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PEAY, MERLIN DEEON, D.D.S. Dr. Merlin D. Peay died at the age of 87 on Dec. 7, 2013. He was born in Magna, Utah on March 16, 1926 and was preceded in death by his parents Jessie Merlin Peay and Ruth Lambert Peay. Severe pain limited his activity and he died from a pulmonary embolism. He is survived by his wife Darla Brister Peay, children Kimberly A. Peay of Washington, D.C., Kent D. Peay and wife Chris of Bristol, Tn., Wyona C. Peay of Albuquerque, Aaron D. Peay of Albuquerque, daughter-in-law Nicole Peay, adopted son Dennis B. Fredenburg and wife Paulita A. Fredenburg of Rio Rancho, brother Dr. Richard W. Peay and wife Edith of Paradise Valley, Az., brother-in-law James H. Brister and eight grandchildren, Benjamin, Victoria, Matthew, Jonathan, Elainna, Natalie, Corey, and Josh. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and two brothers of Albuquerque. He graduated from Clifton High school in Clifton, Arizona and at the age of 17 joined the United States Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Hancock on the flight deck from 1944 through 1945 in some of the worst battles in the South China Sea and South Pacific of which he seldom spoke of and only in a generic manner. He did show us recently a small piece of a Kamikaze that hit the flight deck of the ship. He graduated from the University of Arizona in Pharmacy and worked in the copper mines of Phelps Dodge in Morenci, Az. He graduated from University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry first in his class with top honors. He practiced general Dentistry in Morenci, Az. and Safford, Az. for ten years and charged $5.00 for a filling and $2.00 for an extraction. Price conscious patients chose the $2.00 option. He graduated from Baylor College of Orthodontics in Dallas, Texas in 1966 and practiced in Albuquerque, NM, Gallup, NM and Grants NM. He was a licensed pilot and combined his love of flying with his passion for Orthodontics. He flew his plane from Albuquerque to Gallup for 26 years earning him the nicknames "Doc Peay" and "The Flying Orthodontist." Dr. Peay literally put "smiles" on thousands of patients' faces. He also served on the Cleft Palate team treating patients with severe palate deformities. He had a passion for airplanes and owned many during his lifetime. He built a helicopter but Darla refused to let him fly it. He retired at the age of 71 and spent time restoring his beloved Mooney Mite airplane from top to bottom. He was a lifelong member of the Quiet Birdmen, a fraternity of pilots enjoying years of shared stories, jokes and camaraderie. He was an avid collector of Model-A's, owning nearly every model at one point or another. He was unpretentious and had a quick wit and dry sense of humor, always willing to lend a hand. He grew up during the depression and had a penchant for saving, fixing and tinkering with all things mechanical. He touched countless lives with his kindness and was admired and respected by his family, many friends, former employees, patients and business associates. Surrounded by his loved ones, he died as he lived: garnering respect along the journey, with dignity, grace and without complaint. Funeral Blues by W.H. Auden Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, Silence the pianos and with muffled drum Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead Scribbling on the sky the message 'He is Dead'. Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves, Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves. He was my North, my South, my East and West, My working week and my Sunday rest, My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song; I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong. The stars are not wanted now; put out every one, Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun, Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood; For nothing now can ever come to any good. As the old pilot saying goes, Doc Peay has "Gone West" In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Memorial to be held at a later date, for information please contact Wyona at 917-8901. Please visit our online guest book for Betty at
www.FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd NE 505-843-6333
