In Passing

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Richard D. Wells

Richard (Rick) D. Wells, 81, of Tucson, Ariz., died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Feb. 1, 2026.

Rick was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on Sept. 8, 1944 to George and Katherine (Campbell) Wells. He grew up in the Olney section of Philadelphia before relocating to Tucson in 2002. Rick attended Temple University and Ursinus College, both located in Philadelphia, before taking a position at Merck & Company in North Wales, Pa., as a Systems Analyst where he worked until his retirement in 2002.

After moving to Arizona, Rick enjoyed retirement by playing golf, square dancing, and just simply enjoying “living the good life” as he often described it.

Rick was preceded in death by both his parents and his brother George Gerald (Jerry) Wells, as well as his grandson Tyler Wells. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Patricia, his daughter Rebecca (David) Greenfield, his sons Richard Jr. (Lucy) and Joshua, along with three grandchildren Jack, Jake, and Madison.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Santa Catalina Church on Feb. 13 at 11 a.m. Interment will take place on Monday, Feb. 16, at Holy Hope Cemetery.

Mary Ruth (Halfpap) Gelinas

Mary Ruth (Halfpap) Gelinas passed away on Jan. 3, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by intelligence, curiosity, and a joyful love of people and experiences.

She was born on Sept. 24, 1936, in Janesville, Wis., to Bert and Ruth Halfpap. Her childhood took her from Wisconsin to Illinois before her family settled in Muskegon, Mich., in 1946. She grew up with her sister, Joyce, and her brother, Tom.

Mary graduated from North Muskegon High School in 1954 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Western Michigan University. She later received a Master of Business Administration from California State University.

On June 18, 1960, Mary married Robert J. Gelinas in Muskegon, Mich. They began their married life in Ann Arbor, Mich, where their son, Robert Henry Gelinas, was born in 1965. One year later, the family moved to Northern California, where they lived for more than three decades. As a mother, Mary devoted countless hours supporting her son’s interests, including traveling with him to golf tournaments and snow ski trips during his youth.

Mary’s professional life reflected her versatility and sharp intellect. Her career included teaching; serving as executive secretary at the University of Michigan; working as a technical editor at Sandia National Laboratory and Tracor; practicing as a real estate broker; and later serving as a program administrator for Science Applications International Corporation. An excellent planner and organizer, Mary brought clarity, efficiency, and thoughtful leadership to everything she undertook.

In October 1999, Mary and her husband made their home in the SaddleBrooke retirement community north of Tucson, where they built lasting friendships and an active life together. In retirement, Mary remained deeply engaged, writing for the community newspaper and sharing stories marked by insight and humor.

Mary loved traveling with family and friends and especially cherished time at the beach and in the mountains. Her interests included playing bridge, sewing, painting, golfing, and creative computer projects involving graphics and photography. Sociable, quick-witted, and always up for a good time, she was known for her playful sense of humor.

Mary is survived by her son, Robert H. Gelinas; her daughter-in-law, Laura Gelinas; her granddaughter, Brooke Study; and Brooke’s husband, Brennen Study.

Mary will be remembered for her intelligence, organization, adventurous spirit, and playful nature. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Robert “Bob” Harold Ross

Robert “Bob” Harold Ross passed away at his nursing home on Jan. 3, 2026, in Williamsburg, Va., at age 80, following his battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born on Feb. 24, 1945, in Port Huron, Mich., the son of G. Gordon Ross, Jr. and Winona (Snowdon) Ross, and the brother of Ruth Claire (Ross) Dickinson, all of whom have predeceased him.

He is survived by: his beloved wife, Theda L. Rudd; his son, David W. Rudd Ross (Mackenzie L. lsrael-Trummel); and his two grandchildren, Amina Z. Rudd-Trummel (7) and Demetrius P. Israel-Ross (4), who lovingly called him “GrandBob.”

He was very proud of his affiliation with top-rated firms in their fields: in sales for Bastian-Blessing Foodservice Equipment, as an independent owner/operator of two McDonald’s Restaurants in Grand Rapids, Mich., and in management with Ross and Associates Marketing, Inc. for 27 years, also in Grand Rapids. He was proud of his military service from 1967 through 1969 as a Captain in the Quartermaster Corps of the U.S. Army.

He served his community by volunteering and serving on boards of directors for various local U.S. Junior Chambers, Urban Leagues, Ronald McDonald Houses, Boy Scouts of America, the Tri-Community Food Bank (AZ), and similar business and professional organizations.

Bob and Theda resided in Okemos, Mich., until their retirement to the SaddleBrooke community in Tucson, Ariz., in 2013. They then relocated to Williamsburg, Va., in 2020 to be near their family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Whiting’s Funeral Home in Williamsburg, Va., on Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. At his request, please feel free to bring a “bad Bob joke” to share! Cremation has already taken place. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Bob’s memory to the Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Michigan or to a charity of your choice.

Full obituary can be read at whitingsfuneralhome.com.

Dianne Marks

Dianne Fleming Marks, of Oro Valley, Ariz., passed away peacefully with family at her bedside on the morning of Dec. 29, 2025, after a two-week hospital stay.

Born to Claude and Sarah Fleming in Monroe, Ga., in 1942, Dianne attended Monroe High School where she was a member of the Monroe Girls Corps and marched as a drum majorette in the 1959 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She received her B.A. from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., and after graduation joined the Southern Bell Telephone Company’s first management program for women. She met the love of her life, medical student Bill Marks, on a blind date and they married Dec. 23, 1966.

