In Memoriam

In Memory Of:

Spinelli, John Joseph
65, of SUN CITY WEST, AZ passed away on JUNE 12, 2010. John was born in 1944 in Los Angeles, CA., and graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 1965 with a BS in Engineering. He married Kathy in 1966 and worked as an engineer in California and Washington. He retired in 2005, and moved to Arizona in 2006. He stayed active spending time with his family and going to sporting events with his son and grandsons. In his retirement, he became a volunteer with RV MAPS and enjoyed traveling the country in his RV with Kathy. He is survived by his wife Kathy; children, Caroline (Robert), John Jr. (Angel), and Cynthia (Stephen); grandchildren, John III, Nicholas, Noah, Christopher, Anthony, Riley, Kaylee, Luke and Reagan. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at Florence Avenue Foursquare Church, Santa Fe Springs, CA at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers ,contributions can be made to RV MAPS through the Assemblies of God.

Gordy Rholl

1929-June 9, 2010

Gordy's sister Borgie, emailed me to let me know Gordy passed away last night, losing his battle with cancer. No plans have been made at this time. Cards can be sent to Mrs. Nancy Rholl, 10035 W Royal Oaks Suite 1037, Sun City, Az. 85351

Forwarded from the Tennis Club:Gordy Rholl passed away June 9th at 10:30 PM. He was in the Care Center at Royal Oaks. The cancer progressed very quickly, as I just played in the Club Tournament, with Gordy as my
> partner, in March. Gordy's pain is over, and he is now in a much better place. Gordy was never a complainer and always supported and participated in the club activities. He was a valuable member of the tennis club, serving as Club Secretary for two years (2007 and 2008). Gordy's inner and physical strength is something I will always remember. If ever you wanted someone on your side that you could count on, Gordy was your man!
> Gordy's loving wife, Nancy, has been by his side through all of his pain and suffering. She did so much to help make his last days as pleasant as possible. Now, she needs our prayers and support to help with her loss. Gordy's body is being cremated. There will be a memorial ceremony at Sunland Mortuary on June 26th (Saturday) at 10:00 AM. Gordy's wishes were that flowers not be sent. Instead, donations can be made in his name to "Highway Christian Hospice", 67 East Weldon Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85012 (602-274-1952). However, it would be okay to send a card to Nancy.

Don Eden

1933-May 25, 2010

Don Eden, a long-time member of the Sun City West Softball Club, passed away May 25, 2010. Fellow player, Ray Keller, describes him as probably the best shortstop to ever hit this town. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 AM on Saturday, May 29, at the Sun City West Christian Church, located at 151st Ave and RH Johnson Blvd. A donation in Don's name will be sent to the American Diabetes Association.

04/14/2010

Darlene Boinski

October 10, 1932- April 14, 2010

Darlene Boinski, wife of "Bo" Boinski, passed away on Wednesday, April 14. Family and friends attended a visitation at Camino del Sol in Sun City West from 4-7 PM on Thursday, April 15. A mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, located at 19002 N 128th Ave. in Sun City West will be held on Friday, April 16 at 9:30 AM.

Red Klingensmith

1934-March 1, 2010

Red Klingensmith passed away on March 1, 2010 having bravely battled brain cancer. In the last few months, he was able to spend time with family and friends. Red will be remembered for the extra effort he put forward to welcome new players into the league and always being ready to play, wherever or whenever. He managed teams, was a Sun City Board member and longtime member of the Guys and Gals. He traveled with the Sidewinders as well as other tournament teams. One of Red's other favorite pastimes was dancing. He and Barb used to put on quite a show square dancing. Until very recently, he was still dancin' up a storm at Joe Gallo's entertainment events. His laugh and twinkling smile will be missed. No public services are planned. Contributions in Red's name will be forwarded to Sun City Senior Softball Club and Angels in the Outfield. Our condolences go to Barb and the family.