ZITTERMAN, SHIRLEY JEANNE 81, a former resident of Albuquerque, passed away November 28th at home after a three year struggle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Shirley was a leap-year baby, born February 29th, 1932 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Doris and Christian Arnesan. As an infant, Shirley was adopted by her beloved adoptive parents Frances and Ashton Wing and she had very fond memories of her childhood being raised by them in Holly Hills, FL. As a young teenager, Shirley moved back to NY to live with her biological mother and new stepfather Harold Berckhemer. Shirley graduated from Bay Ridge High School, Brooklyn, NY, in 1950. In high school, Shirley was a member of the Social Dancing club, the volleyball club and was a class secretary. She and Joseph Zitterman were married on February 13th, 1954 in Queens, NY, and they settled in East Meadow, Long Island, NY, in 1961. In 1965.Shirley became a licensed X-Ray Technician by the State of N.Y. Department of Health and she spent her professional career in NY as an office / medical assistance. Shirley and her husband moved to Albuquerque in 1979 after he retired from the NYPD. After moving to ABQ, Shirley worked for Honeywell and following her employment with Honeywell, she worked for APD until the summer of 1994. In Las Vegas, Shirley began working for the Las Vegas Metro Police Department in January 1995 and she retired from the LVMPD in January 2008 at age 76. Shirley had a lifelong passion for fashion, fashion design and sewing, and had aspired when she was young to be a fashion designer. She was an accomplished seamstress who could make anything from a nightgown to a wedding gown and everything in between. In the early 1970s, Shirley developed another passion playing tennis. In 1975, she entered and won a contest whose prize was one tennis lesson with tennis great Billie Jean King; Shirley was thrilled beyond belief. Shirley was a long time fan of the music of ABBA, and more recently, of Celine Dion. During her retirement years, she continued playing tennis and sewing into her late 70s, enjoyed reading true crime books, collecting tea cups, watching the old black and white Hollywood classics on the TCM channel, visiting the white tigers at the Mirage and playing scrabble at the Lifestyle Center on Cheyenne Ave. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Joseph, brothers Eddie Cardinale and Walter Arnesan. She is survived by her children Eileen DiGiorgio of N. Las Vegas, NV; Sharon Zitterman; William (Butch) Zitterman and Nancy Swass, all of Albuquerque; her grandchildren John Joseph DiGiorgio; Justin Schrader; Melissa Kuglar; Lisa Zitterman; Samantha Wise; Crystal Simpson; Jenaya; Gabrielle and Mariah Swass; brother Fred Arnesan of South Ozone Park, NY; and eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by her devoted cat of 15 years, Jade, who will continue to be cared for by Eileen. Shirley was an extraordinary woman who lived her life with grace and dignity. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. A Memorial Service and reception will take place Thursday, December 19th at 1:00 pm at Palm Downtown Mortuary 1325 North Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Those wishing to can make a donation in Shirley's memory to the Community Cat Coalition of Clark County at www.c5-tnr.org.
WOLF, STEVEN The essence of Steve Wolf turns and waves as he walks into the clouds, his job well done. Father's family 'Sage' can be traced back for several hundred years in America; mother's family 'Lorette' combine into a perfect balance of love and nurturance. He thrived in the farm lands of Kankakee, Illinois spending summers on his grandparents farm. During his teenage years, his father's dreams of living 'out west' brought the family to Colorado. Once he had some college under his belt, his work took him to Kearney, Nebraska, where he brought his own young family to enjoy country living. Eventually New Mexico was his final destination where a turn of events lead to fulfilling a long held dream of studying the healing arts and earning a Doctorate in Oriental Medicine. Steve didn't actually need needles, as his energy was so pure that just being in his presence was a healing experience. Steve leaves us now with the glow of love that he planted in each of us to carry on his real work; to love each other with compassion and unconditional acceptance. Thank you Steve and come again. You might have run into him at The University of Washington or University of New Mexico or Southwest Acupuncture College. Steve worked as a nursing home administrator at Horizon and Good Samaritans and was currently employed by the State of New Mexico as a nursing home inspector. Steve is survived by wife, Caroline Margaret Wolf; son, Christopher Steven (Lorna) Wolf; daughter, Amy Elizabeth Wolf; step-son, Frank (Patti) Tijerino; step-son, Noel (Lori) Tijerino; step-daughter, Lenora Tijerino; grandchildren, Liam Christopher Wolf, Henry Richard Wolf, Caleb Tijerino, Jacob Tijerino and Evie Tijerino; mother, Shirley Ann Wolf; sisters, Mary (Jim) Hoogshagen, and Sue Schaefer. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Harold Wolf. In lieu of flowers Steve would smile if donations were made to the Watermelon Mountain Ranch or PETA. Please visit our online guest book for Steven at 
