In Passing – August 2024

Liz Baty

Mary “Liz” Baty, aged 81, passed away on June 28, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. Mary Liz was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and devoted friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mary Liz was born on Nov. 11, 1942, to Fred and Alice Miles. She grew up in Rapid City, S.D., lived in the big white house on 5th Street, and worked for her father at the Virginia Café.

In 1964, Gary and Mary Liz Wentz were married in Rapid City, S.D. They were later blessed with three children—Linda, Julie, and Scott. In 1985, the family moved to Denver, Colo. They were again blessed with the arrival of five grandchildren—Trent, Jory, Jordin, Trevor, and Tyler. In 2001, Mary Liz and Gary relocated to sunny Tucson, Ariz., with the intent to live out their golden years together in SaddleBrooke. However, approximately one year later, Gary tragically passed away and she found herself a widow.

Mary “Liz” remained in SaddleBrooke, Ariz., and was hired by the Community Church as church secretary. It was during this difficult time that she was blessed to find many valuable and lasting friendships. She believed that “Angels Walk Among Us.”

In 2008, Guy and Liz Baty were married in Sedona, Ariz. They were two kindred spirits. They were gifted the opportunity to share a life of laughter, travel, and true companionship. It should also be noted that during this time, Liz was again blessed with another grandchild, McKenna, and then the arrival of her first great-grandchild, Aubrey. Sadly, Guy Baty passed away in 2021, and once again, Liz became widowed.

In 2023, Liz relocated to an upscale independent living facility. Fortunately, she was able to transfer to the assisted living section of the same facility as her health began to dissipate.

Liz Baty will forever be remembered as a caring, generous, and passionate person. She remains deeply loved and will be fiercely missed. She truly believed that “Angels Walk Among Us.”

A funeral service was held on July 13.

Harry Huizinga

“Happy Harry” Huizinga passed away on May 5, 2024, (Cinco de Mayo) after 89 amazing years of curiosity, exploring life, and giving to his family, friends, and community. Born Sept. 4, 1934, in Rahway, N.J., he grew up on a lake where he developed his curiosity for life through nature.

Joining the U.S. Army in 1956, he served in the Biological Warfare Lab at Fort Detrick, Md. He was honorably discharged in 1958.

He earned his B.S. in biology at Michigan State University, his Masters in parasitology at University of Maryland, and his PhD in parasitology at University of Connecticut. Harry’s post-doctoral training and appointments included a fellowship through the National Institutes of Health and LSU. This allowed him to teach and to pursue research in tropical diseases, medical parasitology, and molecular parasitology. He especially enjoyed supervising the graduate students who studied under him.

Harry spent 28 years as a professor of parasitology in the Department of Biological Sciences at Illinois State University, retiring in 1995. He was a member of Phi Sigma, the Biological Science Honor Society, and Rotary where he was an active member well into retirement. Always participating in his community, he played the trumpet in the Unitarian Church band.

His motto was, “Retirement means retire the car, travel, and be active.” His family nickname was “renaissance man” because he was always learning new things. His interests included traveling, reading, sailing, skiing, cycling, scuba diving, art lessons, car restoration, golfing, yoga, meditation, fishing, and camping in the Quetico Park in Canada.

He and Linda loved living in SaddleBrooke for 18 years. There, he was active in Cyclemasters, the Over-the-Hill Gang, the swim team, and tennis. He helped found the SaddleBrooke Freethinkers and served at least one term as chairperson. Eventually, they moved to Country Club of La Cholla where they enjoyed a new lifestyle with new friends, activities, and travel.

Harry was determined to work through his hearing impairment as only a scientist would! He researched and underwent cochlear implant surgeries and was beyond grateful for the opportunity to converse comfortably with everyone and to hear his grandchildren’s music.

A man of amazing qualities, he will be remembered for being kind, loving, caring, thoughtful, curious, intelligent, and funny. Harry’s message to all is, “Always remember to stay curious and keep learning!” Harry is survived by his loving wife Linda, daughter Kirsten, grandson Rome, granddaughter Sophia, son Kurt, and daughter-in-law Trish.

James F. Merker

Jim Merker, known as “Merk” to his friends, died in the Heritage Manor assisted living facility at 12:15 on July 7, 2024. He had been battling Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s for 10 years before finally falling to the ravages of these terrible diseases.

He was born in Jamestown, N.Y., on Sept. 11, 1944 and moved with his older brother Jack and parents to L.A. shortly thereafter. The family moved again, this time to Shenandoah, Iowa, where he remained until he graduated from high school. He went on to Bethany College and sang there with the world-renowned choir. He also attended SW Missouri State College and graduated from the University of Nebraska—Omaha. He joined the Air Force in 1968; and had a 20-year career with the AF and Air National Guard. His first civilian job was with the Boy Scouts. This was followed by working as the executive director of the American School Food Service, then for the Colorado Chiropractic Association, and then for the American Society of Bariatric Physicians.

He loved and participated in many sports including water and snow skiing, river rafting, biking, and golf. His favorite was tennis. He also loved singing; he was in a barbershop chorus and quartet in Palm Springs and then here in SaddleBrooke. He enjoyed being in several of the variety shows here. He also sang several beautiful solos in our Resurrection Lutheran Church.

