In Passing – October 2023

Regina M. Adelman

Regina M. Adelman (Gina) passed away on Sept. 4, 2023, from metastatic breast cancer. Gina was 80 years old.

Gina was born in Baltimore, Md., on July 12,1943. To the delight of her Polish family, she learned to play the accordion to accompany her father’s singing at family events. After graduation from the Institute of Notre Dame in Baltimore, she married and began her family and career.

Gina met Rodney Adelman in early 2002 and married in 2004. In mid-2005, they both retired and in late 2005, moved to PebbleCreek. Gina became a member of the Wine Club, the Lady Tigers PC Women’s Softball team, and the Pickleball Club at their founding. She assisted new Pickleball Club members in understanding and playing the game.

Gina was a true competitor. It didn’t matter if it was board games with family (Scrabble “champion” of the family), fantasy football leagues (where she spent hours each week studying statistics and reviews before selecting her starters), or cheering on her beloved Maryland Terrapins (major sports and lacrosse). After Covid, cruising became her No. 1 pastime, with sailings in the Sea of Cortez, the Alaska Inside Passage, a trans-Atlantic crossing including several stops in Iceland, and a South America/Antarctica voyage.

She enjoyed listening to a variety of music: ’50s rock ‘n’ roll, classical, and opera (especially The Three Tenors and in particular, Andrea Bocelli), and especially enjoyed the tribute concerts in PebbleCreek. As a teenager, she landed a coveted spot as a dancer on “The Buddy Deane Show” (the Baltimore equivalent of the Dick Clark show) at the close of the 1950s. Her favorite song was “Truly” by Lionel Richie.

A caring and compassionate person, she nursed her ailing mother for eight years until her passing in 2020. And nothing could prevent her from spending the holidays with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren on the East Coast.

Gina was preceded in death by her parents, James and Regina Gregorek (Odachowski), and son, Kurt Tesch. She is survived by her husband, Rodney Adelman; daughter, Tara Forsburg; stepdaughter, Valerie Collier; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass was held on Sept. 14, 2023, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Avondale, with inurnment at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Baltimore, Md. Donations in Gina’s memory may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Rena L. Chouinard

Rena L. Chouinard of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away on Sept. 9, 2023, at the age of 80 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on June 18, 1943, in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada to the late Lionel Toupin and Marion (Smith) Toupin. In 1964 she married Arthur Chouinard, her grade school sweetheart, in Canada. They enjoyed a wonderful life together until his passing in 2022. She is survived by her son, Steven (Kristi) Chouinard of Scottsdale, Ariz.; daughter Julia (Mike) Mellinger of Pismo Beach, Calif.; four grandchildren: Kaitlin (Dylan) Lane; Morgan Chouinard; Scarlett Mellinger, and Sierra Mellinger; three great-grandchildren: Aubrey, Skylar, and Nolan Lane; sister, Brenda Walker of Ottawa, Canada; and brother, Mike Toupin of Cornwall, Canada.

Rena worked for the Grand Counsel of the Crees, North American Indigenous people, and was the secretary for Grand Chief Billy Diamond while living in Montreal, Canada. In 1980, the family took a leap of faith by moving to Phoenix, Ariz., where they could enjoy warmer weather. Rena loved living in Arizona. She worked for The Breast Evaluation Center where she had the opportunity to meet Dr. Laszlo Tabar, a world renowned radiologist from Sweden, who is a significant contributor to the fight against breast cancer around the world. Dr. Tabar eventually hired Rena to be the Manager of his company, Mammography Education Inc. She had a long career working for Dr. Tabar. She traveled all over the world setting up his educational courses for continuing education for physicians and technologists. Oftentimes, Arthur would meet Rena after the courses were done, and they would explore many countries together. Rena was a gentle and caring woman who enjoyed helping others in need, so soon after she retired, Rena went back to work at the Cancer Treatment Center of America where she welcomed patients with her warm smile.

