and public servant, passed away peacefully in his home on June 4, 2025, in Goodyear, Ariz., just four days shy of his 89th birthday.
Born June 8, 1936, in Cape Girardeau, Mo., Howard dedicated his life to service, integrity, and family. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Howard continued his commitment to public service through a distinguished 30-year career in law enforcement at the El Paso County Sheriff’s office in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he was Captain of Patrol as well as overseeing the Posse, Hazmat, and Search and Rescue Teams. He established the SWAT Team for the EPSO and served as SWAT Commander for 12 years.
After retiring from law enforcement, Howard continued to serve others by working in security at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. In 2002, Howard and his wife, Jenny, relocated to Goodyear, Ariz., where he remained active in the community. He served on the PebbleCreek Patrol for 15 years, continuing to protect and assist others well into his retirement.
Howard spent much of his life in Colorado Springs, where he and his wife, Jenny Schafer, built a life together and raised their family. He is survived by Jenny, his beloved wife and partner of 47 years; his daughters, Victoria Stetson (Dominic), Christine Fuerstenau (Karl), Manuela Hill (Justin), Katherine Schafer (Paul); his treasured Maltese, Sidney; three granddaughters; four great-grandchildren; and his sister, Mickey Schafer. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and countless friends and colleagues who were touched by his kindness and unwavering dedication.
Howard found happiness on the softball field, where he enjoyed the camaraderie and competition that brought him lifelong friendships.
Howard deeply loved his family and served his country and community with pride. He will be remembered for his steadfast character, quick wit, deep sense of duty, and quiet strength. His contributions to his country and community will not be forgotten, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
The family invites you to attend a Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 13, at 11 a.m. at the Tuscany Falls Clubhouse.
A private ceremony will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society or to a veterans organization of your choice.
Robert ‘Bob’ Sonzo
Robert ‘Bob’ Sonzo
Robert ‘Bob’ Sonzo, 85, a PebbleCreek resident for 28 years, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born in Chicago, Ill., to Tony and Marie Sonzo. He attended De La Salle high school and DePaul University, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. During his military career he was selected for a special assignment in the U.S. Marines. SEMPER FI.
Bob’s professional career of 45 years was in the brokerage business. He was VP of Marketing for the Chicago and New York Stock Exchanges and eventually formed his own company.
Extremely proud of his Italian heritage, Bob found great joy in cooking. His infamous spaghetti sauce recipe was loved by all. He also enjoyed his two-year term as president of the PebbleCreek Italian American Club (PCIAC). Other pleasures included fishing, golfing, traveling, (especially cruising to Europe and Lake Como, Italy, where his ashes will be spread), cheering on the Chicago White Sox (although some family members tried to convert him to a Cubs fan), and the Blackhawks.
His family meant everything to him and he was so proud to see their accomplishments over the years. He is survived by Nancy, the love of his life for 64 years, daughters Gina (Gene) Scola, and Deb Sonzo, grandchildren Anthony (Bonnie) LaPorta, Nick Scola, Alexandra Scola, brother of the late Salvatore Sonzo, and sister Carol (Raymond) Shipanik.
Bob left an imprint on so many lives that he touched and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
No services are planned at this time.