In Passing – March 2026

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 was held at Santa Catalina Church on Feb. 13. Interment was on 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 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.

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.

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 in his father’s business as a janitor. In the summer of 1941, he worked for the YMCA camp as the horse wrangler. 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.