In Passing – May 2025

Sandra Jeanne Frankovich

Sandy was born in Gary, Ind., to Edith and Dwight Davis in 1942. She attended Lew Wallace High School then Purdue University where she received an Undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She was a wonderful teacher who enriched the lives of many young children.

Sandy was preceded in death by her mother Edith Davis, father Dwight Davis, and brother Dwight Davis Jr. She is survived by her loving husband Mike Frankovich, daughters Michelle Frankovich and Tracy (Rob) Nelson, and grandchildren Davis Gramza, Vivienne Gramza, Gavin Gramza, and Holden Nelson.

Sandy was known for her warmth, compassion, and smile. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, nana, and friend.

Throughout her life she led a variety of leadership roles in organizations that made a positive impact on the community. She loved golf, bridge, mahjong, and most of all spending time with her family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton, Ind., on June 28, 2025, from noon to 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating, in Sandra’s name, to the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research.

James William Ryan

James William Ryan, 80, of Tucson, Ariz., passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025. He was born on Nov. 14, 1944, in Hamtramck, Mich., to William and Estelle Kaczor.

Jim attended Saint Florian High School where he played on the football team. He was a student at Eastern Michigan University and Michigan State University earning degrees in education and administration.

In 1968, Jim married Linda Harubin and raised their sons, Cory and Laud. For much of his professional life, Jim worked in school administration, serving in various locations around the Midwest, including Streator, Ill.; Eau Claire, Wis.; and Ionia, Mich. He finished his career as a school principal at a correctional facility in Saugatuck, Mich.

Jim and Linda retired to Tucson in 2004. They were active members of the SaddleBrooke community for many years. Jim’s famous spin class kept his fellow neighbors in shape! He spent hours perfecting the playlist and joke of the day for each class. Jim also enjoyed his book club and numerous social gatherings.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife, Linda; son, Cory; his parents; and brother, Daniel. He is survived by his son and family, Laud, Blair, Arden, and Jake. He is also survived by his sister Bonnie Sanders and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

After Linda’s passing, Jim enjoyed making trips to Austin to visit his grandkids. Last November, the Ryan crew traveled to Tucson to celebrate Jim’s 80th birthday and granddaughter Arden’s 6th.

Jim was a kind and thoughtful man, known for his gentle spirit and good conversation. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Memorial donations to SaddleBrooke Pet Rescue Network are welcome at sbpetrescue.org/donate.

Michael Allen Van Derworp

Michael Allen Van Derworp, 80, born on Oct. 25, 1944, in Stockton, Calif., passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Oro Valley Hospital in Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Annora (Murphy) Johnson; his father, Edward Van Derworp; brothers Norman and Darryl Filley; and sisters Janice (Van Derworp) Cervantes and Gail Helene Van Derworp.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Crouch) Van Derworp; daughter, Michelle Patten (Tyler); sister, Stevie Dall (Norbert); grandson, Jason Howard; stepchildren Kerri Brown (Tim), Jess Drake (Heather), Rebecca Drake; step-grandchildren Jeffrey Dominick and Ivah Drake; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Michael’s software development career, spanning 50 years, began in the mid-1960s at Libby-Owens Ford glass plant, Lathrop, Calif. In the early ’70s, Michael went into business and in 1976 formed Michael Van Derworp & Associates and PAC Solutions providing consulting, accounting software, customer support, forms creation and printing.

Michael was larger than life and approached life with great passion. He was a loving father and spouse, a generous man, had a sense of adventure and loved and cared for his family and friends. His first sporting passion was dirt bike riding. He then began sailing, joined the Stockton Sailing Club and was Treasurer for 14 years. He raced and cruised his Islander 30 in the San Joaquin Delta and the Pacific Ocean. His biggest trip was sailing from Stockton to Catalina Island and back with good friends. And then, golf. He joined Brookside Country Club, Stockton, Calif., and fully immersed himself in the game and tournaments. He loved cruising, golfing vacations, road trips, and especially socializing with friends and family.

He was the best storyteller ever and passed this gift to his daughter, Michelle. He could make you laugh about his life experiences that could have been perceived as tragic or traumatizing. And he had tons of stories.

In 2009, Michael and Margie moved to SaddleBrooke saying “we’d try it out” for 10 years. He loved SaddleBrooke and never looked back. Two things he cherished in his life were family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Butterfly Butterfly,

with all of your might.

Spread your wings wide,

so you can take flight.

Butterfly Butterfly,

you will not fly alone.

So, Let go of my hand,

it’s time to fly home.

Butterfly Butterfly, 

bravely fly towards light.

The love you left us,

will always shine bright.

Michelle