Palm Valley Funeral Home

10/17/2025

Vallory Starr Strong
January 21, 1994 – October 15, 2025
Vallory Starr Strong (Luna) was born on January 21, 1995, in Bakersfield, California, to Rossellvia Villarreal and Paul Luna Jr. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished sister, and loyal friend whose warmth and laughter brightened the lives of everyone around her.
Vallory was married to the love of her life, Angel Lerma, and together they built a beautiful blended family of six children: sons Nicholas Strong Jr., Adolph Lerma, Theodore Lerma, and Tilian Lerma, and daughters Natalie Strong and Audrey Lerma. Her children were truly her world—she often said that being their mother was her greatest joy and accomplishment.
She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Rossellvia Villarreal and Paul Luna Jr., and is survived by her six children; her sisters Vanessa Cruz, Veronica Arellano, and Violette Luna (Larrissa Barber); and her nephews Jesse, Julian, and Johnny Gaona (Vanessa), Anthony and Samuel Sandoval (Veronica), and Izaiah Luna-Kelly (Violette).
Vallory’s kind heart, playful humor, and fierce love for her family will never be forgotten. She had a gift for making others laugh with her quick wit and silly sayings, and she found joy in the simple moments of motherhood. Her favorite animal was the giraffe—a symbol of grace and strength—and her favorite color, purple, perfectly reflected her vibrant spirit.
Vallory’s legacy lives on through her children, whose lives will forever be shaped by the unconditional love and light she gave so freely.

Services will be held at Palm Valley Funeral Home from 4:30pm to 7:00pm on Saturday, October 18,2025.

10/08/2025

Robert C. Stewart Jr.

With heavy hearts and deep love, we share the passing of Robert C. Stewart Jr. (Rob), an extraordinary man whose presence left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Born and raised in Spokane, Washington, Rob lived there until 1995, when his career led him and his family to relocate to Seattle. He forged a successful path in logistics and distribution management, leading by example and inspiring those around him with his strong work ethic.

Rob passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on September 24th, 2025, in his home in Sun City, AZ. He was surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and unwavering compassion.

Rob is survived by his wife and best friend, Cheri Stewart, his four daughters: Heather, Shawna, Lynn, and Kelci, loving mother Dorene Tiffany, sisters Chris, Cindy, Cathy, his brothers Dave and Scott, and grandchildren Lucas and Leah. His love extended to everyone, and he took deep pride in the connections he nurtured - rooted in kindness, joy, and a spirit of togetherness.

To know Rob was to know unconditional love. He had a rare gift for making people feel seen, heard, and deeply cared for. A gentle giant in every sense, he carried himself with humility and grace, always putting others before himself.

Rob’s quiet nature only amplified the strength of his presence. Whether through a comforting word, a warm hug, or a quiet act of service, he made the world a better place simply by being in it.

Rob is deeply missed and will be loved for eternity.

Rest gently, Rob. You were truly one of a kind.

For details on Rob’s celebration of life - 12/6/25 in Sun City, AZ, please contact his daughter, Kelci Stewart, by text/phone at 253-569-8130.

09/30/2025

Roy T. Ertz of Glendale, AZ, died September 20, 2025, at Hospice of the Valley in Glendale, Arizona. Born Feb. 26, 1944, in Burlington, IA, he was the oldest son of Roy C. and Betty Ertz. He was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, class of '62. After High School, he worked briefly for his father before joining the Air Force. He
served honorably in the Air Force. While stationed in Alaska, he was there during the great Alaskan earthquake in 1964. After the Air Force, he became a Deputy Sheriff for Des Moines County. Later, he was a Trainer for the Iowa Dept of Public Safety. He also served in the National Guard along with his father and brother.
In the late 80’s he moved to Arizona and attended Northern Arizona University. He graduated in 1991, Magna Cum Laude, Bachelor of Science in Education, SpEd (LD)/Elementary Ed K-12 and Regular Ed K-8. After college, he went to work for the AZ Department of Corrections as a Special Education teacher at the Juvenile Prison. Later, he went to work at the Adult Prison and specialized in writing IEPs (Individualized Education Plan).
Roy retired from the AZ Dept of Corrections and remained living in Glendale, Arizona until his death.

