 Deaths Laurlene Ivanell Simms Laurlene Ivanell Simms died, Sunday, January 21, 2007 in Phoenix at the age of 46. She was born in Winterhaven, California on June 22, 1960. She was a housewife and a member of the Church of Nazarene. Laurlene attended Riverside Elementary School in Riverside, California, a graduate of ASDB High School in Tuscon, Arizona and attended two years of college in Seattle, Washington and made her home in Phoenix. Surviving relatives are father, Benjamin Simms; mother, Daisy Simms, of Phoenix; sister, Frances Bixler, of Yuma; brother, James Evanston, Jr., of Phoenix; daughters, Veronica Simms and Ursula Simms, of Phoenix; Sophia Barrutia and Sandra Barrutia, of Suprise, Arizona; and Sonja Barrutia , of Phoenix Final resting place will be Winterhaven Que.chan Indian Cemetery. Willard Golding, Sr. will officiate. Jack G. Merrifield On January 22, 2007 the world lost a true gentleman and family man. Jack G. Merrifield. Being ever independent and with the assistance of Hospice and surrounded by his family, he passed at his daughter’s home in Yuma. Jack was born on April 26, 1927 in Cambridge, Ohio. Jack served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was a highly successful self-employed flooring contractor. Jack was a member of the American Legion B.P.O.E. He is survived by his children, Steve (Barbara) Merrifield, of Jacksonville, Florida, Suanne (Riley) Wyatt, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico and Dianne (Jack) DeBell, of Yuma; sister, Barbara Servoss, of Youngsville, North Carolina; and grandchildren, Steve Merrifield, Gina Carzoli, Jeff Merrifield, Roxanne DeBell, Greg Wyatt and Randy Wyatt. Jack also had five great-grandchildren; and fourteen nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine. Jack will be sorely missed, but forever close to our hearts. Graveside services were held at noon on Friday, January 26, 2007. Thomas Edward Joseph Merket Thomas Edward Joseph Merket, 70, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2007. He was born May 16, 1936 in Cleveland, Ohio. Upon graduation from Central Catholic High School, he entered a nursing program in Canton, Ohio. Upon learning he would soon be drafted, he was determined to select which branch. He served honorably for four years with the United States Navy at Great Lakes Naval Base, Great Lakes, Illinois. However, the greatest accomplishment of his military service was meeting and marrying his beloved wife, Wilma. At the urging of a former Navy colleague, Tom moved his new family to Lexington, Kentucky and began a long and successful career in the medical field. Always a hard worker, he developed the respiratory therapy program at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky, and then practiced in several states, eventually becoming the oldest practicing respiratory therapist in the state of Arizona. Tom was the quintessential storyteller, he would regale anyone within earshot (usually over a cold brew), and leave his newfound friends with smiles on their faces. He was an active member of Rod and Gun Club and Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree Assembly 20. It was often said that he never let the truth get in the way of a good story. He was an imperfect man, with an affable demeanor, a sharp eye at cards, an equally willing spirit whether it was during a hunt, fishing trip, or a trek through Europe. He loved life, and embraced everyone he met with an infectious laugh, a delicious meal and his huge heart. Tom is survived by his wife Wilma, J. Merket, formerly of Hilo, Hawaii; daughters, Kimberly (Thomas) M. Garden, of Maricopa, Arizona and Gabrielle L. M. (Paul) Mitchell, of Concho, Arizona; sons, Thomas L. (Lynn) Merket, of Phoenix, and Michael N. (Jessica) Merket, of Chandler, Arizona and 15 grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd K. and Florence F. Merket; brother Richard L. Merket; son, Kenneth M. Merket, and a daughter Mary Merket. A memorial service is scheduled at 10 a.m., Monday, January 29, 2007, at Johnson Mortuary. A funeral mass will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 29, 2007 at St. Thomas Indian Mission. Internment of cremains will be in Hilo, Hawaii. © Copyright, YumaSun.com |