One of Rena’s true passions was tennis. She thoroughly enjoyed the tennis community and played in many tournaments throughout her life, often winning her matches and bringing home trophies. In 1989, her team won the Southwestern 3.5 USTA/Volvo National Championship. Rena continued to remain active with the PebbleCreek Tennis Club, her book club, and loved socializing with her many cherished friends. She enjoyed cooking, reading, watching Hallmark movies, and decorating her home. Rena was an avid gardener and enjoyed traveling the world with Arthur. One of Rena’s greatest achievements was her devotion to her loving family and lifelong friends.

Rena will be greatly missed by many. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Verna Isabelle Enyeart

Verna Isabelle Enyeart passed away on Aug. 9, 2023, at the age of 84. Verna was born on Sept. 27, 1938, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, to Arthur and Florence Johnson, and was the second born of six children.

After high school, Verna moved to Edmonton, Alberta, to work for Imperial Oil. A few years later, Imperial asked her to move to Denver to work for them at Chevron Oil. She always said that was one of the very best decisions she ever made, as shortly after arriving in Denver, she met the love of her life, George Enyeart. They were married in June of 1961, and in October of 1962, their daughter Tracey was born.

Also around that time, the Denver Broncos started selling the first season tickets to their games, and Verna convinced George that they should buy a couple. Verna became an avid Denver Broncos fan, as were George and Tracey, but there was no fan like Verna! She never stopped rooting for the Broncos and could talk football with the best of them!

Verna, George, and Tracey left Denver and moved to Breckenridge, Colo., in 1970 (only after George promised her they would never have to stop going to Bronco games), where George started his electrical contracting business and Verna handled the books. In the late ’70s they sold that business and started Mountain Tee’s with their good friends Chuck and Sandy Struve. They all worked hard to create and cultivate a successful retail business with locations in Breckenridge and Vail.

In 1976, Verna decided she wanted to run for Breckenridge Town Council. In order to do that, she had to become a U.S. citizen, which she did proudly. She served on the Town Council during the “Bullish on Breckenridge” years, and also served on the town Planning Commission, the Colorado NFIB, and several other boards, commissions, and task forces.

In 1992 her grandson August was born, and she thrived in her new role as “Gammy.” She and August had a marvelous relationship, and he was truly one of the highlights of her life.

She was a force to be reckoned with, and most importantly, she stood by her convictions. She loved to win an argument, and if you were going to engage with her in one, you better have had your facts straight!

George and Verna retired to The Landings on Skidaway Island in Savannah, Ga., in 2001, and there they enjoyed traveling, playing golf, and entertaining. Verna also became a skilled bridge player and was a member of the “Oh, Canada” group and many other clubs. They took fabulous vacations and made many wonderful friends there.

After George’s passing, Verna moved to the Robson Reserve in Goodyear, Ariz., to be near Tracey and her husband, Jim, who reside in PebbleCreek. She never missed a Sunday dinner at their house or with them at a restaurant, and she enjoyed her time with them immensely. She had a real soft spot in her heart for Jim, whom she called “The Best Son-in-Law Ever.”

Verna leaves behind her daughter Tracey Littlefield and husband Jim, her grandson August Evers and his wife Erica, sister Pat DiTomaso, brothers Allan (Gail), Don (Lynne), and Bob Johnson, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews throughout the U.S. and Canada.

A Celebration of Life was held Sept. 9. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Treasure Street at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (www.scottishriteforchildren.org) 214-559-8374, or the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (www.ocrahope.org) 212-268-1002.

Patricia (Helen) Foulks

Patricia (Helen) (Switzer) Foulks transitioned onto her home Aug. 23, 2023. She was surrounded by her children, Lisa Foulks-Presley, Lori Foulks, and Keith Foulks in Goodyear, Ariz., after a short battle with cancer. She was 85 years and very active.

