Palm Valley Funeral Home

02/09/2026

Janet Vanderslice Orr

Sun City West, Arizona
June 11, 1918 – February 4, 2026

Janet Vanderslice Orr, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 4, 2026, at the remarkable age of 107.

Born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, the youngest of six children to Olive and Harvey Vanderslice, Janet’s early years were shaped by family adventures in Coatesville, Aliquippa, the Jersey shore, and cherished time on her family’s dairy farm. These experiences instilled in her a lifelong spirit of resilience, independence, and fun.

On January 30, 1943, she married Dr. G. David Orr. Together, they navigated the challenges of World War II, welcoming their first child David (Johnette), of Charlotte, NC, while stationed in Salt Lake City. After the war, they settled in the Philadelphia suburbs, expanding their family with two more children, Thomas, (Richmond, VA), and Susan (Elverson, PA), who was by her side at her passing.

Janet was the steady force behind her husband’s medical practice and their home. Known for her fierce independence, impeccable style, and clever nature, she was also a devoted friend and a champion of good manners—though she always encouraged a wicked bit of mischief. An avid golfer and lover of tennis, Janet was rarely without a dog by her side, a tradition her family continues.

At age 75, Janet moved across the country to Sun City West, Arizona, where she created a vibrant, independent life. She relished the desert climate, year-round golf, loads of activities, and a welcoming community that helped her remain vital and engaged.

If you asked Janet about her grandchildren, you would always get a smile. She delighted in her grandchildren—Carolyn Nord (David), Benjamin Burghart (Alanna), Bronwyn Bachaus (Justin), Diana Ferguson (Beck), and Sarah Orr (Jesse). You could find her snickering over something wildly funny and silly with any one of them, most days. Janet leaves her six great- grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren, who will grow to know about the mighty woman who came before them.

Janet was predeceased by her husband, parents, siblings, and many dear friends. She leaves behind a family she anchored, loved ones who will deeply miss her wit, wisdom, and indomitable spirit. She remained sharp and spirited to the end—a devoted Wall Street Journal reader, who was always ready for a spirited political conversation, and as the person who reminded us all to “eat good food, move your body, and take your vitamins.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local animal shelter or adopting a dog in Janet’s honor.

02/09/2026

It is with deep sorrow that we share that our beloved Frank Leroy Edwards II, age 68, passed away on January 28, 2026, in Glendale, Arizona.

Frank was born on July 16, 1957, in Muncie, Indian, to Frank and Phyllis Edwards. He graduated from Northside High School in 1976. As a teenager, Frank participated in competitive motocross and cross-country racing, where he won numerous events. In high school, Frank was a member of the chess and art clubs. He was an amazing artist, and he would dabble in his artistic endeavors as a hobby. Frank was employed at Don Null and Eastern Electric in Muncie, and Fluoresco Services and TCS, Inc. in Arizona.

The greatest fulfillment in Frank's life was being a Dad to Frankie and Brittany. Frank's firstborn son was delivered on Father's Day, and Frank always told his son, Frank III, that he was the best Father's Day present. Later in his life, Frank's passion turned to golf, and he spent every weekend at the Bellair Golf Park playing with his younger brother, Rickey, and their many friends. Frank was known for his kindness and wonderful smile. Frank was deeply admired and loved by those around him. His light will always shine in the hearts of those who knew him and miss him so much.

Frank was a devoted son, brother, father, uncle, and grandfather who loved his family immensely. Frank is survived by his father, Frank Sr.; son Frank Edwards III and daughter Brittany; his brothers, Andrew (Alisen) and Rickey, and his sister Penny Dockery (Russell). Frank was a proud grandfather to Harley, Aiden, and Blakely, and a beloved uncle to many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 15th, in Arizona, and a private family memorial will be held at a later date.

02/03/2026

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, niece, sister, and auntie.

Tonia Renee Jones was born April 24, 1959, in St. Catherine's Hospital, East Chicago, Indiana, and went home to be with the Lord at the age of 66 on January 01, 2026, in Surprise, Arizona.

Tonia was a woman of faith, grace, and kindness. She was a devoted Registered Nurse and cherished her family and friends with unconditional love, and her warm heart embraced all she encountered.

She was admired for her life achievements and for supporting others. Toni enjoyed spending time with family and friends and experiencing new adventures through travel.

Proceeded in death by her husband Earl Jones; father Rudy Barron; grandparents Clotee Thomas & George Thomas; brother Johnny Andrews; some uncles, aunties, and cousins.

She is survived by Makenya Banks, daughter, and Franklin Banks, son; her mother; 4 grandchildren; 1 great–grandchild; 10 Siblings; aunts, Uncles, and cousins. Though we grieve her absence, we rejoice in knowing she is now at peace.