WOLF, STACY MARIE Stacy Marie Wolf (Deighton), 37, departed from this world on December 8, 2013, at her home in Rio Rancho, NM. She is at peace. Born on November 12, 1976, in San Benito, TX, to Bobbie and Jean Deighton (Stockholm). Resided in Lake Dallas, TX; Eden Prairie and Elko, MN; and Albuquerque, NM. She will be remembered for her irresistible smile, vibrant enthusiasm, love of animals, and empathetic nature. She is survived and mourned by her son, Hunter Deighton Wolf; mother, Jean Deighton (Darrell Breider); brothers, Brad Deighton and Jef Hall-Flavin (Daniel); sister, Becky Oesch (Christian); aunt, Wilda Deighton Janz; and godmother, Janet Heath. She is also mourned by Steve and Marshall Stribling, Elliott Wolf, several cousins, many loving family members and numerous lifelong friends. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 20, 2013 at 2:00 pm, Sagebrush Community Church, 6440 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the "Hunter Wolf Education Fund" in care of Daniels Family Funeral Services. To view information or leave a condolence please visit 
WHITELEY, STEPHEN G. Age 65, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2013. He is survived by his daughters, Stephanie Jean Bonney and husband, Andrew and Catherine Dawn Whiteley and boyfriend, Al Unser III all of Albuquerque, NM; grandson, Anthony Jason Bonney; and grand daughters, Kimberly Jade Bonney and Trinity Jean Catterall. Mr. Whiteley was preceded in death by his parents, Doris and William Whiteley and sister, Viki Dee Whiteley. Stephen graduated from Del Norte High School. He served in the US Navy. He was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers' Union, Local 49. He was an avid balloon pilot. A service will be held on Monday, December 16, 2013, 2:00 p.m., at FRENCH - University. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Pallbearers will be Andrew Bonney, Anthony Bonney, Al Unser III, Jim Ahern, Paul Smith, and Bruce Ellis. Friends may visit FRENCH - University on Sunday, December 15, 2013, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to JDRF, 2501 San Pedro NE, Ste.204 Albuquerque, NM 87110. Please visit our online guest book for Stephen at 
WALTON, HARRY D. JR. age 62, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away December 9, 2013. Mr. Walton is survived by his wife, Theresa; his children, Antoinette Moore and husband, Jarrod, and Steven Tapia; grandson, D'Angelo Moore; and granddaughter, Samantha Tapia. Mr. Walton was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Sr. and wife, Vera Walton; brothers, Derek Walton and Kenny Walton. Mr. Walton was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during the Vietnam Era. Visitation will be Thursday, December 26, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. with a Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. in the Gabaldon Memorial Chapel. Committal Service will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:45 p.m. Please visit 
WALLACE, BILLY J. &Quot;BILL&Quot; COL. US AIR FORCE RETIRED Age 84, a resident of Albuquerque, died peacefully Monday, December 9, 2013 at the VA hospital after a long and dedicated life to his family and country. He was born in Eola, TX and graduated from Eola High School in 1949. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelors of Science in Entomology in 1953. He married Vern Nell Shield 60 years ago. His 28 and a half year military career included four command assignments. Col. Wallace served as Team Chief of an Inspector General team at Kirtland AFB, NM. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters. He is survived by his beloved wife, Vern Nell Wallace of Albuquerque; sons, J. Shield Wallace and wife, Eva of Albuquerque, NM, B. Scott and wife, Patti, of Shreveport, LA, Michael C. Wallace of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Cameron and wife, Lindsey, Cory and wife, Rachael, Candice, Oran and Ciera; great grandchildren, Jaxon, Cooper, Christiauna, Isabella, Piper and Hudson. He was also survived by two brothers, H.G. Wallace Jr. and his wife, Raedell of Lubbock, TX and Jack Wallace and his wife, Marie of Anaheim Hills, CA and several nieces and nephews. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Hiram Gideon and Mary Eva Wallace. Col. Wallace was a longtime member of St. Stephens United Methodist Church. He was a dedicated Christian and served the church in many capacities. Friends may visit Tuesday, December 17, 2013, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, December 18, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephens United Methodist Church, 4601 Juan Tabo NE, with Pastor Russell Lee officiating. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund at St. Stephens United Methodist Church or the American Diabetes Association or your favorite charity. Please visit our online guest book for Bill at 