Helen was born March 18, 1938, in Montour Falls, N.Y., the daughter of Herman and Edith (Beardslee) Switzer. She graduated from Trumansburg High School and flew herself to California at the age of 17 in 1955. She landed in San Diego and six months later met the love of her life, Keith Leon (Lee) Foulks, a SeaBee. They were married on Dec. 28, 1957, at the Chapel of The Roses in Chula Vista. They moved to Port Hueneme in 1963. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years and a military wife.

Helen began her work on Midway Island as a program host from 1968-69, which allowed her the opportunity to work at KACY Radio Station in Oxnard, Calif. It gave her the opening to work in bookkeeping which from there, she began her own bookkeeping service, Sunkist Secretarial and Bookkeeping Services. She had several large accounts that she worked on out of her home and brought with her to Arizona.

Helen and Lee were very involved at Hill Street Southern Baptist Church for many years in Oxnard as a Deacon and Sunday School teachers from 1973-89. After her husband of 39 years passed away in 1998, she moved to Ventura, Calif., to get away from the ‘June Gloom’ in 2000. She still needed more blue sky and sunshine, and followed her brother and sister-in-law Leigh and Sherri Switzer to PebbleCreek resort in Arizona in 2006. Her favorite things in PebbleCreek were her friends that she made each day or night at the pool.

Helen loved walks in the early morning, the night sky, full moons, and dusk. Helen was best known for always being positive, being kind, and having a generous spirit. Helen could laugh, cry, and pray with you, and she was loved for that alone. Her super power was to make you laugh with her stories of her life experiences and silly sweet sarcasm. She always had water, coffee, a Coke, or a beer, and you were welcomed anywhere she lived.

She is survived by her sister Carol and four grandchildren, Joshua Foulks (Kelly), Brittany Foulks, Bryana Visin (Blake), and Jensen Presley (Heather). She is survived by 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who truly loved her. Helen is predeceased by her husband; parents; her sisters, Anne, Kathy, MaryEllen; and two brothers, Leigh and Clyde; and her grandson John Carl.

Her funeral was held Sept. 6, 2023, in California. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There will be a Celebration of Life for the first week of Nov. 4, 2023, in PebbleCreek for her many friends, snowbird friends, and family in Arizona.

Larry E. Heinz

Larry Ernest Heinz passed away peacefully in the Phoenix VA Hospital on Aug. 9, 2023, at the age of 76. He had recently been diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, lymph node cancer, and other complications.

Larry was born in Everett, Wash., on Feb. 27, 1947. Shortly after that his family moved to Spokane, Wash., where he grew up and attended North Central High School, graduating in 1965. After that he attended Spokane Community College, where he played baseball, and has since been inducted into their Hall of Fame. Following SCC, he enlisted in the Air Force and served two tours in Thailand during the Vietnam War.

Upon returning from the war, Larry attended Whitworth College and Eastern Washington College where he earned his teaching degree. He went to the University of Portland to attain his master’s degree in education. In 1985, he was hired at Rochester High School as a teacher and head baseball coach. Here, he built a 20+ year legacy appearing in the state final four on five different occasions, placing 4th, 2nd twice, and bringing home two state championships! From this he was inducted into the Washington State Baseball Hall of Fame.

After retiring from teaching, while living in Cincinnati, he taught for a year at Moeller High School (Ken Griffey Jr.’s alma mater) yet bringing home another championship with the baseball team. Through Facebook, he re-connected with his college girlfriend, Karla Glanville (Heinz) and after 46 years of absence, they were married in March 2015. They moved to PebbleCreek in October 2015 and have resided here since. His love of teaching landed him a full-time job at Millennium High School, teaching history for several years and still actively doing substitute teaching.

His mother, Wilma Richardson, preceded Larry in death in 1998. Surviving him is his son Erik (Quinn) and his granddaughters, Charlotte, Chandler, and Sawyer along with his wife, Karla Heinz and her four children, Chris (Julie), Kera (Brian), Timmy (Daniel), Sara, and Karla’s four grandchildren, Lauren, George, Maxson, and Charlie, and Larry’s first wife and mother of Erik, Laurie Richardson Betts (Richard).