Probably his biggest passion (after his wife!) was the AFA Falcons football team. He was an avid fan, had season tickets for 20 years, and attended most of their bowl games.

Jim is survived by his wife of 44 years, Leslie, his son, Christopher, and four stepchildren: Michael, Holly, Sean, and Kelly. His grandchildren are Keri, Kevin, Kelly, and Stephen. Unfortunately, none live nearby. They are in Colorado, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Oregon, and Illinois.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the MountainView Ballroom at 10 a.m. on Sept. 7. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please donate to either the Alzheimer’s Association or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Thomas Allen Perry

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Allen Perry, who left this world peacefully from pancreatic cancer on July 9, 2024 at the age of 93. Tom recently moved back to SaddleBrooke, Ariz., with his daughter; prior to that he and his dog, Charlie, resided in SaddleBrooke Ranch, Ariz. Charlie and Tom were a familiar presence at the Ranch, driving in his golf cart, spending time at the dog park, and visiting new residents. Tom also was an active member of clubs at SaddleBrooke Ranch, including the Democrat, Genealogy, Minnesota, and Singles clubs.

Born in Bancroft, S.D. in 1930, Tom grew up in a loving family and had a passion for animals, machinery, and learning. Tom was active in 4H as a young man and used the proceeds from selling his prize heifer to attend South Dakota State University. After graduating in 1952 with a degree in Agricultural Engineering, Tom remained a vocal supporter of the Jackrabbits, cheering on the men’s and women’s teams.

In college, Tom went from ROTC to the Air Force. He served for two years during the Korean Conflict and he was stationed in Washington, D.C.; College Station, Texas; as well as North Carolina. After the Air Force, he began his career in commercial HVAC with American Blower and opened their first office in Duluth, Minn., in 1955.

In 1959, Tom married Irene Jarvi in Duluth. Their union was a testament to true love and partnership, lasting an extraordinary 59 years. Tom and Irene moved to North Oaks, Minn., where they raised four wonderful children: Robert Perry, Lisa Perry, Beth Perry, and Megan Perry. Tom was a proud member of the Grand Lodge AF & AM of South Dakota for 70 years, and a member of the Scottish Rite and Zuhrah Shriners. Tom was a member of the ASHRAE for 68 years, contributing significantly to the field. Upon retirement in 2003, Tom and Irene moved to SaddleBrooke.

Tom is survived by his four children, Robert Perry (Miriam Roldán) of Atlanta, Ga., Lisa Perry of SaddleBrooke, Ariz., Beth Perry of Shawmut, Mont., and Megan Perry of Greenville, N.C.; his three grandsons Mateo, Félix, and Simón, all of Atlanta; one loyal dog, and many relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his wife Irene, sisters Theo Beley and Dianne Pickering, and parents.

A memorial service will be held in Minnesota and Arizona at dates and locations to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue in his honor (dlrraz.org/donate/). Cards may be sent to 37067 S. Rock Crest Dr, SaddleBrooke, AZ 85739.

Tom’s family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at Casa de la Luz at the Haciendas for their compassionate care during his final days.

Rest in peace, Tom. You will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

Carol Jean (Rosenberger) Venetiou

Mrs. Carol Jean (Rosenberger) Venetiou, 80 of Andover, Mass., formerly of Tucson, Ariz., and Seattle, Wash., and the beloved wife of the late Dimitrios “Demetre” Venetiou, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Edgewood LifeCare Community in North Andover.

Born in Glendale, Calif., on April 23, 1944, Carol was the daughter of the late Rex and Dorothy (Nicholson) Rosenberger. She was raised and educated in Southern California and continued her education at the University of Southern California where she received her bachelor’s degree.

Shortly after her college graduation, Carol was hired by Pan Am and for several years, soared through the skies, traveling the world as a flight attendant. It was Carol’s time as a flight attendant that would lead her on a fateful trip to Greece meeting a native, Demetre Venetiou, who provided her helpful advice for her stay in Greece and took great pride in escorting her around, visiting the Islands and eventually, taking her to his home to visit his family, starting the beginning of their beautiful love story.

Together, Carol and Demetre made the United States their home, living in Seattle, Wash., where they raised their loving son, Alex. Although traveling and being a flight attendant was a true passion of Carol’s, she would devote over 30 years to her professional career as a Commercial Assessor for the State of Washington until their retirement and relocation to Tucson, Ariz.

Though she dreamed of a large family, Carol poured her heart into being a gracious host and entertainer, bringing together her church community, family, and friends for unforgettable gatherings. With a love for music and dancing, she lit up every room she entered with her vibrant spirit, infectious smile and energy. Carol’s adventurous spirit extended to her hobbies, from hiking to staying healthy, always eager to tackle new challenges. A skilled Bridge player, she relished in friendly competitions and never backed down from a game. With a sharp mind and unwavering determination, Carol lived life on her terms, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She is survived by her loving son, Alex Venetiou, and his wife, Elisabeth, of Andover; her grandchildren, Elijah and Sophia Venetiou of Andover, and her sister, Ann Green of Houston, Texas.

Carol’s funeral service was held July 13. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit odonnellfuneralservice.com.