(2 Cor 5:8): "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (KJV).

01/20/2026

Angela peacefully journeyed into eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy woven with love, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was a woman of remarkable resilience, deep compassion, and quiet grace whose light touched every life she encountered.
Angela carried a warmth that felt like home. She possessed a rare gift for making others feel seen, welcomed, and truly cared for. Her presence brought comfort, her laughter brought joy, and her kindness left an imprint on every heart she touched.
She always believed in magic — in everything around her. Angela believed that unicorns existed if you only dared to imagine, that dreams could be real if you believed deeply enough, and that anything was possible. She carried a childlike sense of wonder that reminded everyone around her to keep dreaming, to keep believing, and to never lose sight of the magic in life.
Becoming a mother at a young age, Angela faced life’s challenges with remarkable courage and determination. Even through profound loss, she rose with grace and strength, turning hardship into wisdom and love. She was a devoted mother who poured her heart into her children, teaching them perseverance, integrity, and the power of unconditional love.
A hardworking woman and a true example of resilience, Angela carried herself with humility and quiet strength, never allowing adversity to define her. Her life stood as a testament to endurance, and her love for her family was always her guiding light. She is survived by her loving partner, Paul; her children, David, Andrew, Bryce, Jessica, Tyler, and Rebecca; her cherished grandchildren, Delanie, Noelle, Kendrick, Khalil, and Jurnee; her Stepmother Susan Edwards and her beloved dogs, Betty and Letty, who brought her endless joy and companionship.
She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her selfless heart, and the way she made the world around her brighter. When you see a butterfly, know that it is her — visiting, letting you know she is near and that her love still surrounds you.
When she sends you signs, stop and listen. Take it in. Feel her presence. And if you hesitate, you may just hear her voice whispering with that familiar tone, “Don’t make me hurt you.”
Though she has left this earth, her light continues to shine in the hearts of those who love her.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Services -
Date-January 30,2026
Time-3:00pm-5:00pm
Location- Palm Valley Funeral Home
Address- 10761 Grand Ave, Sun City, Arizona 85351

01/20/2026

Justin Lamar Tamplin, age 41, passed away on December 23, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. He was born on October 9, 1984, in Tucson, Arizona. Justin brought light, laughter, and joy to the lives of all who knew him.

Justin is survived by his devoted wife, Jessica Ober; his beloved sons, Javien L. Tamplin and Jayse T. Tamplin; his mother, Rochelle Williams; and his father, Gregory Tamplin of Tucson, Arizona. He also leaves behind his brother, Christian Williams; his sister, Anecia Holt of Tucson; and a host of other siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and many cousins who cherished him deeply.

Justin was known for his generous spirit and his boundless love for family and friends. He had a natural ability to bring joy to any room with his humor and outgoing personality. A true family man at heart, he was deeply admired by those closest to him.

Justin’s brother and sister looked up to him with admiration, and his parents and grandmother, Josephine “Boss” Williams, along with many aunts and uncles, played an important role in shaping the kind-hearted man he became.

Justin’s warmth, humor, and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed, yet fondly remembered by all who knew him. May his memory continue to bring comfort to those whose lives he touched.

12/16/2025

Ellen Marie Wickard

February 4, 1955 – December 9, 2025

Ellen Marie (Butler) Wickard passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at her home in Peoria, AZ. She was 70 years old.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph I. Butler and Dorothy L. Butler, late husband Julian J. Jaramillo, and stepdaughter Shuvonne M. Wickard.

She is survived by her husband Kirk P. Wickard, son Julian J. Jaramillo, daughter Danielle M. Burger, granddaughter Emma M. Sandoval, brother Joseph I. (Chela) Butler, as well as many cherished step grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Ellen was born in Peabody, MA. Along with her parents Joseph and Dorothy and her brother Joseph, the family moved to Santa Fe, NM in 1960. She attended St. Francis School, Loretto Academy, St. Michael’s High School, and Santa Fe High School. Following high school, she worked various jobs in the Santa Fe area before relocating to Phoenix, AZ, in 1989. The land of the sun would be her home for the next 36 years.

Ellen worked as an accountant for Black Angus restaurant in Phoenix before landing a permanent position as a tech specialist with Charles Schwab, where she worked for over 20 years.

Wherever she was, Ellen Machine Gun Wickard was the funniest person in the room and always the life of the party. She loved to cook and entertain, was an avid skier, tennis player, and adventure seeker. No adventure was beyond her grasp, and on a moment's notice, she and her husband would often spontaneously decide to take a road trip to experience something new.