Roy stayed busy walking and working out for years and was involved in multiple fitness groups and gyms where he met his Yogi Pals, Personal Fitness and Nutrition Trainers. They all cared deeply for Roy. A well-rounded group, they covered all bases, caring for Roy’s Physical, Mental, Social, and Spiritual well-being. He was a very fortunate man to have such a great circle of friends.
His door was always open to all – visitors, neighbors, family and even the occasional salesperson. In his living room, in one corner, you would find an assortment of exercise equipment. The other corner was his Spiritual and Prayer corner, where he set up his personal altar. Several of his Yogi Pals, Personal Fitness Trainers, Nutritionists, and Hairdressers made “house calls” to care for Roy. He often requested 1:1 care, and they obliged. He liked the
attention, friendship and felt very loved. Roy was also fortunate to have some wonderful neighbors who assisted him often, especially after his youngest brother, Joseph (Christine), moved back to Iowa. The neighbors kept a keen eye on him. Helping him with chores, digital equipment, electronics, transportation, nutrition, and friendship. His neighbors are some of the finest folks you will find.
Roy was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church in Glendale, AZ. There, he served as a lector for many years and volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus and VFW. Roy is survived by his Brother Robert “Bo” (Laura) Ertz of Columbia MO,
sister Mary (Gordon) Cho of Aiea, Hawaii, Brother Timothy (Vicki) Ertz of Somerville, Al, Sister Angela (Kirk) Angeron of Hammond, LA, Brother Mark of Burlington, IA, Brother Joseph (Christine) Ertz of West Burlington, IA. Roy was preceded in death by his Parents, Roy C. and Betty Ertz, Sister Martha Smith, Nephew Nathan Ertz, great-nephew Mitchell Ertz, Great great-great-niece Marissa Ertz. Roy’s Novena Prayer began September 12, 2025, and ended September 20, 2025. In accordance with his wishes, cremation took place. The family invites you to honor his memory by supporting The St. Vincent de Paul Chapter at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glendale, AZ, or the Improvement Fund, Supporting Catholic Education, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glendale, AZ. His cremated remains will be interred in a family plot in his hometown next to his parents and younger sister. The family is currently making plans for his Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.

09/20/2025

Peter Carl Mehlich, aged 60, of Surprise, Arizona, passed away on September 18, 2025, after a long illness.

Peter was born on February 2, 1965, in Waterloo, Iowa. He was a graduate of Waterloo West High School and the University of Northern Iowa. After owning his own gift shop in Waterloo, he moved to the Phoenix area where he worked in retail and as a realtor. He enjoyed people, collecting, dining with friends and family, and watching movies that made him laugh. He was known for his sense of style and his love of beauty.

He is survived by his sister Karin (James) Cowger of Ankeny, Iowa, and many friends and former co-workers. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Hildegard Mehlich. He will be missed by friends and family alike.

08/14/2025

Alejandro Manuel Lomas, 42, went to his eternal home on July 26, 2025, from his home in Goodyear, AZ.
Alex, as he was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and faith. His passing has left a void in the hearts of
his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the
way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the
pleasure of knowing him.
Alex is survived by his loving wife, Carolann, and his children, Hannah, Rylee, Joshua, Meziah, and
Raymond of Goodyear, AZ; his father and mother, Lauren and Lori Page of Sun City, AZ; his father, Alberto Lomas of
California; his siblings, Tina, Celena, Christopher, and Calleigh; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews,
nieces, and friends. He is predeceased by his son, Alejandro Mark Lomas, Jr.
Those who knew Alex will remember him for his infectious smile, overwhelming laughter, and his unwavering
commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. He had a rare gift for making others smile
and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of crossing his path.
The list of people whose lives are better today because Alex stepped in and helped them through tough times, even
becoming a father, brother, cousin, or even a best friend when needed, that list of people is too long to list here. But
if you’d like to know more about this amazing man’s life, there will be a Celebration of Life service on August 16,
2025 at The Refinery Church, 16721 W. Indian School Road, Goodyear, AZ. Public visitation will be at 9:15 a.m. with
service at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow the service at the church. Guests are asked to wear blue in honor of
Alex’s favorite color.
Although Alex’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us.
And though he may not be here physically, we’re still giving him Disney hugs in our souls every day.