There will be a celebration of Life at Rochester High School in the gymnasium on Sept 30 at 1 p.m. There will also be a tree planting and dedication in October, here in Goodyear, at Millennium High School (to be announced).

F. Leon Looney

Dearest neighbors, friends, and family, we have lost a bright star from our world. F. Leon Looney went home to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Aug. 27, 2023. After a massive stroke and two weeks in the hospital, he is now at rest.

Leon was born to his parents Floy and Helen Looney on Feb. 16, 1945, in “Old St. Joe’s” in Phoenix and raised in Buckeye. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Cheryl; his two sons, Brian (Karen) and Carter (Christina); his four grandchildren, Helen Marie, John, Annabelle, and Samuel; and his siblings Patricia Ann and Steven.

He was a loving husband and father, brother and friend. To all who knew him, he will be missed greatly. Over the past five years we have spoken often of this day, and I know he left the world with no regrets. He always told me not to worry if he went first, he would be happy in Heaven with the Trinity and praying for our well-being.

His most ardent wish was that you should know the Almighty Father and your Savior Jesus Christ who died for our sins.

Please pray for peace for his friends and family.

The Leon Looney family

Cynthia “Cyndee” Krause

Cynthia, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated educator, passed away on Aug. 12, 2023, at the age of 74. An unwavering love marked her life for her family, teaching, learning, and a legacy of devotion that will forever be cherished.

Cynthia was born June 2, 1949, in Chicago. She grew up to become a woman of remarkable strength and kindness, qualities that would define her throughout her life. In 1969, she married her high school sweetheart, Douglas, in a union that would last over five decades. This month, they would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary, a testament to their enduring love and commitment to one another.

Her greatest joy was her family. Cynthia was a devoted mother to her three surviving children, Carrie, Justin, and Lukas. Her heart was forever touched by the memory of her beloved daughter, Amanda, who passed away in infancy. Cynthia’s nurturing spirit and unwavering love shaped the lives of her children and, in turn, the lives of her grandchildren: Elisabeth, Thomas, and Rylan. Her legacy of love and care lives on in the hearts of each generation.

Cynthia was a passionate and dedicated educator whose impact extended beyond her immediate family. She spent over three decades inspiring and molding young minds as a high school and university teacher in the Chicago area. Her enthusiasm for education was infectious, and her students held a special place in her heart. Cynthia’s commitment to teaching went beyond the classroom, for she nurtured a love of service by sponsoring the student council for many years. Cynthia was also a certified midwife and Lamaze instructor. Over her lifetime, she had the privilege of helping to deliver over 200 babies to this world.

Cynthia had an insatiable appetite for literature and history, spending countless hours engrossed in books. Her library was a treasure trove of wisdom, reflecting her inquisitive mind and love for the written word. Academically, she graduated from North Central College with a bachelor’s degree, where she laid the foundation for her passion for learning. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue further studies at National University, where she earned her master’s degree, and later, at Northern Illinois University, where she achieved her doctorate. Her academic achievements were a testament to her tenacity and determination, inspiring those around her to reach their dreams and goals.

In 2012, Cynthia and Douglas began a new chapter of their lives, retiring to Goodyear, Ariz., where they found a loving community filled with warmth and beautiful friendships. Cynthia continued engaging with her community as an officer in the local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Society of Colonial Dames, and the Daughters of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. She also enjoyed participating in various activities at church. Her time in Arizona brought her immense joy.

Cynthia leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication. Her memory will forever be cherished by her husband, Douglas, her children Carrie (Chris), Justin (Michael), and Lukas (Valerie), her grandchildren, Elisabeth, Thomas, and Rylan, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in her memory.

Let us remember Cynthia’s vibrant spirit, her unwavering love, and her profound impact on the lives she touched. May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with her beloved daughter Amanda, and forever surrounded by the love and light she shared with the world.

