Obituaries

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Romaldo Marin Lopez January 13, 1943 - February 1, 2019

Romaldo Marin Lopez was a resident of Elgin, AZ since 2001. For the past year his health had declined. He was loved and surrounded by his immediate family at the end. Originally born in Sonora, AZ, He grew up there with his six siblings and his parents until he was 15 years old. His family were miners. When the mine took over the town they moved to San Jose, Ca.

He and his wife Lydia Martinez Lopez were married for 52 years. They were business owners in Patagonia and ran the Metamorphosis Art Gallery for many years. Both were active artists in their 20’s and 30’s. He was a Bronze sculptor and photographer. She was a painter and graphic artist. He and his sculptor friends established a foundry to cast bronze and aluminum sculpture and were instrumental in the art community. They met in San Jose, CA, attended art school together and graduated from San Jose State University. He majored in sculpture and minored in entomology. Many of his sculptures reflected a metamorphosis between human and insect anatomy. He worked at the University as a staff photographer where he retired after 31 years.

They raised their two sons Michael and Rafael Lopez. Between the sons and their families (Daughters-in-Law Meg and Angela), he was loved by his six grandchildren; Michael Jr., Marlena, Anthony, Jessica, Kinsey and Maile. Romaldo loved and cherished his grandchildren and the time he spent with each of them. His youngest granddaughter, Maile, was born in Sonoita in August and her 4-year-old sister Kinsey enjoyed playing with his toy collection of cars and insects. He was their “Buelo” and Lydia is their “Buela”.

For those that knew him, he was known as Romey. He was very principled, opinionated, straight forward, spoke his mind, was a good friend, a mentor to some, and enjoyed throwing a good party. Their annual Super Bowl party was always a hit. He knew how to cook a turkey, his lamb was even better, and his salsa was a winner. He loved his ranch, his sheep, his dogs, chickens, cats and his award-winning vegetable garden. They became parent figures to many in San Jose and to some here in Arizona.

He will be greatly missed by all. We will always love and appreciate all that you did for us, Dad. There will be a Celebration of Life on March 30 2019 at the Sonoita Fairgrounds from 12-3 p.m. For those that knew him, please feel welcome to attend.

Carmen B. Matus April 29, 1928 - January 14, 2019

On January 14th, 2019, Carmen B. Matus was called to join her departed loving brothers and sisters. “Nana Carmen” as she was so well known by her family, entered this world on April 29th, 1928 in Duquesne, AZ. Carmen was the youngest and last child of the Riveras’, a name whose roots run deep in Southern Arizona and considered one of the pioneering families to the region. While Duquesne was her birthplace, she lived her life across the area, making the town of Patagonia her home and the home of the family she created.

She is predeceased by her father, Jose Jimenez Rivera, mother, Concepción Soto Rivera, daughter, Amy Louise Matus. The youngest of 12 siblings, she is predeceased by brothers and sisters, Mercedes Rivera Matus (Manuel), Miguel Rivera (Consuelo), Dolores Rivera, Angela Rivera Sinohui (Francisco), Mary Lou Rivera McCracken (James), Concepción “Concha” Soto Rivera Anaya (Candelario), Jose Rivera Jr. (Ramona), Clara Rivera Sinohui (Alejandro), Benjamin Rivera (Carmen). She is survived by loving brothers Carlos Soto Rivera (Belia), and Tomas Soto Rivera (Virginia).

Within her immediate family, she is survived by her loving husband, William Y. Matus, to whom she was married for over 70 years; daughters Emma Matus Voss (Arthur), and Cynthia Matus Morriss (Ronald R.); grandchildren Aimee Naegelin Varela (Rick), John William Montanez (Amanda), Charles T. Morriss, Rhonda Morriss Bothwell (Al), and Samantha A. Morriss; great-grandchildren James, Elliana, and Kayleigh Carmen Varela, Johnny, Alexis, and Tommy Montanez, and Emily Wilson Thomas (Bradan), in addition to many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She leaves her loving kitty cats, 80 lb lap dog, “Halo,” and all favorite things including gardening and yard work, cooking, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, Arizona Diamondbacks, Scrabble marathons, hiking, and family gatherings across the valley, Duquesne, and “Marta’s Place.”

Carmen was loved and respected by all who knew her. From a very young age she led a life devoted to family and caring for others; a selfless life of sacrifice and giving back to her community as much as her family. She was a dedicated worker at several ranches including, the Rancho Grande, Circle Z, Empire, and Rail X. Additionally she ran the Alamo Country Store, Big Foot Feed & Supply, and other small businesses and clinics. One of her biggest passions was bringing countless smiles to local seniors for years as a site manager for the Patagonia Senior Citizens Center.