Paul Shorty

1939-January 23, 2010

Paul Shorty lost his battle with cancer on Saturday, January 23, 2010. Our thoughts and prayers go out to wife, Barb, and family. A Memorial Mass was held Friday, January 29th at 10 AM at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Donations in Paul's name can be sent to Hospice of Arizona, 19820 N. 7th Ave., Suite 130, Phoenix, Az. 85027 The Angels in the Outfield have sent a donation in Paul's name to Hospice of Arizona.

Karl Grumbach

1941-December 12, 2009

Karl Grumbach passed away December 12, 2009. He joined the Sun City Senior Softball Club in 2006 after moving here from Washington. Further information regarding services will be posted when available. Players are invited to join the Angels in the Outfield in making a Memorial contribution to the National Parkinson's Foundation. 500 W. Thomas Road, Suite 720 , Phoenix , AZ 85013 . (602) 406-4931.

Earl Bell

1928-April, 2009

The Angels in the Outfield have received word that Earl Bell passed away in April. Earl was president of the Sun Cities League and was very active in the business of the Sun City West Club as equipment manager, safety manager, team manager, field maintenance. A donation from Angels in the Outfield to Hospice of the Valley will be made in Earl's name.

Lee Yanssens

1924-Nov. 23, 2009

Lee Yanssens passed away on November 23, 2009. He was a member of the Sun City West Club from 1998 to 2004 when his legs just could not carry him anymore. His wife, Gene, reports that there will be no local services. His ashes will be sent back to Pennsylvania. A donation from the Angels in the Outfield to the West Side Food Bank will be made in Lee's name.

Roscoe Henry

Roscoe Henry, another one of the “Old Timers” has passed away. (reported by Bob Millslagel)

Sid Smith

1935 – 6/23/ 2009

From 1993 until Sid's health no longer allowed him to play ball in 2005, he preferred to play the "hot corner" in the National League.

A memorial will be Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 3:00 PM at the Golden Corral, Grand & Litchfield in Surprise.

Donations can be sent to the Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656.

Warren Roeger

1927-Aug. 27, 2009

Warren played in the National League until about 5 years ago. Thanks, Ray Keller, for letting us know about his passing. He was one of the true “Old Timers”.

Joe McGaffin 1930 - 2009

Thomas J. Whitmore passed away peacefully at home in Sun City, AZ, on March 5th. He is survived by his wife Katie, daughter Kathy, son Dave, daughter and son-in-law Kim and Whitney Howland, sister Mary Wynne Watkins, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Tom grew up in Evanston, IL, and graduated from Northwestern University. He and Katie were married in October 1962 before Tom joined the U.S. Navy as an officer in the Supply Corp. After 5 years in the service, he had a successful career in sales.

The two constants in Tom's life were his love for his family and the game of baseball. He played baseball and softball until last year, as well as coaching many Little League teams.

Dave recently wrote these words to his Dad, which characterize all his exceptional qualities:

"You are a good son. A good brother. A loving husband. A wonderful father - the best. A best friend. A favorite uncle. You served your country. You serve your community and church wherever you live. You are one of the good ones. Wherever you have gone you've spread that goodness and brought it out of others. You work hard. You are what is good and right in the world. You are a real and true American Hero."

The Principia, Gift Services, 13201 Clayton Road, St. Louis MO 63131 or Hospice of the Valley, Fund Development, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix AZ 85014 (Katie Whitmore)

Daughter Sue has advised the Angels in the Outfield, through Bob Renberg, that her father Bill Bromley, passed away at Del Webb Hospital at 10 P.M., December 21, 2008. Bill suffered a heart attack following a game a couple of weeks ago. He had undergone surgery to remove and replace a collapsed stent. Apparently the battle to come back was too much this time for the Number 1 Cardiac Kid. Bill's wife, daughter, son and daughter-in-law were able to spend time with him before he passed. More information about services and the celebration of Bill's life will be posted when available. (Linda Graham)

Ed's brother has notified the Angels in the Outfield, through Roy Burgess, of Eddie's passing on December 20, 2008. According to the report, Eddie had a massive stroke and did not suffer. Eddie was an inspiration to all who knew him and was such an attentive husband to his wife, Jo, who has been in a care facility for the past 4 years. Ed joined the softball club in 1994. With 14 years in the club, boy did he have stories to share. You could always depend on him for a good joke.

