In Passing

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Jan Deer

Jan Susan Bachrach Deer passed away peacefully on Feb. 25, 2026, in SaddleBrooke, Ariz., surrounded by family. She was a devoted educator, a passionate advocate for science education, and a loving wife and mother. Jan’s dedication to teaching and her years of service as a science educator inspired countless students over a career spanning 40 years.

She was born Dec. 11, 1947, in Faribault, Minn., to Thomas Robinson Bachrach and Jeanne Marion Foss. She was raised in Omaha, Neb., and later earned her Bachelor of Science Education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and spent much of her life in Wichita, Kan. Her love for teaching extended beyond the classroom, as she volunteered in numerous community organizations, including the League of Women Voters, Project Graduation, and National History Day, among others. Jan and Montie have resided in SaddleBrooke, Arizona since 2014.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Timothy Murray Bachrach and Charles Thomas Bachrach.

Jan is survived by her husband of 55 years, Montie Deer; daughter, Sarah (Neal Axton) of Lawrence, Kan.; and son, William of Nashville, Tenn., along with many friends and family. In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kansas Humane Society (kshumane.org) or Senior Village of SaddleBrooke (seniorvillage.org/donate).

To view additional details about Jan’s life, go to https://my.gather.app/remember/jan-deer.

Enid Fowler

Enid Fowler passed away on Feb. 18, 2026. She was born on July 25, 1934, and grew up in Yorkshire, England. Enid and her sister Margaret had lots of adventures there during World War II and many more in San Diego, where she moved to at the ripe age of 16 at the insistence of her older sister Evelyn. She married her husband, Gene, when she was just 17 years old. They met in Balboa Park when Gene was 18 and was about to enlist in the Navy. When they met at a folk dance class in San Diego, Gene knew she was “the one” and insisted that Enid dance with him exclusively. They got married before going overseas in the Korean War. Enid danced with Gene in many parts of the world for over 68 years. Even in their later years they practiced at their SaddleBrooke home.

When Enid turned 18, she caught the “eye” of Walt Disney at a performance for the opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California. He hired Enid’s group to open for Disneyland on opening day and many other occasions. She was known to Walt as “Disney’s Dancing Queen.” Both Enid and Gene loved Disneyland and would take an annual trek there with their sons Derek and Eugene until the mid 1990s.

In the late 1980s, Enid and family embarked on a trip to St. Andrews, Scotland, so she could take the rigorous test to become a fully accredited Scottish Country Dancing Teacher. She passed with flying colors. To keep tabs on her sons Derek and Eugene, she took a job as a librarian at Patrick Henry High School in San Diego. She insisted that she took the job to help husband Gene “supplement his income” as a special education teacher, but the boys were none the wiser. She continued in the San Diego City Schools system as a librarian for the next 20 years.

Following her English heritage and her husband Gene’s Scottish heritage, she enrolled her sons in San Diego competitive soccer. Enid became one of the first official “soccer moms” in the country, driving kids back and forth in her red VW stick shift bus. No matter what her schedule, she never missed a practice or a soccer game. When her husband Gene was elected the Chief of Clan Cameron in San Diego, Enid took up the snare drum and was able to participate in the Rose Bowl Parade. She remembered the 4 a.m. starting time for the drive between San Diego and Los Angeles in yellow school buses and how bumpy the ride was up there. In the cold early morning, Enid wasn’t prepared for the approximate 4.5-mile trip of playing the snare drum and walking the parade route the whole time without any breaks. She persevered though, and later in life was grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Following her long tenure as a librarian, Enid took up a position at Mission Valley Escrow with her best friend since age 18, Audree Rapp. Audree spent a few years at SaddleBrooke 2 and absolutely loved it. Since Audree was the owner of Mission Valley Escrow, it allowed the two of them to take unbelievable vacations. On one such vacation to Austria and Germany through a river cruise, Enid and her husband Gene talked their way into behind the scenes of their favorite movie “The Sound Of Music” and danced their way to oblivion. The tourists who were visiting the set at the time took many unforgettable photographs and kept in touch with Enid and sent her pictures throughout the years.