SPEER, MYRTLE RUTH Myrtle Ruth (Cox) Speer, known as "Myrtle" in her childhood and "Ruth" as an adult, was born in Bramber, Hants County, Nova Scotia, July 29, 1923. After growing up in Vermont and Maine, she entered the WAVES in 1944. A certified pilot, she assisted in searching for lost aircraft and became one of the first female air traffic controllers. In 1951, she married John B. (Jack) Speer, her husband of 57 years. After having two children and moving to New Mexico in 1961, she continued active in the community in AAUW, as First Methodist church historian, and in many other activities including genealogical research and playing tennis until the age of eighty. She lovingly cared for her husband, Jack, until his death from cancer in 2008. At the end of her 90 years, she always had a smile and a pleasant word for her family and caretakers and retained her sense of humor and her love of nature until the very end. She is survived by her brother and wife, Robert and Severina Cox, of Eugene, OR; son and wife, Edward and Debra Speer, of Redding, CA; daughter, Margaret Ann Abercrombie, of Santa Rosa, NM; and four grandchildren, Jessica and Joseph Abercrombie and Sierra and Cameron Speer. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 3:30 pm at French-University Chapel. FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd NE 505-843-6333
SANDOVAL, GERALD (JER) L. age 47, a resident of Albuquerque, NM, born on April 13, 1966 to Carlos and Viola Sandoval. Surrounded by his loving family he passed away on December 9, 2013 after a long illness. He was a lifelong Roofer where he worked throughout the United States and he worked on numerous natural disaster cleanup efforts, the one most notable was Hurricane Katrina. Gerald is survived by his daughters, Juanita Gonzales and Celia Ea (Tony); son, Allen Sandoval; granddaughters, Desiree, Brianna, Destiny, Naomi, Alyssa and Aciliya; parents, Carlos and Viola Sandoval; sister, Doris Tellez (John); brothers, Anthony Sandoval (Carolyn) and Greg Sandoval (Loretta); uncle, Ruben Ramirez (Clara); aunt, Angie Trujillo and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. All services will be held on Monday, December 16, 2013 at San Clemente Catholic Church, beginning with visitation at 9:30 AM, followed by recitation of the Rosary at 10:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM with Rev. James Marshall, Celebrant. Committal Service will follow at Santo Toribio Catholic Cemetery in Ponderosa, NM. Please visit Gerald's online guest register at 
SAIZ, BENJAMIN F. In Remembrance of Our beloved Benjamin F. Saiz Dec. 16, 1961 - Sept. 4, 2004 "Happy Birthday Benjie" As I opened my eyes This morning I looked to the Heavens above, I whispered, "Happy Birthday, Son" And send you all our love, God, light 52 beautiful candles, Tell him that we love him And miss him, And can't wait to see his smile... Place a kiss upon his cheek And hold him for awhile. Happy Birthday Merry Christmas And Happy New Year Your dad - Benny Saiz Your mom - Martha Saiz You sisters & brothers-in-law Carmen and Joe Garcia Natalie and James Gutierrez June and John Garcia Adella and Ted Barela Your nieces, nephews & friends Continue to watch over us From above, Benjie
ROMERO, PATSY R. age 66, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away December 13, 2013. Mrs. Romero is survived by her husband of forty-eight years, Rudy; children, Lawrence A. Romero and wife, Susan, Annette R. Romero, and Bernadette N. Lozano; her mother, Rita S. Maldonado and husband, Lupe; sisters, Barbara Sandwick and husband, Mark, Geri Lovato and husband, Peter, Maryann Shaw and husband, Monte; brothers, Joe (Lupe) Garcia and wife, Mary, Rick Garcia and wife Stella, Chris Sanchez and wife, Maryann; grandchildren, Adrianna Romero and Isabella Lozano; brothers in law and sisters in law. Mrs. Romero was preceded in death by her father, Esequiel Garcia; grandson, Lawrence Romero Jr.; grandmother, Floriana Salas; and grandfather, Tony Saavedra. Visitation will be Monday, December 16, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 8:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church 562 Atrisco SW by Dorothy and Lorraine; Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at San Jose de Armijo Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Gabriel Sanchez, Ron Romero, Alfredo Romero, Eric Maldonado, Elfego Lopez, Carmen (Tin) Garcia. Honorary pallbearer will be Mark Romero. Please visit 
POWELL, JACQUE JEAN passed away December 12th; devoted daughter of Jack and Linda Powell; cherished sister of Richard and Edwin Powell; beloved aunt and cousin; treasured friend and confidant to many. Jacque was a proud graduate of Del Norte High School, a dedicated volunteer at the National Atomic Museum and Mark Twain Elementary School, where she worked with those with special needs. Jacque was an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be missed by those whose lives she touched, and will be remembered for her cheerfulness, generosity and spirit. A celebration of life service will be held Wednesday, December 18, at FRENCH University, 1111 University Blvd. NE. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Please visit our online guestbook for Jacque at 