08/11/2025

08/02/2025

The Walker family lost a gem of a woman in the early morning of May 20th, 2025 when our matriarch Linda awoke in medical distress and passed shortly thereafter in Surprise, Arizona. She faced her last moments with calmness and stoicism, surely in part due to her Christian faith and belief in an afterlife. She was known for her southern charm, beautiful thick hair, and her sparkling smile. She loved to get dressed up and had great style, often wearing sparkly accessories and clothing to match her personality. She never met a stranger and could charm just about everyone she came into contact with. Her apparent purpose and mission in this realm was to lavish others with love, consideration and care and her family were major recipients of this. She leaves behind husband Jim (83), sons Stephen (59) and Erik (54), grandchild Meadow (39) and great-grandchild Logan (16).

Linda Ann Buck had humble but strong roots from her childhood in rural Reelsboro, North Carolina where she grew up attending the Reelsboro Methodist Church. Her family did not possess material wealth but owned land and were rich with both love and determination She grew up in her family home with her parents Eugene and Mildred, older brother Gene Raymond and sister Emily along with her maternal grandparents. Her grandfather was offered a Rhodes scholarship along with two of his brothers but all were unable to attend due to needing to stay home to help out with the family farm during the depression, he impressed upon all of the family the importance of education that Linda would go on to pass down to her children and grandchildren. Her father Eugene passed away when she was fourteen years old and her mother Mildred Hines Reel (Mimi) exercised great strength and fortitude in keeping the family strong and together. The family experienced times of scarcity and struggle but persevered. She worked in her family’s fields as a youth and loved the smell of to***co curing in the barn.

Ms. Buck graduated from Reelsboro High School and went on to go to Hardbarger Business College, earning a special degree in their secretarial course in 1962. She met husband-to-be Jimmy Walker while they were both attending college in Raleigh on a double date. The only hitch was they were both on the date with another partner. Jimmy memorized her phone number upon dropping her off at her home and called her the next day and suggested they be together and they were from that moment on. They were married two years later in 1964. Their first child, Stephen, was born in 1966 in Raleigh, NC.

Linda supported her husband in his career, using her charm and grace and savviness to help him get ahead in his business. He earned promotions moving them first to Corning, New York, then to Hoffman Estates, Illinois where their second son Erik was born in 1971, and finally to Washington state where they would live for their remaining years, aside from visiting their home in Surprise, Arizona in the winter months. Jim and Linda were planning to return to Washington just one week from the day she passed. Though she never lived in North Carolina again, she always considered it her home. The Walker family often visited for summers there, staying with her sister in New Bern and at the beach in Emerald Isle, her favorite place on Earth. She would wake up early and walk on the beach for hours often in solitude, and would spend the rest of the day with her immediate family and the extended family who still lived in North Carolina that she treasured so dearly. She was also very fond of a Pig Pickin’ gathering where a whole hog was cooked on the barbeque Eastern Carolina style with all the fixins’.

Linda was a multifaceted woman with many interests. In her midlife years, She loved playing tennis. She was naturally talented, but she also worked very hard to hone her shots and become an even better player. She enjoyed playing singles but also loved to play doubles with her friend Maria. She also hit the ball often with her family, teaching her sons and her grandchildren her love for the sport. In the early 1980's she and her son Erik even won a mother son tournament.

In 1985, at the ripe old age of 39, Linda became a grandmother to Meadow. She was very nervous about her son Stephen becoming a dad so young, but she adored and doted on Meadow and the two would go on to share a uniquely strong bond. Linda was blessed with a great-grandchild in 2009, Logan, who she loved just as fiercely. She also acted as a surrogate “Granny” to Meadow’s siblings Mariah and Makayla Karlsen, and Makayla’s child, Asher. She was a treasured person in the lives of many people, always available to lend a listening ear as trusted confidant and a cheerleader when it was called for.

She attended church at the First Church of God in Vancouver (now Vancouver Church) and was very active in their women’s ministry. Her spirituality was personal to her and non judgemental. She vehemently supported and defended single mothers, whom she felt needed community support for the monumental challenges they face. She went on to join the P.E.O. Sisterhood which supports women’s education through scholarships, grants, and loans. Something very near and dear to her heart.

When her husband came home from a hunting trip with a dog as a surprise without discussing it with her she was understandably upset. She put her foot down and said the dog would not be allowed in the house and she wouldn’t feed him, walk him, or even look at him. Rock, an English Setter, got sick outside in his kennel and she allowed him to come into the house until he got better but he was only allowed in the basement. That didn’t last long. Soon he was sleeping at the foot of their bed and following her every move while she fixed him scrambled eggs. She took him for walks two or three times a day and fed him whatever we were having for dinner, unseasoned of course. She simply couldn’t keep herself from caring for a creature in need and she ended up becoming very fond of him. He got lost in some briar bushes on a hunting trip and couldn’t be found for over a day and she told her husband he was not to come home without him. She even penned a poem upon his passing titled “I Fell in Love with a Dog Named Rock”. She often wrote short stories and poems and would share them with the family and we are so lucky to have them now as a testament to her love and care of all of us.