Enid retired in 2005 and came to SaddleBrooke where they bought a Villa specifically designed for them. Enid enjoyed ballroom dancing as well as Latin dancing, round dancing, folk dancing, and Scottish and English country dancing. In 2013 she started English Country Dancing in SaddleBrooke, and it was open to all types of dancers. From beginners to advanced, she taught them all.

Enid is survived by her sister of 94 years of age, Margaret in San Diego; her son Eugene S. Fowler; her niece Valerie Hayward of Seal Beach, Calif.; her nephew Jim Cole of Tampa, Fla.; her nephew Michael McIntyre of San Diego, Calif.; her niece Joan and her husband Diep Guha of London, England; and her nephew Brain Blaidell of London, England. Her husband Gene and son Derek Fowler predeceased her, but she is in heaven dancing the Highland Fling with her husband Gene and her son Derek.

Patricia (Patti) Prati

Patricia (Patti) Prati of Chandler, Ariz., passed away with her family by her side on Feb. 17, 2026. She was born on May 18, 1940, to Pete and Anne Fedeli in California, Pa., where she was raised with her brother and sister. After graduating from the California State Teacher’s College, she moved to Lorain, Ohio, to teach English at Admiral King High School. Pat loved being a teacher and often reflected on the positive impact her students had on her.

It was at a chance meeting at the Lemon Drop bar in Lorain, Ohio, that she would meet her future husband, Bill Prati. They had three daughters that they raised in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. They were a very social couple and cherished the many lifelong friendships they formed along the way. After Bill retired from NASA and Pat retired from teaching, they relocated to SaddleBrooke in Tucson, Ariz., where they began a new chapter in their lives.

At SaddleBrooke, they lived a retired life that they cherished. They spent their days golfing, socializing with their many friends, and dining at the clubhouse. Their house on the golf course allowed Pat to often bake cookies and greet the golfers as they passed by on their way to the next hole. They lived in SaddleBrooke for over 20 years enjoying the resort lifestyle. Pat and Bill shared 58 years together before Bill passed away in August 2021.

In her final years, she lived in Chandler, Ariz., and made some wonderful friends, one of whom was with her when she passed away.

Pat is survived by her daughters Beth (Frank) Boucek of Tempe, Ariz., Shelley (Mark) Varouh of Vermillion, Ohio, and Lauren (Corky) Kane of Glenview, Ill., as well as grandchildren Lexy (Lou) Konstan, Emily Varouh, Max Varouh, Madison Kane, Claudia Kane, Anna (Jake) Riedell, Alyssa Smith, Alena Boucek, great-grandsons Louis and Charles Konstan, and her brother Peter (Dee-dee) Fedeli.

We would like to express a very special note of gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Brookdale Assisted Living in Chandler who took such loving care of our mom for the last 18 months. She loved the staff and they loved her. And while they took amazing care of her during the entirety of her 18 months—the love and compassion they gave her during her last few weeks was incredibly special.

A memorial service will be held for both Patti and Bill Prati at a later date, with interment at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, Ariz.

Dr. John Herbst Sr.

John Joseph Herbst, MD, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in Essex, Conn., at age 90. John was born on July 18, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Harry George Herbst and Franziska Brueggemann Herbst who, along with his wife Diana, daughter Melissa, and brother Harry, preceded him in death.

John was passionate about his career in pediatric gastroenterology. He received his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, completed his residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology at Stanford University. He served as Chair of Pediatrics at Louisiana Health Sciences Center in Shreveport 1986-1991 and continued to care for his patients until his retirement in 2017. He most enjoyed ministering to his patients, advancing the scientific knowledge in the field, and training the next generation of physicians. John, along with his wife Diana, placed high value on education and provided funding support for several family members’ advanced education as well as establishing the Diana and John Herbst Professorship in Pediatric Gastroenterology at LSU. John was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, hunting, and ATVing in the desert, and continued to enjoy these activities well into his 80s.