Ed’s Brother Gordie and his wife live in Sun City West. He was looking forward to a visit from his daughter this week from out of town. Cards can be sent to 19242 N Camino del Sol, Sun City West, Az 85375

Paul Turley passed away in hospice care on August 8, 2008. Paul had been a member of the Sun City West Softball Club since 1994. He was a member of a Sidewinders National Championship team. I once asked Paul how he would like to be remembered. First, in typical Paul fashion, he said no one would remember him , or should. Then he managed a smile and a twinkle and said "I wasn't a bad ball player!" Paul is also a Hall of Fame member and was a past recipient of a special award for all the additional work he did for the league. As a graphics artist, his logo designs, etc. will be around for a long time. Information about a celebration of Paul's life will be posted when available.

Paul passed away August 10, 2008 in Indiana, where he had been living with his son, Mike. He had recently been hospitalized for a blood disorder, but was at home when he passed. Paul was an active player from 1990 until 2006.Check with Joyce Fano or Linda Graham for an address for cards.

Gary played in the league some time ago. If you have memories of Gary to share, please let Linda Graham know.

John Winterhalter

1923 - 2008

John served as president of the Sun Cities Softball League in the early '90's and pitched in the National League until about six years ago. He also played with the traveling team. He is survived by his wife, Wynona

A memorial service was held at 11 A.M. Wednesday at Desert Palms Presbyterian Church in Sun City West.

Joe DePhillips, a member of the softball club since 1996, passed away March 11, 2008. A donation in Joe's name has been sent to St. Jude's Hospital.

Bill Atherton passed away January 23, 2008. He had been battling cancer for some time. At Bill's request, no services are planned. Bill loved softball and the softball club. Carol, his wife, has requested that the donation from Angels in the Outfield, in his name, be returned to the SCW Softball Club. Bill will certainly be missed.

Tom Aloi, a member of the softball club since 1996, passed away last night with family by his side. He had fought a valiant battle against cancer for most of this past year. He and his wife Dolores moved from Sun City West to near San Diego this last spring to be near the kids and grandkids.

Tom was known as "Iron Man" by some of his softball buddies and would go anywhere to play a game of ball. He often travelled to tournaments across the country and was even recruited by California teams to play with them. When first joining the league, he was known as a "manager's manager" because he was always willing to take on that task.

But nothing would light up Tom's eyes more than talking about his kids and grandkids. Anytime they were here to visit, they would be at the field to cheer Tom on.

Tom passed away at home. No services are planned. A donation from the Angels in the Outfield will be made in Tom's name.

Ruth Burgess, wife of Roy Burgess, passed away March 29th. She had been hospitalized in February with a blood infection and subsequently was being cared for by Hospice. Their children and families are here.

Services have been scheduled for Saturday, March 31 at 3:30 at Camino del Sol in Sun City West.

Lloyd Sellers passed away on February 10, 2007. He was active in the league until 2004 when he had to step aside for health reasons. Information regarding services, etc will be posted when available. A donation to the American Cancer Society was made in Lloyd's name.

It was reported to Ron Blackwell by Jack Hart that Tommy Thompson has passed away in Minnesota. The service was held May 30, 2006.