While our family mourns her passing, we are comforted by the endless love and kindness she showed us, the strength she instilled within us, and many wonderful years of memories and stories of her that remain with us. Her smile, voice, and laughter are forever ingrained within our hearts.

We love you always, Nana Carmen. Family and friends will honor Carmen through a celebration of life on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Patagonia Senior Center.

Jill Babcock August 31, 1930 - January 10, 2019

Jill Babcock was a resident of Patagonia for many years. Originally from England, Jill also lived a number of years in Canada before returning to England where she lived until the early ‘90s. She was running her home as a Bed ‘n Breakfast in St. Ives, Cornwall, when love and adventure came knocking at her door in the guise of a Bisbee man.

Jill followed him to Arizona where they were married. Although their marriage did not last, her love affair with Arizona continued to the end. Her 26 years in Patagonia were her happiest and most creative. Here she explored her gifts as a painter and a poet, took great pleasure participating in local theater productions, and made many enduring friendships. Jill is survived by her children Gail Clarke and Nigel Hart, her grandchildren Julia and Danielle Clarke and Samara Hart, her great grandchild Juliette Donaldson and by her sister Diana Zambonelli.

Metamorphosis
By Jill Hart Babcock

Don’t be afraid of death, my friend,
It’s a beginning, not an end.

Ask the glorious dragonfly
Whether he was afraid to die,
To leave the empty shell behind,
Emerging, trembling, there to find
His wings of iridescent light

Unfolding, shimmering into flight.
So shall we live, unhampered, free,
To dance with the sunlight, flow with
the sea,

Soar with the eagle, swoop with the
dove,
Play with the dolphin, embodied in love.
No, don’t be afraid of death, my friend,
It’s a beginning, not an end

Former Patagonia resident Charlotte Finley, better known as Cici, followed other strong women into the great beyond on November 18, 2018 in Estes Park, Colorado. Born in 1929, Cici grew up during the depression, out in the country near Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her father sold knives to support the family, then started businesses in Minneapolis. Cici attended the University of Minnesota studying elementary education, and married Paul Finely Sr. not long after graduating in 1952.

She worked as an elementary school teacher and then left the workforce to spend time focusing on her growing family as they moved in response to Paul’s work. Ann was born in Washington state, Paul and Sarah were born in Minnesota, and Ian, the youngest, was born in England. During these years Cici worked to improve the school district in Minnesota and she actively opposed the Vietnam War. She also explored her longstanding passions for ceramics and gardening. Some people referred to her as a supermom.

In 1972, after one too many cold winters, the family moved to Tucson where Paul Sr. worked as a pathologist at the University Medical Center. Cici began her annual holiday open house and pottery sales with lots of wine and cheese and many friends. Around 1984, with her children grown, Cici and her son Paul’s wife Faye opened a new restaurant and bakery, The Ovens of Patagonia. Soon thereafter, Cici moved to her newly built house in Red Rock Acres, next door to her sister Anne Swan and brother -in-law George.

In Patagonia, Cici also became instrumental in the expansion of the Patagonia Public Library completed in the mid-1990s. She continued her gardening, pottery production, and annual holiday pottery sale. Paul Sr. died suddenly in 1994.

In 2014 Cici moved to Estes Park, Colorado to be near her daughter Ann. Cici is survived by Ann (Chris), Erin and Kaitlin; Paul (Faye), Nigel (Joey), Nash (Kim); Sarah (Craig), Colin and Will; and Ian.

This not so well-behaved woman was loved by all that were lucky to know her. She will be missed.

Charles Ronald Hummel “Ron”

Charles Ronald Hummel, known to family and friends as “Ron,” of Cornwall Bridge, CT, died peacefully at age 80, in New Milford Hospital on September 8th, 2018. Ron was born and raised in Detroit, MI. He is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Anne Hummel and his twin brother, Richard Brian Hummel. Ron raised his family in New Canaan, CT and retired in Cornwall Bridge, CT and Patagonia, AZ.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Anne Steele Hummel; his children Cynthia Hummel Weeks (Donald); Krista Hummel Burdick (Christopher); Hans Charles Hummel (Christine); his grandchildren, Russell, Meghan and Nathan Weeks; Skylar and Shea Burdick; Lily, Charlie and Lucy Hummel; his siblings, Anne Patricia Arrazola; Barbara Gale Nill (Kenneth); and Gary Robert Hummel.

Ron attended high school at Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield, MI and graduated in 1956. During his teenage and college years he led long canoe trips at Keeywaydin camp, including a voyage to Hudson Bay. In 1960, he graduated from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School and Harvard Business School in 1962. He was an impressive athlete and was Captain of his wrestling team at Princeton.