During the Vietnam War they lived in Okinawa, Japan, where Bill was a physician. Over the years they lived in Dallas, Texas, Charleston, S.C., and Easley, S.C. Dianne worked as a real estate agent in Charleston, S.C. After both daughters went to college, Dianne got her master’s degree from Clemson University and she and Bill moved to Greensboro, N.C., where Dianne was a professor of sociology at a community college. She and Bill retired to Oro Valley, Ariz. where they found a wonderful community of dear friends.

Dianne loved deeply and had a fabulous zest for life. From driving her red Miata convertible to soaking up the sun gazing out at the ocean (drink in hand) to laughing with her friends and family and cheering on her beloved Georgia Bulldogs, she knew what carpe diem meant. Her legacy lives on every time someone puts on an outfit with a little more bling than usual. Every time someone flips the tassel on their graduation cap after fighting for their right to be educated. Every time people start living their lives to the fullest.

Dianne is survived by her daughters, Honor Marks and Kate Marks Sojka (Jeff); two grandchildren, Nat Sojka and Charlie Jordan; her sister-in-law, Ginger Espy Page (Bill); and nieces and nephews. We are certain she has reunited with our dad, her beloved husband of 55 years, who preceded her in death.

In honor of Dianne’s exuberance, family and friends gathered for a champagne toast celebrating her life on New Year’s Eve day in Tucson, Ariz. Dianne and Bill’s ashes will return to Augusta, Ga., for a private interment in Westover Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dianne’s memory may be made to Doctors Without Borders.

Robert Joseph Gelinas Jr.

Robert Joseph Gelinas Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on Dec. 11, 2025. In later years, he faced Alzheimer’s disease with quiet strength and grace.

He was born on Sept. 25, 1937, in Muskegon, Mich., to parents Robert and Vivian Gelinas. He grew up with his two sisters, Nancy (Gelinas) Barnard and Barbara (Gelinas) Collins, and was a loving and devoted brother throughout his life.

As a youth, Bob excelled in athletics, particularly baseball, basketball, and track. He played sports at Muskegon Junior and Senior High School and at Muskegon Community College. He also demonstrated an aptitude for home construction and science in his formative years.

Bob attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1960, a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering in 1961, and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering in 1965, with a major in applied physics. His doctoral research earned him the prestigious Mark Mills Award from the American Nuclear Society.

Bob married Mary Halfpap in 1960, and while living in Ann Arbor, Mich., they welcomed their son, Robert Henry Gelinas, in 1965. Bob was an admirable and devoted father who coached baseball and basketball while also introducing his son to fishing, golf, backpacking, skiing, and more. He shared his passions and his time generously.

In 1966, Bob began his career as a physicist in Edward Teller’s Theoretical Physics Division at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. From 1975 to 1985, he served as manager and principal scientist at Science Applications International Corporation. He later returned to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he worked in advanced laser physics and groundwater science until retiring in 1999. Throughout his career, Bob led teams of scientists and mentored students, contributing to advancements in defense, energy, atmospheric science, laser physics, and computational physics.

Bob was driven yet humble, consistently positive, and known for his warm smile and cheerful demeanor. His personal interests included a lifelong passion for fishing, golf, health and fitness, and travel with family and friends. He approached life with enthusiasm and gratitude.

He is survived by his son, Robert H. Gelinas; his daughter-in-law, Laura Gelinas; his granddaughter, Brooke Study; and her husband, Brennen Study.

Bob will be forever remembered and deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Robert A. Hanson

Robert “Bob” Aaron Hanson passed away peacefully on Dec. 10, 2025, in his apartment home at The Tradition Senior Living.

Bob was born on Oct. 13, 1942, in Independence, Iowa, to Chester and Genevieve (Sechler) Hanson. He grew up with his older sister, Sharon, and younger brother, Richard. They moved to Rochester, Minn., in August of 1949. Bob attended Rochester Public Schools, with one year and two summers at Shattuck Military Academy in Faribault, Minn. Bob played football in high school, and graduated from John Marshall High School in Rochester in 1961. Bob worked part-time at a local lumber yard and learned architectural drafting. Bob attended Rochester Community College and the University of Minnesota.

In 1963, Bob married Donna Linderbaum. They had one son, Paul. They later divorced. Bob moved to Detroit, Mich., and began working for Paul Revere Life Insurance Company. He later transferred to a new position with Paul Revere in Dallas, Texas.

On Jan. 17, 1981, Bob married Cynthia “Cindy” Crall in Dallas. Bob designed and oversaw the building of their home in Garland, Texas, where they lived with Cindy’s two sons, David and Michael Williams. Cindy was a teacher at Club Hill Elementary, and Bob worked for Paul Revere until his early retirement at age 55.

In 1997, Bob and Cindy moved to the SaddleBrooke community in Tucson, Ariz. They enjoyed time with friends, hosting and attending parties, travelling to see their kids and grandchildren. Bob enjoyed golfing, driving fast cars, watching movies, collecting Western art, and listening to music. Bob and Cindy were kind, generous, and fun-loving people.

In 2022, Bob and Cindy returned to Dallas. Cindy (Crall) Hanson passed away on April 29, 2024, in Dallas while a resident at The Tradition Senior Living.

Bob is survived by his son Paul (Krista) Hanson of Minneapolis, Minn.; Cindy’s sons Michael (Kim) of Burr Ridge, Ill.; and David (Hawni) Williams of Dallas; 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Bob is also survived by his sister Sharon (David) Reier of Eden Prairie, Minn., and Tucson, Ariz.; Cindy’s brother Colby (Mary) Crall of Columbus, Ohio; Cindy’s sister-in-law Edie Crall of Tucson, Ariz.; extended family, and close friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard of Coon Rapids, Minn.; and brother-in-law Boyd “Butch” Crall of Tucson, Ariz.

Bob will be buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester, Minn.