Joe Reynolds passed away on May 12, 2006 after a long battle with cancer. His wife Kay reports he just loved playing ball and golf. Joe, a second baseman in the National League until about 2000, played on the original grass field in Sun City, wrote the articles for the Daily News Sun and posted the scores of the games. In 2004 he was diagnosed with lung cancer and had a lung removed. In October, 2005 they determined that the cancer had metastasized to the liver. He struggled with a great deal of pain, but Kay credits Hospice of the Valley with helping her and making his last days as comfortable as possible. A mass will be celebrated at 10AM on May 23 in St. Joachim and St. Anne Catholic Church, 11625 N. 111the Ave. in Sun City. Kay has asked that all donations be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix 85014-5656.

Paul Turley's wife, Mary, passed away April 28, 2006 following an illness. Services are scheduled for Monday, May 8th at 10 A.M. at Desert Palms Presbyterian Church, Stardust and 135th.

Phil Batow's wife, Loretto Agnes, 88 years old, passed away on March 3rd, 2006. A mass was held on March 8th.

John Andrulis - passed away at the age of 90, on Friday, February 17th, 2006. No service will be conducted here. John's family reports that he will be buried in Ohio. John played with the National League as a catcher until 2003. Don Goble reports that John just loved to help others enjoy the game of softball. He had a marvelous wit and a great sense of humor. In addition to playing softball, he was an accomplished racquetball player. At the request of the family, Angels in the Outfield will be making a $50 memorial donation to Sun Health Hospice of Sun City West.

Jenny Koepke, wife of Al Koepke, passed away Saturday, July 30 at home. She had been ill for some time. Al has been missed at the ball field and at the golf course, but understandably chose to spend time taking care of and being with Jenny. No services are planned, as that was her wishes.

Duke died at Del Webb Hospital, Saturday evening, March 26, 2005, at the age of 69, after a number of years of failing health. He had played in both the National and American Leagues and had served as a manager while playing in the National League. He is survived by his wife Shirley, two daughters and a sister. Shirley is employed by Grandview Terrace.

Jim passed away on Friday, March 18,2005 from complications following an automobile accident that had occurred on Bell Road at the Avenue of the Arts intersection on March 4th. There will be no memorial services here. The family will fly his remains back to Pittsburgh for viewing and a service there, which is their home. Mary and Jim have been winter residents of Sun City for 20 years during which he was an active ball player. As his daughter Susan reported, "Softball was something he loved to do and had done all through high school and college." He just loved softball. Mary will remain in Pittsburgh and over the pursuing months make a decision on whether or not to keep or sell their home here. Mary had physical challenges that made it difficult for her to get to Jim's games and now she and the family look back and so wish they had made time to see him play. They have a request. Would anyone who played with Jim, please write down their memories of their playing time with him. In addition, if anyone has a team picture or personal picture we can copy, it would be SOOOO appreciated. Please forward your notes and pictures to Gail Stouthamer, Angels in the Outfield, so she can assemble them into a memory book for the family. It would be most helpful to have all these notes by the end of the present season on April 7th.

Please mail or give your notes and pictures to Gail Stouthamer (623-214-1515) or Linda Graham (623-974-3793).

Al, father of Bob Stouthamer, passed away on Friday February 4, 2005. He became quite ill and was hospitalized about 3 weeks ago with an intestinal blockage. Because it was necessary to immediately stop all of his medications due to his condition, it became a real challenge to keep him comfortable and get him stabilized again. Gail remembered quieting her kindergarteners in years past by rubbing their shoulders, a technique that soothed Al as well. Bob and Gail and many of you who visited Al and enjoyed his smile will surely miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob, Gail and their family. No local services are planned.(Linda G.)

Elmer Edgell's wife, Louise, passed away February 2, 2005. We will pass along more information when it becomes available.

Passed away December 22, 2004. She is also survived by daughter Mary Gore, sons, Edwin Victor, David, Robert, William John, George, and James; brother Melvin Kaszupski, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family suggest donations to Sunhealth Hospice , 12740 N. Plaza Del Rio Blvd. , Peoria , Az 85381 . Memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 11A.M. at Lundberg White Rose Chapel, 5310 W. Northern Ave. , Glendale .