Ron had a successful career as a Financial Executive at General Foods (KraftHeinz) in their Maxwell House Division. After his retirement he pursued his passion for environmental education and attended Southern Connecticut University. Ron and Anne retired in Patagonia, AZ and Cornwall Bridge, CT where he enjoyed wide open spaces, fresh air, hiking, swimming, running, birding, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding and his many dogs. He was an avid volunteer in both CT and AZ and spent countless hours educating adults, students and children on the environment at the Sharon Audubon Center, White Memorial Conservation Center, Patagonia State Park and Ramsey Canyon Preserve. Moreover, he started Friends of Sonoita Creek in Patagonia, AZ and was recently Chairman of the Cornwall Conservation Commission.

Ron had an adventurous spirit and a strong sense of family. He loved spending time with Anne, his children, grandchildren and relished in planning family vacations and campouts. He created long lasting memories for his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all. A private celebration of Ron’s life will be planned. Those who so desire, may make donations in memory of Ron to White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Road, P.O. Box 368 Litchfield, CT 06759; Sharon Audubon Center, 325 Cornwall Bridge Road, Sharon, CT 06096; Friends of Sonoita Creek P.O. Box 4508, Rio Rico, AZ 85648. The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements. ph here.

Patricia Kathleen (“PK”) Perkin McMahon (1943-2018)

PK passed away peacefully on August 20, 2018, in Patagonia, Arizona, surrounded by her beloved husband, children, and grandchildren. She had bravely battled Parkinson’s disease for many years.

PK was born on July 13, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky, the first child of Mary Jane and Irving R. Perkin. An Army Air Corps “brat” from the start, she attended many schools in the United States and Europe and was forever after adaptable to new environments. She made friends easily and held both family and friends close even when great distances separated them. Her friends found it interesting to learn her father was a co-founder of the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson.

She met and married Air Force Captain James V. McMahon in Wiesbaden, Germany, in 1966. Their 52 years of marriage were enriched beyond measure by their children, Paisley Jane McGuire (of Patagonia) and Peter Bernard McMahon (of Fort Wayne, Indiana); Paisley’s husband Matt and children Grace Kathleen, Cole James, and Madeline Elizabeth; and Peter’s wife Karen and children Evan Drake and Jack Ryan.

She is survived also by her brother, Dr. Robert F. Perkin of Tucson (and his sons Daniel Joseph, David Andrew, and John Robert), and her sister, Nancy Perkin Beaumont of Chicago (Paul Pomerantz).

A talented artist, calligrapher, interior designer, and event organizer, PK joined forces with three partners to hold an annual holiday crafts fair, “Rainbow’s End,” in Phoenix and Scottsdale for fourteen years. She enjoyed helping others, and for several years worked and taught at Parents’ Anonymous in Phoenix.

After her children left home, she completed her college education at Arizona State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree (summa cum laude). PK had a unique gift for words, and she completed her career as an editor for the book division of Arizona Highways. She retired in 2006 and she and Jim moved to Patagonia the following year.

PK loved and was loved. She will be remembered always for her wisdom, grace, and kindness.

Her funeral will be held at the Patagonia Community Church Sunday August 26^th at 1 PM. The address is 387 McKeown Av., Patagonia, AZ 85624. In lieu of flowers, PK asked that donations be made in her name to either the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts (www.scfpapresents.org): P.O. Box 875; Patagonia, AZ 85624 or the Pima Air and Space Museum (pimaair.org).

Phillis Ann Moutray (1940-2018)

Phillis Ann Moutray, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away June 21, 2018 at home in the Sawtooth mountains of Idaho. She was 78 years old. Phillis was born on March 14, 1940 to Lawrence and Dorothy Davis in Carlsbad, New Mexico. She graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1958. Phillis enjoyed spending time with her friends Dona and Carlyn at the Arrowhead having cake and listening to the jukebox. She attended Campfire Camp in the Sacramento Mountains in the summers where she participated in many activities including hiking, horseback riding, cooking outside and performing original skits.

She married Jim B. Moutray Jr. on Christmas Day 1960 in Carlsbad, New Mexico. After their wedding they lived at the Moutray Brothers Seven Rivers farm where Jim B. helped to run operations. Phillis and Jim welcomed six children; Lorie, Jamie, Corey, Amy, Jason and Anne. They made their home for many years in Ames, Iowa. The couple have lived in Sonoita seven months a year for the last twelve years.

Phillis is survived by her husband of 58 years, children, Lorie (Michael) Kampf, Corey (Christina) Moutray, Amy Moutray, Jason (Susie) Moutray and Anne (Tyler) Arndt; grandchildren, Heather Jackson; Noah Carson; Kate (Connor) Brown; Maddie Moutray; Forest Winter; Quinn Arndt; Lily Moutray; Sami B. Moutray; Ben Arndt; great-grandchildren Elayna Brown; Hewitt Brown.

Phillis was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Dorothy Davis and daughter Jamie Moutray.