Ellen’s kids inherited her adventurous genes and often went on quests together. Even having a blast from the most mundane car rides to yard sales, making up their own lyrics to songs, and floating down the Salt River in Arizona. Her kids and family were the most important things in her life. Ellen’s door was always open to everyone, and they definitely took advantage of this. She loved attending spring training games, and her golden years were spent hosting pool parties for housefuls of family and friends while feeding them the best weird comfort food like sh*t-on-a-shingle or goulash.

Ellen and her silly jokes will always be missed. Love you, Mama,

12/16/2025

Marian May Harvey Hoot Obituary

Marian May Harvey Hoot, 82, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully in her home on December 10, 2025.

Born on November 23,1943, to Walter Marion Harvey and Lorene Joe Harvey. Marian lived a life filled with love and devotion to her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Phillip M. Hoot.

Marian is survived by her loving daughter, Currie Hemenway, and son-in-law, Michael Hemenway; as well as her cherished grandchildren, Tatum Hemenway and Ty Hemenway. And siblings Gerald Harvey, Keith Harvey, and Janiece Day.

She was a graduate and devoted fan of the University of Oklahoma, cheering faithfully every season for OU Sooners football. Nothing delighted her more than spending quality time with her family, attending grandchildren's sporting events, and friends playing cards, creating cherished memories filled with laughter and love.

She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to SOuL, a cause dear to Marian’s heart. Contributions can be made securely via Zelle by adding the recipient "Smiling Out Loud" and using the tag “Soulhoot. Please include "Marian’s Memorial" in the memo. Your generosity honors Marian’s passion for this cause.

12/01/2025

Jessie T. Amavisca, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her residence on November 25, 2025, at the age of 94. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 25, 1930, to Theresa and Francisco Trujillo, Jessie was a Christmas blessing who carried warmth, compassion, and strength throughout her life.

Jessie grew up in a close-knit family and learned early the value of hard work, humility, and faith. These qualities shaped her into the strong and loving woman who became the heart of her own growing family. She married the love of her life, Jose Lorenzo Amavisca, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and deep devotion to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a proud and nurturing mother to Jose “Joey” Amavisca Jr., Frederico “Freddy” Amavisca (deceased), and Anna M. Arismendez.

Jessie’s dedication to her family was unwavering—she was the constant source of comfort, direction, and unconditional love. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was cherished for her gentle presence, her warm embraces, and the wisdom she shared so generously. Her legacy will continue through the many lives she touched with her kindness, patience, and strength.

Jessie will be remembered not only for her devotion to her family but also for her resilience, her quiet courage, and her ability to bring people together. Whether through her thoughtful words, her calm guidance, or the simple comfort of her company, she made everyone around her feel valued and loved.

A funeral service honoring Jessie’s life will be held at Palm Valley Funeral Home, located at 10761 Grand Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351, on December 4,2025, at 9:00 AM. Following the service, she will be escorted to Glendale Cemetery, located at 7844 N. 61st Avenue, Glendale, AZ, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband and son.

Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with those she deeply missed, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who loved her.
great-grandchildren

12/01/2025

🕊️ In Loving Memory of Ashaya Patricia Michelle “Shy Shy” Baez

Born: July 25 2003
Passed: November 2025

Ashaya Patricia Michelle Baez, affectionately known to all as Shy Shy, left this world far too soon at the age of 22. She was a sweet and vibrant soul whose laughter could fill any room and whose love for music echoed through every moment of her life.

Ashaya’s gentle heart and playful spirit touched everyone she met. She had a gift for making her younger siblings — Dakota, Javi, Tavi, and Bella — laugh until their sides hurt, always reminding them that joy could be found even in the simplest moments.

She is deeply loved and will be forever remembered by her mother Amber Baez, her father Javier Baez,, siblings sisters Dakota and Bella her Brothers Javier and Ativous Baez her grandmother Elizabeth Coley, and her extended family — Shnnee P, Ronald Coley, Jaime Ontiveros, Rusty Coley, and aunts Ernestina Ontiveros and Jamie Ontiveros.

Ashaya’s passion for music, her laughter, and her beautiful energy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her most. Though her time here was short, her spirit leaves behind a legacy of light, rhythm, and love.

May her melody play on forever. 🎶💖

11/24/2025

11/18/2025

Honoring the Loved Ones We Have Lost.

As the lights shine bright, we remember those whose light still lives within us. Join us for an evening filled with love, reflection, and community as we honor the beautiful souls who will forever remain in our hearts.

💫 You are invited to add an ornament to our tree in honor of your lost loved ones.

We will have Carolers to sing, along with hot chocolate and cookies to enjoy as we gather together.

✨ All are welcome to attend and share in this heartfelt moment of remembrance. We hope to see you there!

11/03/2025

This season of gratitude, we are coming together to help families in need within our community.
We will be collecting non-perishable food items to provide Thanksgiving meals to those who may otherwise go without. Please let us know if you would like to help.