Steve Avilla

Steve Avilla 62, passed away April 13, 2013 following heart surgery. He was surrounded by his loving wife and sons. He was born in Alameda, California August 1, 1950 to Urban and Pearl Avilla and came to the valley when he was 6 years old. Steve graduated from Maryvale High School in 1968 and Arizona State University in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. A Tempe resident for 36 years he had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to tell stories, sang karaoke, and played the guitar. He was a wonderful husband to his wife of 40 years, Celeste, and a loving father to his two sons Matthew Ryan and William Lewis. He is also survived by his brother, Michael T. Avilla (Carol), sister, Mary Luckenbill (Christopher) his brother, Timothy K. Avilla (Jackie) and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed and always remembered by all of those who knew and loved him. Services will be held at Tempe Mortuary, 405 E. Southern Avenue on Saturday April 20, 2013 at 11:30 am. A reception will be held in his honor following the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance, www.firstfoodbank.org

JAMES "Jim" MICHAEL BADOWSKI

Born: 10-07-1950
Died: 04-19-1993

Jim's sisters are: Mary Badowski, MHS; 1970, Susan Badowski, MHS; 1973, &Kathy Badowski, MHS; 1978. His parents are William F. Badowski and Anna T. Badowski. James's interment is in the southwest area of Holy Cross Cemetery, Avondale, Arizona, located at 99th Avenue and Thomas Road.
 

Thomas P. Baker

STEPHEN "Steve" RAY BRADSHER

Born:11-29-1950
Died: 10-1972

Steve was on the MHS freshman Pee Wee football team in 1964-1965; wearing jersey # 85. Steve's brothers are: Paul Bradsher, MHS; 1971, & Tom Bradsher, MHS; 1975.
 

WILLIAM "Bill/Billy" JENNINGS BRYANT, JR.
Born: 05-27-1948 at Fort Belvoir, Virginia
Died: 02-10-1967, in Vietnam.
Billy was in active military duty in the USMC, United States Marine Corp.,
Rank: PFC-E2-Regular.
Billy was 18 yrs. old & single.
He enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1966, in Phoenix, Arizona.
His casualty was on 02/10/1967, in Quang Nam, South Vietnam.
Bill was a hostile, ground casualty misadventure.
In a heroic effort to save others, he threw himself on a grenade.
His body was recovered.
He is respectfully honored on the Vietnam Wall National Monument in Washington, D.C., his place on the Wall is Panel 15E-Line 13
Billy's sisters are: Dorothy May (Bryant) Steel, MHS; 1964, & Claudia Bryant, MHS; 1966.
 

Conner, Cecil Edward "Ed"

Conner, Cecil Edward "Ed" 63, of Virden, NM, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center in Safford. He was born on September 15, 1949 in Phoenix, to Otis Odell Conner, and Zola Ann Mentzer Conner. He married Sherry Richins on March 11, 1994 in Mesa, AZ. Ed attended school in Phoenix and graduated from Maryvale High School. He was very patriotic and served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman serving with U.S. Marine Corps., he served in Vietnam, Guam, and San Diego. Upon returning from serving his country he began working as an ironworker in commercial construction. After many injuries, he changed his career from ironworker to welder. He held all welding certifications available at the time. He graduated from NAU with a degree in Construction Technology and taught wood shop, computers, welding, in Maricopa and Willcox. He gained a love for baseball from his mother, and he coached baseball, football, and wrestling. Ed was always patriotic, even after he was ill he did presentations to schools on Veterans Day. He was always building props for Sherry to use in her class room and always made learning fun for the students. He loved his grandchildren, golf, shooting, traveling, hunting, fishing, and music. Ed is survived by his wife, Sherry of Virden, NM; sons, Derick Edward Conner of Ft. Grant, Noel Jonathon Conner of Phoenix, Jacob Russell Conner of Phoenix, James Dean Rapier of Safford, and Wesley J. (Laura) Rapier of Safford; daughters, Michelle Dawn (Joe) Taylor of Mesa, and Carol Lyn (Jody) Calhoun of Sahuarita; a brother, Jimi Conner of Washington; and 23 grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at the Duncan LDS Stake Center, with Bishop Buddy Jensen officiating. Viewing will be one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the National Memorial Cemetery of AZ, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 29, 2013, with full military honors. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com