John is survived by his son John Jr., his daughter-in-law Kathy, his grandchildren Matt and Marianne, and his brother Thomas as well as several nieces and nephews, all of whom enjoyed his dry sense of humor, extensive knowledge of history, and skill of repairing almost anything with duct tape.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, at Santa Catalina Catholic Church in Tucson, Ariz.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to support the Diana and John Herbst Endowed Professorship at the LSU Health Sciences Foundation in Shreveport. Donations can be made via check, remitted to LSU Health Sciences Foundation in Shreveport with “Herbst” in the memo line, and mailed to 920 Pierremont Rd, Suite 506, Shreveport, LA 71106. Alternatively, they can be made online at www.lsuhsfoundation.org/herbst.

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.

Rufus Renfrow

Rufus Renfrow, 98, a 30-year resident of SaddleBrooke, passed away Jan. 4, 2026, at home.

Rufus was born on July 11, 1927, in Canon City, Colo., to Rufus O. Renfrow and Dorothy L. Jacobi. Rufus is survived by his wife of 40 years, Judie; sons Bradley Renfrow and Lynn Odell; son-in-law, Jack Misenhimer; grandchildren Dawnelle, Kyla, Briana, and Dillion; and great-grandchildren, Neveah, Ryder, Brynlee, Ada, Wyatt, and Abilene. Rufus was predeceased by his parents; brother, Raynor Lee (Rocky); daughter, Wendy; and grandson, Lance.

In 1940, his mother married Neal Rice and Rufus and Raynor became brothers to Barbara, Patty, Duane, and JoAnne. Rufus attended schools in Canon City up to his junior year when the family moved to Pueblo, where he graduated from high school. During his youth he worked many jobs, starting out at 11 years old working in his father’s business as a janitor. In the summer of 1941, he worked for the YMCA camp as the horse wrangler where he ran a string of 13 horses. In 1942, he worked at Camp Hale in Leadville in the mess hall for the construction workers building Camp Hale. In 1943, he worked at Peterson Field Army Base in the Officers’ Club. From 1944-45 he worked at the Colorado Fuel and Iron and then moved to Golden where he worked for Coors Brewery. In 1948, he was employed by Western Electric in Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. In 1949, he moved to Laramie, Wyo., where he ran his family’s brick and tile company.

Rufus was drafted in the Army in 1950, at the age of 23, 4th Army Division and shipped to Butzbach, Germany, where in 16 months he was promoted to E-7 Master Sargent. As an avid skier, Rufus won a silver medal in the downhill race at Garmisch, Germany. In 1952, he was discharged and returned to the states.

In 1953, Rufus married Dorothy J. Fanin of Phoenix and moved back to Laramie to attend the University of Wyoming, majoring in General Engineering. During that time, their son, Bradley was born. In 1956, he graduated and went to work for Marquardt Aircraft Corporation in California. The family settled in Reseda, where their daughter, Wendy, was born.

In 1961, Rufus went to work for Litton Industries in Van Nuys where he spent 33 years until retirement. During his time with Litton, he was sent to Tehran, Iran, in 1978, to relieve the financial officer for four months. Upon his return to the states, he was to have gone back permanently. That changed due to the hostage crisis and Litton closed that office.

In 1986, Rufus married Judie Odell of Las Cruces, N.M. They lived in Santa Clarita, Calif., until his retirement in 1994. In 1995, they moved to SaddleBrooke.

In SaddleBrooke, Rufus enjoyed many years of playing tennis and golf. He played on many USTA league teams going to sectional and national championships several times. Rufus played tennis until he was 94 years old. Up until his death, he was at the computer managing the finances and dabbling in the stock market and reading.

There will be a Celebration of Life on April 19, 2 to 4 p.m., at the SaddleBrooke Clubhouse in the Agave Lounge. Please come celebrate his life with us.

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.