Though she wasn’t able to communicate last words to her family upon her passing, she shared the sentiment with us all individually that if she should pass before us, she hoped her family would band together and love and support one another for their remaining days. A celebration of life will be taking place in the afternoon of August 31st at Abrams Park in Ridgefield, WA for all who would like to attend and remember her with us

07/14/2025

Pauline Katherine Hopkins, aged 61, passed away on July 9, 2025, in El Mirage, Arizona. Pauline was Born on April 4, 1964 to Leona and Ralph Mueller. She was a strong, caring, and independent woman who loved spending time with her family, friends and her dogs (Penny, Mable, and Curtis).
Pauline graduated from Clinton High School and later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Mount St. Claire College in Clinton, Iowa.
Her passions included crafting and gardening, activities that brought joy not only to her but also to those fortunate enough to experience her creative gifts.
Pauline was a cherished member of The Gathering Church, where she found a community of faith and fellowship. Her life was a testament to her strong will and the deep love she held for her family and friends.
She leaves behind the love of her life, her husband, Raymond Hopkins, and her children: Shaun (Christine) Hartman, Shane (Stephanie) Hartman, Megan (Sam) Juarez, Alex (Amber) Hopkins and Janeen (Joseph) Asay-Hopkins. Pauline was a proud grandmother to her thirteen grandchildren: David, Alex, Jacob, Hannah, Nora, Lucas, Elijah, Madison, Eden, Evan, Karsyn, Freya, and Natalia. She is also survived by her brothers Todd Mueller, Steven (Viki) Mueller, Matt Mueller, and Troy Mueller, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, Leona and Ralph Mueller, and her mother-in-law, Kathy Ford.
Services were held at Palm Valley Funeral Home in Sun City, Arizona, on Tuesday July 15th, 2025 where family, friends, and community members gathered to honor her memory and celebrate her life.

07/13/2025

🕊️ In Loving Memory of Federico “Freddy” T. Amavisca Sr.
August 14, 1962 – July 8, 2025

Federico “Freddy” T. Amavisca was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He lived a life grounded in compassion, integrity, and quiet strength. A skilled and certified electrician, Freddy used his talents not just as a profession, but as a way to serve others. He was always willing to lend a hand—fixing, building, or simply being there when someone needed him. No task was too small, and no favor too much.

Freddy’s kindness was second nature. He would give his last dollar without hesitation. His heart was big, his laughter contagious, and his sense of humor had a way of making everyone feel like family. His playful teasing and easy smile were trademarks of the deep love he held for those around him. To be loved by Freddy was to be seen, supported, and fiercely protected.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Nancy H. Amavisca—his partner, best friend, and light in this world. He is also survived by his devoted mother; his brother and sister; and his children—Eric, Tila, Stephanie, and his late son, Freddy Jr.—as well as five grandchildren who were the pride and joy of his heart. Freddy also embraced Nancy’s daughter as his own, offering her the same love, guidance, and laughter he gave to all he considered family. His love extended beyond blood, touching countless friends and relatives who were all better for having known him.

Freddy’s legacy is one of love in action. He taught us to give without expecting, to laugh through hard times, and to always show up for the people we care about. His presence will be missed beyond words, but his spirit will live on in every life he touched.

🕯 Celebration of Life Service
📅 Friday, July 18, 2025 | 9:00 AM
📍 Palm Valley Funeral Home
10761 Grand Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351

🪦 final farewell :
Glendale Cemetery
7844 N. 61st Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301

07/10/2025

Craig Orville Lawson
August 27,1947-June 20,2025

Craig Orville Lawson, 77, of Glendale, Arizona, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025. He was born in Prescott, Arizona, on August 27, 1947.

Craig was a devoted husband to his wife of 51 years, Joan, a loving father to two sons, Todd and Sean, and a proud grandfather to two granddaughters. He was preceded in death by a beloved grandson. Craig was known for his quiet strength, steady presence, and deep love for his family.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. A private service will be held in his honor.