MICHAEL "Mike" EUGENE COURTRIGHT

Born: 09-10-1950
Died: 04-27-1969, in Vietnam
Mike was in active military duty in the USMC, United States Marine Corp.
Mike was awarded a Purple Heart.
Rank: PFC - E2 - Regular.
CO K 4 MAR 3 MAR DIV
Mike was 18 years old and single.
His tour of duty began on 01- 21-1969.
His casualty was on 04-27-1969, in Quang Tri, South Vietnam.
Mike was a hostile, ground casualty that was related to gun, small arms fire.
His body was recovered.
Arrangements by: Lundberg Mortuary, Glendale, Arizona.
Interment on 05/07/1969 at: Resthaven Memorial Park, 6290 West Northern Avenue, Glendale, Arizona 85301, Section 2, Block 45, Lot 3, Space 3.
Mike is respectfully honored on the Vietnam Wall National Monument in Washington, D.C., his place on the Wall is Panel 26W - Line 61.
Mike is also remembered on the Arizona Vietnam Wall.
Mike's sister is Donna Courtright, MHS; 1966. His parents are both deceased: Robert C. Courtright (1924-1999) and Dorothy M. Courtright (1923-1994); their interment is also at Resthaven Memorial Park, Glendale, Arizona, next to their son.
 

NATHAN DOUGLAS DOCKERY

Born: 03-26-1950, Los Angeles County, California.
Died: 03-14-2002
Nathan was a member of the Art Council during his junior (1966-67) year. Nathan's brother is Gary Dockery, MHS; 1966. Nathan last resided in Oakland, Alameda County, California USA 94602.
 

DENNIS RAY HAMEN

Born: 09-28-1950
Died: 04-12-1998
Dennis was a member of the 1964-65 freshman class council. Dennis last resided in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona USA 85029.
 

JEAN MARIE HAUSLER

Born: approx.1950.
Died: 1970, from leukemia.

Jean was in Girl's League (1964-65) during her freshman year. She was a member of Class council during her freshman, sophomore & junior years; serving as an alternate in her freshman & sophomore class years. Jean was a member of Girl's Athletic Association (GAA) all 4 class years. She was a member of the Pep Club during her junior & senior years. Jean was a member of student body council & was a Varsity cheerleader during (1967-68) her senior class year.
 

DAVID BRUCE IRONS

Born: 12-28-1949
Died: 04-13-2001

David is a Veteran of the United States Air Force
Rank: A1C

Cemetery: Richmond Memory Gardens, (no physical address) on Main Street, next to Sunrise Elementary school, 401 Matt Waller Avenue, Richmond, Missouri 64085
City of Richmond # 816-776-5304
Buried at: Garden of Gethsemanee II, Lot 125, Space 1.
David's parents are: Father, George Gordon Irons and Mother, Lydia O. Irons. They reside in Nixa, Missouri. David's sisters are: Nancy J. Irons (attended Cartwright Elementary in Phoenix, Arizona); and Kerri Eloise Irons (dob: 1960 - burial date: 12-20-1976); interment also at Richmond Memory Gardens, Garden of Gethsemanee II, Lot 125, Space 2. Also interred at Richmond Memory Gardens, are David's paternal grandparents; George E. Irons (burial date: 01-26-1990, Garden of Gethsemanee II, Lot 126, Space 4) and Lenice Irons (dod: 04-22-1987, Garden of Gethsemanee II, Lot 126, Space 3). *Contact with David's sister Nancy was made 03/2007; his family will be updating and sharing more about David's life soon.
 

 DAVID JARAMILLO

Born: approx. 1948-1950
Died: 19??