Connie Mirkovich

On June 10, 2023, Connie Mirkovich peacefully passed away at the age of 82. The glue that held the family together was born in Rapid City, S.D. Her first years were spent with her grandparents who spoiled her, but instilled in her a love for learning. When she went to school, she was one of the smartest in her class. This continued throughout life until the very end. Her high school days were full of learning and happiness.

She traveled to University of Denver, where she excelled and obtained a bachelor’s degree. During her time in college, she joined the Kappa Delta sorority, where she was very active. While in college, she met her husband Michael, to whom she was married for 59 fulfilled years. When she and Michael retired, they spent many years traveling the world. They traveled to such places as Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, Tahiti, Australia, and New Zealand. She fell in love with New Zealand, and it was one of her fondest places in the world. She was passionate about quilting, and was instrumental in forming the quilting club at PebbleCreek.

Connie is survived by her husband Michael, son Mark, granddaughter Micha, two brothers, and many nieces and nephews. She will be missed by family and the many friends she made during her life.

Paul Peter Stutzke

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Peter Stutzke (92) of Goodyear, Ariz. Paul peacefully passed away on July 16, 2023, at Cozy Home Care in Surprise, Ariz.

Paul was born on Aug. 22, 1930, in Chicago, Ill., to the late Paul Peter Stutzke Sr. and the late Cecilia (Smith) Stutzke.

Paul attended Our Lady of Victory Catholic School for elementary school and then St. Mel’s High School (class of 1948), both in Chicago.

In January 1951, Paul enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. He was Honorably Discharged, in 1954, after completing three years of service. Paul then attended the University of Notre Dame, in South Bend, Ind. He graduated “Cum laude” in 1958, earning the degree of Bachelor of Science in Commerce.

Paul then began his career as an internal auditor. Paul worked as an internal auditor at CNA (Continental National Assurance) in Chicago, eventually being promoted to the role of supervisor. While at CNA he established several lifelong friendships. Upon leaving CNA, Paul was employed by Bankers Life and Casualty in their Internal Auditing Department. He was later offered an Internal Audit Manager position with the State of Illinois Department of Employment Security. Paul remained there until he retired in 1996.

Paul met his wife, Teresita (Terri) (nee Becker Dizon) in Chicago. They were married on July 1, 1972, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Evanston, Ill. They established their residence in Libertyville, Ill., in 1973, where they raised their two children, Catherine and Steven. Upon Paul’s retirement in 1996, the family relocated to PebbleCreek in Goodyear, Ariz. Paul and Terri recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary.

Paul was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to classical music and Big Band, especially Glenn Miller. Paul was a diehard, lifelong Chicago Cubs baseball fan, attending many games throughout his lifetime. Paul also enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears and Notre Dame college football. He frequently traveled with his friends and/or family to South Bend to watch Notre Dame home games. Paul also enjoyed vacationing throughout the country with his family.

Paul had a longstanding love and enjoyment for the game of golf, after being introduced to the sport by former roommate, Arnold Palmer, while they served in the U.S. Coast Guard. During retirement Paul enjoyed many more years of playing golf, as well as babysitting his only grandchild Nathan Maynard.

Paul was a dedicated, generous, faithful, and loving husband, father, and papa.

Unfortunately, Paul was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2014, and later diagnosed with dementia. In March 2018, Paul was placed into Cozy Home Care due to advancing symptoms of Parkinson’s and dementia. He was given the last rites on May 10, 2023, by Fr. Gregory Menegay of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Surprise, Ariz.

Paul died peacefully and joined God on July 16, 2023, at 10:28 p.m.

Paul is survived by his wife Terri, daughter Catherine (Stutzke) Maynard, his son Steven Stutzke, and grandson Nathan Maynard. He is also survived by his two sisters, Gloria Stutzke and Patricia Stutzke.

Visitation was held on Aug. 3, 2023, at Holy Cross Funeral Home in Avondale, Ariz. Funeral Mass was held at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church in Surprise, Ariz., on Aug. 4, 2023. Inurnment was held on Aug. 12, 2023, at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Avondale, Ariz.