PENNEMAN, MARY A resident of Albuquerque, NM, passed away peacefully in her home, December 5, 2013, at the age of 92. Mary was born August 2, 1921, in Decatur, IL. She married her true love, Robert Allen Penneman, July 25, 1942, who preceded her in death last year. She is survived by her children, Jacqueline Demas and husband Tom, Cindy McGuire, Dean Penneman and wife Viki; his grandchildren, Dayna Pauly, Airon Demas-Ross, Kyle McGuire, Logan Demas; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Chayse, Trenton, Tyler. Mary supported her husband through college as he completed his PhD and later moved with Bob to Los Alamos where she worked for a short time as a secretary at Los Alamos Laboratory. In her earlier years, Mary was an active member of the Los Alamos and Albuquerque Garden Clubs, and fund raising for All Faiths Receiving Home. Mary was a devoted and beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Memorial Services will be held Monday, December 16th, 11:00 am at Daniels Family Funeral Services - Wyoming Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Penneman's name to Susan B. Komen (www.komencnm.org) or Joy Junction (www.joyjunction.org). To view information or leave a condolence please visit 
PEAY, MERLIN DEEON, D.D.S. Dr. Merlin D. Peay died at the age of 87 on Dec. 7, 2013. He was born in Magna, Utah on March 16, 1926 and was preceded in death by his parents Jessie Merlin Peay and Ruth Lambert Peay. Severe pain limited his activity and he died from a pulmonary embolism. He is survived by his wife Darla Brister Peay, children Kimberly A. Peay of Washington, D.C., Kent D. Peay and wife Chris of Bristol, Tn., Wyona C. Peay of Albuquerque, Aaron D. Peay of Albuquerque, daughter-in-law Nicole Peay, adopted son Dennis B. Fredenburg and wife Paulita A. Fredenburg of Rio Rancho, brother Dr. Richard W. Peay and wife Edith of Paradise Valley, Az., brother-in-law James H. Brister and eight grandchildren, Benjamin, Victoria, Matthew, Jonathan, Elainna, Natalie, Corey, and Josh. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and two brothers of Albuquerque. He graduated from Clifton High school in Clifton, Arizona and at the age of 17 joined the United States Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Hancock on the flight deck from 1944 through 1945 in some of the worst battles in the South China Sea and South Pacific of which he seldom spoke of and only in a generic manner. He did show us recently a small piece of a Kamikaze that hit the flight deck of the ship. He graduated from the University of Arizona in Pharmacy and worked in the copper mines of Phelps Dodge in Morenci, Az. He graduated from University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry first in his class with top honors. He practiced general Dentistry in Morenci, Az. and Safford, Az. for ten years and charged $5.00 for a filling and $2.00 for an extraction. Price conscious patients chose the $2.00 option. He graduated from Baylor College of Orthodontics in Dallas, Texas in 1966 and practiced in Albuquerque, NM, Gallup, NM and Grants NM. He was a licensed pilot and combined his love of flying with his passion for Orthodontics. He flew his plane from Albuquerque to Gallup for 26 years earning him the nicknames "Doc Peay" and "The Flying Orthodontist." Dr. Peay literally put "smiles" on thousands of patients' faces. He also served on the Cleft Palate team treating patients with severe palate deformities. He had a passion for airplanes and owned many during his lifetime. He built a helicopter but Darla refused to let him fly it. He retired at the age of 71 and spent time restoring his beloved Mooney Mite airplane from top to bottom. He was a lifelong member of the Quiet Birdmen, a fraternity of pilots enjoying years of shared stories, jokes and camaraderie. He was an avid collector of Model-A's, owning nearly every model at one point or another. He was unpretentious and had a quick wit and dry sense of humor, always willing to lend a hand. He grew up during the depression and had a penchant for saving, fixing and tinkering with all things mechanical. He touched countless lives with his kindness and was admired and respected by his family, many friends, former employees, patients and business associates. Surrounded by his loved ones, he died as he lived: garnering respect along the journey, with dignity, grace and without complaint. Funeral Blues by W.H. Auden Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, Silence the pianos and with muffled drum Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead Scribbling on the sky the message 'He is Dead'. Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves, Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves. He was my North, my South, my East and West, My working week and my Sunday rest, My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song; I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong. The stars are not wanted now; put out every one, Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun, Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood; For nothing now can ever come to any good. As the old pilot saying goes, Doc Peay has "Gone West" In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Memorial to be held at a later date, for information please contact Wyona at 917-8901. Please visit our online guest book for Betty at 