David attended and graduated in 1964 from Glenn L. Downs elementary school. In 1965, David was a member of the MHS freshman football (wearing jersey # 40) and basketball teams. David's brothers are John "Johnny" Felix Jaramillo (DOD: 01/27/2007), MHS; 1968, Joe Jaramillo, Michael Jaramillo, and Mario Tello. His nephews are Joshua Jaramillo and Ezekiel Jaramillo. David's family owns and operates Popo's Mexican Food in Maryvale, 6542 West Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85033-3329. David's Mother is Betty Salazar (deceased), and his Father is Felix Jaramillo.
 

GREGORY "Greg" J. JARCZYK

Born: 09-20-1950
Died: 01-16-1992

Greg was in the Coin Club during 1964-65, his freshman year. He was in Parnassus during his junior & senior years; & the Physics Club in his senior year. Greg's brothers are; Paul A. Jarczyk, MHS; 1969, & Peter "Pete" Jarczyk (deceased 08/1995), MHS; 1971. Greg's sister is: Mary Jarczyk, MHS; 1979.
 

THOMAS "Tom" JAMES KAMODY

Born: 06-09-1950
Died: 11-1986
Tom was in the MHS Gun Club during his freshman & sophomore years. He was a member of the Photo Club during his junior & senior years. His brothers are: Robert Wayne Kamody, MHS; 1969 & Richard Kamody, MHS; 1974. His sisters are: Karon (Kamody) Norris, MHS; 1971 & Jenne Kamody, MHS; 1976.
 

William Reid "Bill" Kriese

Bill Kriese, Class of 1968 has passed away.

Kriese, William Reid "Bill"
62, of Gilbert, AZ passed away January 16, 2013. He was born January 24, 1950 in Phoenix, AZ to Robert and Janet [Reid] Kriese, who precede him in death. Bill graduated from Maryvale High School in 1968, served in the U.S. Army in 1970 and was a member of the Operating Engineers #428, he was always in construction work. Bill was a great mechanic who loved his classic cars and his Harley but his true joy was spending time with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years Alberta Mae; sister Rebecca Kriese Crotty and brother Bruce Douglas Kriese; son William Dean Kriese ; step children Terry and Richard Ligon; grandchildren Christopher William Kriese and Alexandria Noel Kriese; step grandchildren Cami and Kyle Ligon as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A celebration of his life will be at 12:00 pm, Saturday, January 26, 2013 at Mariposa Gardens Cemetery Chapel, 6747 E. Broadway Rd in Mesa, AZ. Please visit www.mariposagardens.com to leave condolences.

DOYLE W. McELMURRY

Born: 10-11-1949
Died: 12-13-2001

Doyle last resided in Prescott, Yavapai County, Arizona USA 86303.
 

PATRICK "Pat" GENE POLAND
Born: 03-08-1950
Died: 03-15-2000, by lethal injection execution, at ASPC, Florence, Arizona.
24th murderer executed in U.S. in 2000
621st murderer executed in U.S. since 1976
2nd murderer executed in Arizona in 2000
21st murderer executed in Arizona since 1976
Pat was on the 1964-65 freshman football team & on the freshman basketball gold team during his freshman year. His sophomore year, 1965-66, he was on the JV basketball team. Pat & his older brother Michael were alleged to have murdered 2 armored car guards in a heist that occurred north of Phoenix. They were eventually convicted & executed for murdering both of the armored car drivers on 05/24/1977. The Purolator van carried a total of $328,150 in cash, of which $288,000 was currency. The Purolator van was found on 05/25/1977, west of the Interstate 17 near the Bumblebee Road exit. The same morning Michael Poland rented a boat at the Temple Bar Marina on the Arizona side of Lake Mead, to meet someone at Bonelli Landing. The companions (Pat's) truck was stuck in the mud & all 4 wheels in the water, needing a tow truck to free the truck. Within a week, Patrick & Michael made several cash purchases & repaid loans in cash, spending more than $100,000. On 06/16/1977 & 06/23/1977 the bodies of the Purolator van driver-guards, Russell Dempsey & Cecil Newkirk, were found 5 miles north of Bonelli Landing at Debbie's Cove on the Nevada side of Lake Mead. Debbie's Cove is approximately 5 miles due north of Bonelli Landing & is also the closest point in Arizona to Debbie's Cove. More detailed facts related to prior of the actual incident, court proceedings/findings:
1. State v. Patrick Poland (Patrick Poland II), 144 Ariz. 388, 698 P.2d 183 (1985).
2. Info.about individuals executed in 2000; Patrick Poland, XX, 2000-03-15, AZ
3. State v. Michael & Patrick Poland (Poland I), 132 Ariz. 269, 645 P.2d 784 (1982).
4. Executed Gallery of Inmates executed since 1992; including Michael Kent Poland
& Patrick Gene Poland (*you must scroll down to find each listing).
5. AZ.Dept.of Corrections, Poland Execution, Factual & Procedural Background.
6. The Arizona Republic Newspaper Archives, Patrick Gene Poland, 06/25/2004.7. March 2000 Executions.
8.) Executions, 3-15-00, ARIZONA: EXECUTION Patrick Poland.
Pat's last words included an apology to the families of the victims. He requested & thanked them (& his own family & friends) for forgiveness for the pain & suffering that he caused them. Pat requested that Donna Hamm of Middle Ground Advocacy, of Tempe, Arizona, attend his execution. Middle Ground Prison Reform, Inc. is dedicated to prison reform in Arizona. Pat's brothers are: Michael Kent Poland (deceased 06/19/1999), Jeffrey "Jeff" Poland, MHS; 1968 & Thad Poland, MHS; 1969.
 

CHARLES SANTEFORD

Born: 07-17-1949
Died: 11-1985
Charles' brother is Eddie Santeford, MHS; 1964. Charles last resided in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona USA 85031.
 

PHYLLIS SEGOBIANO

Born: approx. 1949 or 1950
Died: approx. late 1969 or 1970, from leukemia.
 

  JANE (SHEPARD) KOLYSZKO

Born: 10-02-1950, in Iola, Kansas
Died: 06-12-2005, at age 54, at Arbor, Hospice of the East Valley, Scottsdale, AZ.
Jane is survived by son Jimmy, granddaughter Jasmine, two daughters Shannon and Brandy, a twin sister Hazel Elaine (Shepard) Sherwood, MHS; 1968 and her husband Lance, two brothers Martin and Dennis Spires, father Harold Shepard, and many nieces & nephews. Jane moved to Arizona from Kansas in 1959 with her family. She graduated from Maryvale High School in 1968. Jane was a member of beginning girls' chorus during her freshman year, and mixed chorus during her sophomore year. She was a member of Advanced Girls' Chorus during both her junior and senior class years. On 11/02/1968 she married Jim Kolyszko. Although they later divorced they remained friends in later life. Jim was by her bedside throughout her recent illness. Jane worked at Motorola for a time then stayed at home to be with her family. Her nieces and nephew Crystal, Holly and Josh remember wonderful times playing at "Aunt Jane's" house with their cousins. We all have especially fond memories at a family cabin in Groom Creek near Prescott. While at home raising her family Jane sewed baby mobiles for Judi's Originals. She also sewed uniforms for restaurants like Garcia's. Jane had a special gift to make people laugh. That is the gift that will remain with all of us forever and the laughter we all shared. Jane was also an avid sports fan. She loved her Denver Broncos and the Phoenix Suns. Her son Jimmy brought her and the entire family great joy in his accomplishments, playing basketball at Saguaro High School when he was selected player of the year, when Saguaro won their State Championship. Jimmy also won a basketball scholarship to ASU. Jane was a very kind, caring & forgiving person. She loved animals, especially cats. They brought so much comfort to her during the many challenges she faced in life. She will be loved & missed so much. The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Valley and a special thanks to Dr. Hunold and the I.C.U. nurses at Scottsdale Healthcare-Osborn Campus for their dedicated care. Services were held at Green Acres Mortuary, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona on Saturday, 06/18/2005. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Arbor, Hospice of the Valley in Jane's name or the Arizona Humane Society. Published in The Arizona Republic on 06/15/2005. Jane last resided in Scottsdale, Maricopa County, Arizona.
 

 CARL LEON ULMER, JR.

Born: 07-02-1949
Died: 05-15-1994, in Bexar County, Texas.

Carl's sons are Carl Leon Ulmer, III and Christopher Jerome Ulmer, both born in Nueces, Texas. Carl's sister is Sammie L. Ulmer, MHS; 1979 . His Father is Carl Leon Ulmer, Sr., a Corporal in the U.S. Army Air Corps (03/14/1923 - 01/15/1988) and a Veteran of World War II, buried at: Section 26, Site 8, National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (NMCA), 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85024.
 

John Roy Verdugo

Verdugo, John Roy passed away on June 2, 2013. John Roy was born on April 1, 1950 in Phoenix, Arizona to Quirina (Katie) Herrera Verdugo and Armin Duran Verdugo and had a sister, Diana L. Verdugo and brother, Armin David Verdugo. He had many relatives and also enjoyed a distinguished work life as a City Planner for Phoenix, Glendale, and Maricopa County. He attended Maryvale High School '68 where he excelled in Math and Arizona State University where he received his Bachelor's degree in Architecture and later became a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. He followed their code of ethics and professional standards throughout his career. John Roy began his professional career as an architect as an urban intern and quickly worked his way up to Principal Planner in Phoenix. He later worked as a Planner in Glendale and for Maricopa County. His duties and responsibilities included but were not limited hillside reviews, redevelopment, neighborhood planning, zoning, subdivisions and conducting administrative hearings for the general public. His adventurous spirit took him to Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Morea where he studied the cultures and art. At Belize, he studied, admired and hiked to glyphs and monuments. Within the United States, he visited Chicago, New York, Boston, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and San Francisco which allowed him to enjoy his visits while at the same time studying skylines, buildings and meeting with planning departments. John Roy enjoyed riding the Colorado River Rapids, hiking in the Superstition Mountains and as a result survived rigorous hiking training and received "The New Warrior" certificate. He also enjoyed exploring the Arizona countryside including the ruins of Tuzigoot and Montezuma Castle. He was also generous to family and friends and the community. He was known for being considerate of his fellow workers to those with whom he interacted. He donated to the Orpheum Theater, various community organizations, and enjoyed volunteer work with the Fiesta Bowl parade constructing floats. John Roy had a wonderful sense of humor and it was not unusual for him to be the life of the party. He was a great cook and was known for his chili and corn tamales. His barbecues were legendary and desserts wonderful. His parents were from Jerome and Clarkdale, Arizona where he and his brother and sister spent many holidays and summers at Oak Creek Canyon, Cottonwood, Prescott and Camp Verde. He and his siblings enjoyed exploring caves and creeks, and trout fishing. He hunted deer and elk with his Dad and Uncles and collected wild fruit and vegetables to roast over campfires. He loved his pets including several fresh water aquariums where his fish thrived but most of all he loved his little black cat Be Be and Chachita, a very spoiled Yorskshire Terrier. There were other dogs, cats and birds that also brought joy to his life. John Roy was predeceased by his Father, Mother and Brother with whom he is now united in everlasting happiness, and with many other relatives and friends who were with him in life and with whom he is now celebrating his homecoming. He was a "Man for all Seasons" who could fit in anywhere. Que descanse en paz. Services will be held June 14 with a Rosary at 9:30 AM at St. Helen's Church, 5510 W. Cholla, Glendale, AZ and a Funeral Mass to follow at 10 AM. A private Inurnment for family to follow.

Classmate recalls: John Roy Verdugo,  attended school with me (Laura Young)  at GL Downs for most of grade school before we went to MHS.